As the primary male hormone, testosterone is responsible for numerous body functions. From the reproductive function, to the distribution of muscle mass, body fat and body hair, this hormone drives everything that makes men feel and look manly. As such, when it drops below normal limits, it can cause numerous problems for men. This is a delicate subject for most men, but it is important to know everything there is to know about it, to recognize the symptoms of this condition and to seek treatment as soon as possible. In the following lines we will discuss the causes of low-T, the most common symptoms as well as the best ways to treat this condition.When is low testosterone a reason for concern?
Testosterone levels can vary throughout a man’s life, but anything between 280 and 1080 nanograms per deciliter is considered normal. Testosterone levels peak around the age of 20, and they start decreasing after the age of 30. This is a natural part of the aging process, but there are ways of slowing down this process. Usually, the symptoms are easy to recognize, but there are also cases of low testosterone that don’t manifest any symptoms. As such, men should take regular blood tests to keep their testosterone in check. If left untreated, this condition can cause serious health problems, some of which can be permanent.
Symptoms
Since each body is different, the symptoms can vary from one man to another. Some men experience all the symptoms below, while others only experience a couple of them. How many symptoms one experience does not determine the severity of the problem, so no symptom should be ignored.
- Low or lack of sex drive – While it is normal for the male libido to drop with age, if this occurs very frequently before the age of 40, it should be reason for concern.
- Erectile dysfunctions
- Decreased sperm count
- Emotional problems (anxiety, depression, lack of motivation, mood swings)
- Physical weakness, lethargy
- Decreased muscle mass
- Decreased bone mass
- Increased body fat (especially in the abdominal area
- Loss of lack of body hair
As you can see, the symptoms are not to be neglected, as they can severely affect a man’s life. It is important to know these symptoms because what might seem like misfortune could simply be a hormonal unbalance, which could be easily treated.
If testosterone levels drop during puberty, they can impair the normal development of young men, causing:
- Improper muscle development
- Lack of body hair
- Underdeveloped genitals
- Enlarged breasts
- Overly large limbs
Causes
Low testosterone is a very common health problem for men. In fact, almost 5 million Americans are suffering from this condition. In most cases, treating the cause of the problem will also treat the problem itself, and this is also true for low-T. Most of the causes are natural unbalances, which can be solved without medical treatment. However, there are also more serious problems which could cause this condition, but most of them can easily be treated.
- Unhealthy lifestyle – This should come as no surprise as an unhealthy lifestyle can cause numerous problems. Everything from an unhealthy diet, sedentarism, smoking, alcohol and drugs could cause a hormonal unbalance.
- Testicle injuries
- Infections such as mumps orchitis
- Diseases like type 2 diabetes, tuberculosis, histiocytosis, sarcoidosis or HIV/AIDS
- Inherited diseases such as Klinefelter’s syndrome, hemochromatosis or undescended testicles
- Invasive treatments such as cancer treatment
- Damage to the pituitary gland of the hypothalamus
- Severe emotional stress
- Normal aging process
Natural remedies
If the low testosterone is caused by a disease or by a treatment for an illness, the problem will go away once the initial condition is treated, or if the treatment is changed with a less invasive alternative. In case of less severe causes like normal aging or stress, there are some natural remedies which can naturally raise the testosterone levels such as:
- A balance diet which includes protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats
- Physical exercises (high intensity and strength exercises are particularly efficient)
- Weight loss
- Vitamin and mineral supplements (Zinc and Vitamins D, B2, A, C and E)
- Consuming less sugar (studies have shown that glucose can decrease testosterone levels by as much as 20%)
- Restful sleep (a single week of reduce sleep can severely reduce testosterone levels)
- Natural testosterone boosters like ashwagandha, ginger, horny goat wee, shilajit, Mucuna pruriens and tongkat ali)
Testosterone replacement therapy
When natural remedies fail, or if testosterone levels are alarmingly low, testosterone replacement therapy is the best option. The therapy consists in synthetic hormones which are applied either as gels, skin patches or injections. Gels are the most convenient option, as they are easy to apply and they don’t cause any rashes (unlike patches). However, gels can pose a risk to other people, as the synthetic testosterone can be transmitted through mere touch with the affected area. This can be particularly dangerous for women and children. The most efficient solution are the injections, as they deliver the hormones directly in the blood stream, they don’t pose a risk to other people, and the dosage can be more accurately controlled.
In order to check whether or not you qualify for this type of therapy, you will need to go to a clinic and get a blood test. If you truly suffer from low-T, you will be prescribed a customized treatment, with a dosage calculated based on your test results, and with a treatment suitable for your lifestyle. Our advice is to opt for a reputable clinic. Read reviews and ask about the types of hormones used in the therapy, as they are not all equal. Moreover, it is essential to work with professionals that can monitor your treatment, as an improper treatment can have unpleasant side effects such as acne, sleep apnea, an enlarged prostate, testicle shrinkage, breast enlargements, increased red blood cell count, and a decreased sperm production. During the treatment, it is recommended to take regular blood cells, because if your red blood cell count increases too much, you will be at risk for blood clogs. As such, make sure to choose a good clinic that uses quality hormones, with professionals that will monitor your treatment process.
