Men may encounter a decrease in testosterone levels with age or as a result of certain health conditions. While symptoms may manifest subtly, seeking treatment for low testosterone can be beneficial if these symptoms significantly impact your day-to-day life.
Testosterone, a hormone produced primarily by the testicles in individuals assigned male at birth, plays a crucial role in influencing physical appearance and sexual development. It stimulates the production of sperm, enhances sex drive, and contributes to the building of muscle and bone mass.
Signs & Symptoms of Low Testosterone
If your testosterone production experiences a significant decrease, you may encounter a variety of symptoms. Indications of low testosterone are often subtle and can manifest as:
- Low Sex Drive: Testosterone decline may lead to a pronounced reduction in sex drive, impacting libido.
- Erectile Difficulties: Achieving and maintaining erections can become challenging due to low testosterone levels. Research on testosterone replacement therapy’s effectiveness for erectile dysfunction is inconclusive.
- Hot Flashes: Sudden warmth, heavy sweating, and reddening of the skin may indicate low testosterone.
- Hair Loss: Low testosterone can contribute to scalp, body, and facial hair loss.
- Fatigue: Extreme fatigue and decreased energy are common in males with low testosterone.
- Muscle Mass Decline: Low testosterone may result in a decrease in muscle mass.
- Increased Body Fat: Imbalances in testosterone and estrogen can cause increased body fat or gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue).
- Bone Mass Decrease: Those with low testosterone, especially older men, may have lower bone volume, increasing susceptibility to fractures.
- Mood Changes: Testosterone’s influence on physical processes extends to mood and mental well-being, leading to mood changes.
- Memory Impact: Cognitive functions, including memory, may be affected by declining testosterone levels. The impact of testosterone supplementation on memory remains varied.
- Genital Size Changes: Testosterone deficiency may contribute to a disproportionately smaller penis or testicles.
- Low Blood Counts: Low testosterone increases the risk of anemia, with testosterone gel showing potential improvements in blood counts.
Causes of Low Testosterone
As men age, it’s natural for testosterone levels to decline. However, various conditions or situations can also contribute to low testosterone. These may encompass:
- Injuries to the testicles
- Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation
- Stress
- AIDS
- Alcohol use disorder
- Kidney disease
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Conditions affecting the pituitary gland
- Autoimmune disease
- Infections
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
- Use of certain medications
How Can You Boost Testosterone Levels Naturally?
Natural methods like weight loss and regular exercise have the potential to increase testosterone levels. Although lifestyle and dietary changes may not always be sufficient to raise levels significantly, they can be beneficial.
It’s crucial to recognize that testosterone levels tend to decrease in males as they age, and the effectiveness of lifestyle adjustments diminishes over time.
Diets high in trans-fats can have adverse effects on testosterone levels. Conversely, incorporating zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidant vitamins into one’s diet can support the production of testosterone. Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense whole foods and low in trans-fats may contribute to boosting testosterone levels.
Various Treatments of Low Testosterone
Men typically need both low testosterone levels and associated symptoms to undergo therapy. If symptoms are absent, especially fatigue and sexual dysfunction, therapy is not recommended due to safety uncertainties.
Even if symptoms are present, addressing underlying causes, like weight gain or medications, may be the initial approach. Testosterone replacement therapy offers various delivery methods if deemed suitable, as outlined in the Harvard Special Health Report Men’s Health: Fifty and Forward.
Skin Patch: Applied once every 24 hours, usually in the evening, the patch releases small, steady amounts of hormone through the skin.
Gels: Topical gels, spread daily on the skin over the upper arms, shoulders, or thighs, are an option. After application, washing your hands and covering the treated area with clothing is crucial to prevent exposing others to testosterone.
Oral Therapy: Capsules or tablets are swallowed to the gum or inner cheek twice daily. The testosterone is then absorbed into the bloodstream.
Pellets: Implanted under the skin, typically around the hips or buttocks, pellets slowly release testosterone and are replaced every three to six months.
Injections: Administered every seven to 14 days, injections come in various formulations. They can cause testosterone levels to spike for a few days post-injection, followed by a gradual decline, potentially inducing a roller-coaster effect on mood and energy levels.
Regenerative Therapy: Beyond mere treatments, it’s about a transformative journey. The experts at Regenerative Masters pair Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) with full-spectrum healing and quantum healing to yield profound results. Expert guidance ensures you maximize your treatment’s potential. We’re your partners in this journey, providing expert insights on how TRT integrates into a holistic, active, healthy lifestyle.
Treatment of Low Testosterone at Mahtomedi, MN
If you’ve been experiencing the symptoms of low testosterone, don’t let them dictate your quality of life. By understanding the available treatment of low testosterone, both natural and medical, you can take proactive steps to revitalize your energy and regain a sense of well-being.
Seek guidance from the experts of Regenerative Masters to ensure safe and effective treatment of low testosterone.