Testosterone is the most vital male sex hormone. It helps men produce a healthy sex drive and properly maintain men’s muscle, weight, and bone strength. Low levels of testosterone are directly linked to a man’s sex drive, ability to sleep, weight, energy level, and mood. About five million American men have low testosterone and are not seeking treatment.
However, you can feel better and look better. Low Testosterone can be treated with Testosterone Hormone Replacement Therapy to increase energy, restore sex drive, burn fat, build muscle mass, lose weight, improve sleep and mood.
In addition to loss of sexual desire, some men with low testosterone have hot flashes, increased irritability, inability to concentrate, memory loss, sadness, withdrawal, and depression. Severely low testosterone levels may cause men to lose body hair and muscle mass. They experience extraordinary weight gain and their bones may be more prone to fracture. Their testes may become smaller and softer. Testosterone is required in order to have and maintain an erection.
Low testosterone can also cause Erectile Dysfunction. However, diseases of the nerves and blood vessels can also affect the penis and cause Erectile Dysfunction.
The level of testosterone in a male’s body changes throughout the day with the levels being highest in the morning, which is why healthy men have morning erections. If you are no longer experiencing morning erections, have softer erections, or are unable to maintain an erection – you may have Low T and should get tested. Below are some of the main signs and symptoms of male testosterone deficiency.
Signs of low testosterone in adult men may include:
- Decreased sex drive or loss of libido.
- Loss of morning erections or softer erections.
- Impotence or erectile dysfunction (ED).
- Inability to recover from exercise.
- Decreased energy bordering on fatigue.
- Excessive weight gain around the belly.
- Lowered sperm count and poorer quality of sperm.
- Flabby muscles and increased breast size.
- Loss of bone mass or osteoporosis.
- Sleep problems or insomnia.
- Sadness, shyness or depression.
- Bursts of anger, irritability and moodiness.
- Loss of memory and difficulty concentrating.
What causes Low T?
Causes Associated with Low Testosterone in Men
Low levels of testosterone are linked with aging. As a man ages, his body makes less testosterone. A lower level of testosterone in older men is sometimes called “Andropause.”, Hypogonadism, Male Menopause or Manopause.
As we age, due to declining sex hormones it is normal for men to have less interest in sex. However, it is abnormal for a man to have absolutely no interest in sex, experience erectile dysfunction, lose muscle, and rapidly gain weight. These health conditions in men could be caused by significantly low levels of testosterone. Below we discuss more of the possible causes of lower than normal testosterone levels in men.
The testes secrete Testosterone. The Leydig Cells in the testes are specialized androgen producing cells. Damage to the cells of the testes can cause low testosterone. This kind of damage can be a result of
- Accidents
- Inflammation of the testicles
- Testicular cancer
- Radiation therapy or chemotherapy used
to treat testicular cancer
Andropause or Hypogonadism (Low T)
Testosterone and Male Genes. Certain genetic diseases cause low testosterone. Abnormalities in chromosomes, the genetic materials of the body, cause genetic diseases. For example, myotonic dystrophy causes testicular failure between the ages of 30 and 40.
Testosterone, Libido and Men’s Sexual Health. Testosterone is the hormone associated with sexual desire and is required for men to have erections. It is normal for men to have lowered libido causing less interest in sex as they get older. It is also normal for older men to have less spontaneous erections. One of the first signs of lowered testosterone levels in men, besides loss of libido, is the loss of morning erections and penile sensitivity. Weaker erections or loss of erections cause men to seek medical attention.
Endocrinologists and urologists regularly consult with men experiencing soft erections, erectile dysfunction, or impotence and prescribe male enhancement and libido boosting medications. Many of these medications require that a man has adequate testosterone levels in order to work. Testosterone helps men get and keep strong, firm erections.
Diagnosing Testosterone Deficiency
Diagnosing Low T in Men. Men with less sex drive, Erectile Dysfunction, reduced sperm count, decrease in muscle size, rapid weight gain, extreme fatigue, or other signs of low testosterone should have a blood test to find out their testosterone level. Low T Testing is quick and easy and will tell you if you have an androgen deficiency. Call us to speak to one of our Medical Advisors today to schedule your Low T test.
Normal testosterone levels are 300 to 1,200 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). Testosterone levels are usually highest early in the morning. Doctors often measure it at that time.
The doctor’s main concern is to find out if there is a disease causing your low testosterone. If not, it may be an extreme case of low testosterone due to aging.
By providing a detailed and accurate medical history, you can help your doctor in the diagnosis of Low T. To get your medical history, the doctor will ask about:
- Your past or present illnesses
- All prescription and non-prescription drugs you are taking
- Any sexual problems you are having
- Recent events that may have caused you stress
Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy Right for You?
Many adult aging men with low testosterone report improved energy levels, increase in sex drive, weight loss, and enhanced mood after a regimen of testosterone treatment. If your testosterone is low, you should replace it. A low testosterone level may indicate a need for treatment. Testosterone replacement therapy has very few side effects in otherwise healthy adult men, and the benefits can be enormous for a man suffering from Low T. If you have symptoms of low testosterone and your blood levels confirm Low T is causing your symptoms, you should consider testosterone replacement. Talking with a Hormone Replacement Doctor who specializes in testosterone replacement is the best way to know if testosterone therapy is right for you.
With over 25,000 patients nationwide our Male Hormone Centers offer the most competitive pricing and clinical support for Testosterone Therapy. Call us today to speak to one of our Medical Advisors to learn more about Testosterone Treatment at the best price.