How Testosterone Levels Impact Men’s Lives

When most people think of testosterone, they think of macho men. Angry, brutish, narcissistic are words that come to mind. Though this may be the behavior of some men, it not necessarily testosterone’s fault.

It may come as a shock to you that testosterone plays a significant role in health and disease like prostate cancer. Did you also know that testosterone is essential to women too?

When the levels of testosterone drop below the healthy levels, it can negatively impact a man’s health. Low testosterone can lead to infertility or hypogonadism. On the other hand, abnormally high levels of testosterone also have adverse effects like high blood pressure and insomnia, to name a few.

Therefore, it is best to have a hormonal balance to stay healthy. This is the reason as to why you need to seek low testosterone treatment in Waukesha, WI.

What Is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a male sex hormone produced in the testes. But it is also produced by women’s ovaries in small amounts and serves different functions like maintenance of the bone mass and female reproductive tissue.

The Role of Testosterone

Testosterone being the primary sex hormone in males, it is responsible for several secondary changes in males. Here are some of the role it plays:

• Deepening of the voice that starts during puberty
• Increase in strength and stimulates bone growth
• It is responsible for muscle size and strength
• It regulates the male sex drive (libido)
• It is responsible for the development of the testes and penis
• It plays a role in the appearance of pubic and facial hair. As some people age, it plays a role in balding
• It is primarily responsible for semen and sperm production
• It also helps in regulating the mood in males.

What Causes Low T?

Ideally, signals are sent from the pituitary gland, when there is a decrease in testosterone levels to communicate with the testes. A feedback loop relays the reverse message to the brain to also let the brain know if there is too much testosterone.

But at times, there is a problem, and the body is not producing enough testosterone when needed.

The levels of testosterone reach their peak in early adulthood and start dipping when you age. An average of 2% per year, once you hit 40 years. As from 50 years onwards, the signs and symptoms of low T start to become visible.

Some of the reasons for decreased levels of testosterone can be diseases like:

• Noonan syndrome
• Klinefelter syndrome
• Ambiguous genitalia.

Other men might have decreased levels of testosterone because of some of the following conditions:

• Removal of testicles due to cancer
• Radiation or chemotherapy
• Infection
• An accident that damages the testicles
• Hormone deficiency due to Pituitary gland disease
• Autoimmune diseases.

At times, the decreased levels of testosterone can be linked to:

• Obesity
• Metabolic syndromes like high blood sugar and belly fat
• Some medication
• Depression or stress

Signs and Symptoms

Some many signs and symptoms are connected to decreased levels of testosterone. There are two categories of symptoms: specific signs and symptoms and the non-specific symptoms.

Specific Signs

The specific signs include:

• Erectile dysfunction – Testosterone is vital in maintaining and achieving an erection
• Low libido
• Reduced beard growth
• Hair loss
• Fatigue all the time
• Reduced muscle mass
• Obesity
• Depression

Non-specific Signs

Some symptoms are not directly involved in decreased levels of testosterone, and they are:

• Poor memory
• Poor focus
• Low endurance and energy levels
• Poor work performance

If you experience one of the specific or non-specific signs, it does not mean that you have testosterone deficiency. But if you have several symptoms, then you need to seek low testosterone treatment in Waukesha, WI.

Treatment

If you are confident that your testosterone levels have dipped, then you need to boost your testosterone levels. Before you go for testosterone therapy, it is best if you first try:

• Testosterone boosters
• Eat foods that are rich in vitamin D and zinc
• Resistance and fat loss exercises.

If the above does not work, then our doctor will recommend testosterone therapy. However, testosterone therapy can be delivered in several ways, including:

• Topical gels
• Skin patches
• Injections
• Oral therapy
• Pellets.

You may decide which method suits you, but it is best if you discuss it with our doctor. Testosterone is a vital hormone. If you suspect that your testosterone levels are low, contact Uthology, and we will take care of you.