Nowadays, due to the influence of different factors, the numbers of patients complaining of symptoms related to low testosterone are very high. These symptoms can create quiet the difficulties in one’s life if they are left untreated. But they can also lead to severe complications, and that is why it is essential for the symptoms of low testosterone to be treated as soon as possible. However, in order for these symptoms to be treated, the patient should be informed and aware enough to report all of the potential symptoms to his doctor. So in terms of getting to know low testosterone and all he essential information that you need to know on this subject, in the following we will share everything that you need to know about low testosterone levels within men. Are you interested enough to stay with us through the following article? We sure hope that you are!
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is being produced by all human beings and by some animals as well. It is the testicles within men and the ovaries within women that produce testosterone. However, although it is found in both men and women, there is a significant difference between the amounts of testosterone that are being produced by men with those that are barely noticeable to women. Testosterone is the reproductive hormone in men, as estrogen and progesterone are within women. Although it is most commonly referred to as the sex hormone, testosterone also makes sure that you are building muscle mass, losing weight, increasing the health of your bones, and a good heart condition. Testosterone production increases during puberty and starts to decline after the age of 30. However, there are different causes that can lead to testosterone decline as well.
What is low testosterone?
Low testosterone is the term that is being used to refer to the below than normal levels of testosterone present in the human body. Low testosterone can be caused by the normal aging process or by certain factors that we are going to discuss in a little bit. Low testosterone can easily lead to severe complications and health risks that you need to work to prevent.
What causes low testosterone?
After the age of 30, testosterone levels start to decline, and men start to feel the symptoms that are caused by it, symptoms of which we are going to discuss in this article. However, there are a number of factors that can speed this decline. Injuries to the testicles, cancer treatments, especially chemotherapy, chronic diseases, stress, excessive alcohol intake, obesity, certain medications, and smoking are some of the most common factors that lead to low testosterone in men.
What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
Low testosterone causes a variety of symptoms, some more severe than others. Some of these symptoms are considered to be more common than others. The most common symptoms of low testosterone are also the biggest complication – erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is the term that is being used to describe the condition that characterizes itself with the inability to achieve or maintain a healthy, strong erection during sexual intercourse. Other common symptoms include low libido, weight gain, mood swings, low energy, depression, and anxiety which both are common complications of low testosterone levels as well.
What are the potential complications of low testosterone?
We have already reviewed the three biggest complications that can and commonly do occur due to low testosterone levels – erectile dysfunction, depression, and anxiety. Low self-esteem, intimacy problems, relationship problems with the partner can also occur. In a condition like this, the patient is often under a lot of stress and a lot of pressure. In addition, bone density and muscle mass loss may also occur. These complications are important for you to remember because they can also be the sign that is telling you that something may be wrong with your testosterone levels.
How is low testosterone diagnosed?
After you have noticed these symptoms and consulted your doctor, the next step that your doctor will probably make is a routine physical exam just to rule out any other, other possible causes for these symptoms. However, the most commonly used test is a simple blood test to measure the levels of free testosterone in the body which will tell your doctor everything that he/she needs to know in order to set a diagnosis.
What is the treatment plan for low testosterone?
Although low testosterone can cause a lot of difficult symptoms and serious complications, it is not a difficult health problem to solve. The first step is finding the cause and working your way up to eliminating it. Then we have special steps that we have to take in order to cause an increase in your testosterone levels. Usually, what most doctors recommend is a proper testosterone supplement that will help replace the lost amounts of testosterone in the body. The next step is some serious lifestyle changes. You need to think about quitting smoking and drinking your alcohol in moderation. Then you have to change your diet as well. There are a lot of foods that simply act to increase the testosterone levels within your body including tuna, egg yolks, beans, beef, soy, shellfish and so on. But most importantly probably is the need to start with regular exercise. Exercising has been proven to be one of the best, natural ways to efficiently increase your testosterone levels for good. So choose a physical activity such as yoga, cycling, biking, running or going to the gym and enjoy its beneficial effects for your general health!
Conclusion
Are you suffering from low libido, depression, weight gain, and mood swings? It is possible that you have had suffered chemotherapy, injuries to your testicles or chronic stress? Perhaps you are experiencing the symptoms and complications that low testosterone commonly leads to. If so, it is important to consult your doctor right away, get yourself checked and plan out a quality treatment plan that will eliminate the cause of low testosterone and help you increase your testosterone levels as soon as possible. And remember – it is nothing to be ashamed of – with the lifestyle that we are all leading right now it is no wonder then you are suffering from low testosterone levels. Now the thing that you need to do is treat the problem and improve your life!