What is Testosterone or Low-T?

Low testosterone, or male hypogonadism, is a medical condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough testosterone to supply the body’s needs. Testosterone is the hormone responsible for masculine development during the male’s development.

Common Symptoms of Low Testosterone, Symptoms of low testosterone vary from person to person but these include:

• Erectile Dysfunction

• Low Sex Drive

• Decreased Energy and Vitality

• Depressed Mood

• Decrease in Muscle Mass and Strength

• Increased Body Fat and Difficulty with Weight Loss

• Decrease in Bone Mass and Osteoporosis

There Are Three Types of Hypogonadism

Primary

Also called testicular failure, Primary Hypogonadism is the term used when a problem which occurs within the testicles results in a decrease of testosterone levels.

Secondary

This occurs when the problem lies on organs in the brain, the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland, that are responsible for stimulating or signaling the testicles to produce testosterone. The hypothalamus produces gonadotropin-releasing hormone which then signals the pituitary gland to create follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH, produced by the pituitary gland, signals the testicles to produce testosterone.

Adult onset hypogonadism

Most men affected by low testosterone have a type of hormone deficiency which is not neatly defined as either primary or secondary hypogonadism. The reasons for this is order our complex and not completely understood but can be treated.

Risk factors for low testosterone

there are a range conditions that can cause hypogonadism here are a few:

Age

It is known that testosterone levels start to decline by an average of 3.1 to 3.5ng/dL per year in men starting at age 30. Studies have estimated that approximately 24 million American men between the ages of 40-69 experience testosterone deficiencies, and this prevalence might increase to 65 million by 2025 in males between the ages of 30-80.

Obesity

Being overweight has been associated with having low levels of testosterone. Maintaining a healthy weight can help slow the progression of decreasing testosterone levels.

Undescended Testicles

There are certain cases during which the testicles have not descended all the way down to the scrotum at birth. If not treated during early childhood, the organ may not function normally and there may be an underproduction of testosterone.

Mumps Orchitis

An infection that may involve the testicles and the salivary glands during childhood, adolescence or adult life, and may cause the testicles to produce insufficient amounts of testosterone.

Cancer Treatment

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can affect testosterone production.

Infection and Inflammatory Disease

Conditions such as tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, HIV/AIDS can affect the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and cause secondary hypogonadism.

Benefits of Treating Low Testosterone

Available research studies show that testosterone therapy has been demonstrated to:

• Improve Sexual Function

• Improve Muscle Strength and Bone Density

• Improve Mood and Cognition

• Decrease Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes

• Improve Sleep Patterns and Energy

What Can I Do to Improve My Testosterone Levels?

Research has shown that maintaining a healthy lifestyle which includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, weight management and avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs can help keep testosterone levels within a normal level. There are several medications for low testosterone which include topical gels, patches, intramuscular injections and subcutaneous pellets.