Low testosterone can be caused by hormonal disorders, a sedentary lifestyle, medication use, injuries to the testicles, chronic diseases, and even aging. Discover in today’s blog what possible treatments are.
Testosterone, a hormone essential for the development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics, plays an extremely important role in hormonal balance and overall male health.
This steroid hormone (formed from cholesterol) is present in both men and women’s bodies, but it is found in larger quantities in men.
However, a decrease in testosterone levels, known as hypogonadism or testosterone deficiency (TD), can significantly affect the quality of life of men of different age groups.
For this, today’s blog will help you understand the causes, symptoms, and possible treatments for low testosterone in men, also highlighting the therapeutic options available today to restore hormonal balance and improve quality of life. Follow along!
What is the importance of testosterone?
Testosterone is one of the most well-known hormones, mainly because it is related to sexual activities and fertility. Know, however, that the importance of keeping its levels balanced goes far beyond this.
Its main known functions are primarily the development of muscle mass, stimulation of sperm production, regulation of libido and sexual function, maintenance of bone density, metabolism regulation, and body fat distribution.
Especially in men, it is also responsible for the deepening of the voice and growth of facial and body hair.
Moreover, it has also known importance in preventing osteoporosis, mood and mental health regulation, preventing cardiovascular diseases, and regulating red blood cell production.
What causes the decrease of testosterone in the body?
The decrease in testosterone levels can be influenced by various factors. We brought some of the most common causes below. See what they are:
- Hormonal disorders: Certain hormonal problems, like hypothyroidism or hyperprolactinemia, can interfere with hormonal regulation, leading to decreased testosterone.
- Lifestyle: As with many hormonal problems, lack of physical exercise, inadequate diet, excessive stress, and lack of sleep can significantly contribute to testosterone levels.
- Medication use: Some medications, such as corticosteroids and opioids, can impact testosterone deficiency.
- Injuries to the testicles: Although not as common, traumas, infections, or medical treatments, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy, can cause damage to the testicles. This can directly affect hormone production.
- Chronic diseases: Some chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and general cardiovascular diseases can be associated with low testosterone levels.
- Diseases of the hypothalamus or pituitary: The glands, which play an important role in hormonal regulation, can affect, among other aspects, testosterone production.
In addition, genetic predisposition must also be considered: some men may have a genetic propensity for reduction.
Naturally, aging also impacts the production of various hormones in the body, including testosterone. This process is known as andropause and usually begins around the age of 30 and continues throughout life.
When is the testosterone level considered low in men?
Hormonal production can vary for each individual. Speaking about adult men’s production specifically, rates vary between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) depending on age. This value is within what doctors consider as a reference for healthy hormone levels.
For men between 18 and 20 years old, the result considered within the reference value may be between 188 and 882 ng/dL. Between 20 and 50 years, from 249 to 836 ng/dL. For men older than 50, from 193 to 740 ng/dL.
If your testosterone is below 200 ng/dL, the result is considered confirmatory, i.e., it requires investigation for a possible diagnosis. In this case, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
However, it is important to emphasize that, to understand when the level of testosterone is considered low, it is necessary to understand that only a doctor can truly assess if the levels are adequate.
Symptoms of low testosterone
When the problem occurs, some signs of low testosterone emerge. These symptoms can vary from person to person. Therefore, it is important to remember their presence is not necessarily indicative of low testosterone levels.
However, medical guidance for a deeper evaluation may be advisable. Below are some of the main signs of falling testosterone, which can be sexual or not:
- Decreased libido and difficulty achieving orgasm;
- Erectile dysfunction and decreased spontaneous morning erections;
- Low sperm count;
- Mood changes;
- Fatigue and lack of motivation;
- Depression or anxiety;
- Decrease in lean mass or bone density;
- Increased body fat;
- Difficulty concentrating;
- Sleep disorders.
How to find out if hormone levels are below expected?
Finding out if testosterone levels are below expected generally involves a medical evaluation, which starts with symptom assessment.
The next step is blood tests, the most common test to assess testosterone levels.
The test measures the total amount of testosterone in the blood, the amount of “free” testosterone (not bound to proteins), and the amount of testosterone that is bound to carrier proteins.
After analyzing the results, the doctor will be able to exclude other hypotheses.
How to increase testosterone in the body? See some healthy habits that can help
Healthy practices can help to naturally increase men’s testosterone levels. Regular physical exercise, a healthy diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, and good nights of sleep are the main tips.
Below, we list some strategies that can help:
- Resistance training exercises;
- Aerobic exercises, such as running or cycling;
- A balanced diet, rich in nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats;
- Weight control
- Stress reduction;
- Improvements in sleep quality;
- Moderation in alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking.
What is the best replacement treatment?
In some cases, however, when testosterone levels are very low, the doctor may indicate hormonal supplementation.
The goal of replacement treatment is to restore hormonal levels to normal ranges and alleviate symptoms associated with testosterone deficiency.
There is no better or worse treatment: the appropriate type of therapy can vary according to individual needs and medical evaluation.
See some of the options currently available:
- Administration of testosterone through intramuscular injections;
- Patches containing testosterone that can be applied to the skin, slowly releasing the hormone over time;
- Gels, creams, lozenges, and testosterone tablets;
- Subcutaneous implants that release testosterone over months.
Testosterone plays a vital role in male health, affecting various aspects of physical and emotional well-being.
If you identify signs like those listed in this text, seek a specialist for medical guidance.
Professional evaluation, including specific blood tests, is essential to accurately diagnose low testosterone and determine the best treatment approach.
Learn more:
- Sexual Health: Egydio Medical Center EMC
- How Not to Fail at the Right Moment? Tips to Avoid Impotence
- When Is a Penile Prosthesis Necessary in Curvature Surgery?
- What Causes Hormonal Disorders in Men? Find Out!
- Penile Prosthesis: Detailed Advantages and Disadvantages
- Penile Prosthesis Rejection: Risks and Cases
- Does prostate removal affect ejaculation? What changes in sexual life
- Penile Prosthesis Maintenance: Do I Need Frequent Replacements?
