The testosterone levels in men reduce by approximately 1% after 30 or 40 years of age.
Testosterone is at its peak during early adolescence and reduces with aging.
Apart from aging, yet another reason for declining testosterone levels is hypogonadism.
Hypogonadism is a sexual disorder in men that impact the ability to produce testosterone due to testicle issues or with the pituitary gland.
Introduction to Testosterone:
Testosterone is a primary hormone produced by testicles in men. It plays a significant role in men’s stronger sex drive and sperm production.
Testosterone is necessary to maintain both the mental and physical health of men. A Normal Testosterone Level in Men is essential for:
- Fat Distribution
- Production of Red Blood Cells
- Muscle Strength and Mass
- Bone Density
- Facial and Body Hair Growth
If the Testosterone Levels in men decrease by a particular amount, it can affect their fertility and, in the worst-case scenario, leads to Male Infertility.
It is because testosterone assists the development of high-quality or mature sperm.
Apart from being the important male sex hormone, women also produce testosterone in minimum quantity.
The excess of testosterone in women might lead them to experience male patterns in the body.
The Increased Testosterone levels in women result in:
- Baldness
- Unexpected bodily changes, like excess body hair, and
- Infertility.
Functioning of Testosterone:
Both in men and women, the pituitary gland and brain control Testosterone Levels.
The released testosterone, or the sex hormone, travels through the blood and performs all the necessary functions.
Testosterone Imbalances & Its Impact:
Testosterone generally reduces due to age, but still, in case of infertility or lower sex drive, one should undergo the necessary diagnosis to discover the right cause.
Low Testosterone Count:
Low Testosterone Levels ( Hypogonadism) in men can make their experience:
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Low-quality sperm
- Lower sperm count
- Enlarged Breast Tissue
If you find any of the above symptoms, it is mandatory to consult a fertility specialists.
Ignorance of the above indications may lead to further worsening of the situation.
It primarily results in:
- Loss of strength
- Hair loss
- Increased body fat
- Muscle Bulking, or
- Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a chronic condition of Lower Testosterone that causes nausea, mood swings, and testicular shrinkage.
The question arises;
What Are the Causes of Low Testosterone Levels?
“Prevention is better than cure.”
However, to prevent the issue, we must first know the cause.
Here is the list of primary causes.
- Infection in the testicles
- Testicular injury
- High power medications
- High prolactin levels or pituitary tumors
- Chronic liver or kidney disorders
- Hormonal disorders
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Thyroid
- Obesity
- HIV/AIDS
- Higher consumption of Alcohol
- Genetic disorders such as Kallman Syndrome, Hemochromatosis, Myotonic Dystrophy, and more
Diagnosis of Low Testosterone:
It requires a blood test to diagnose testosterone levels.
Risks of Low-Testosterone Levels:
Some of the common risk factors of Low-Testosterone Levels are as undermentioned.
- Increased fatigue
- Hot flashes
- Tenderness in the breast tissues
- Decreased strength
- Adverse effects on cholesterol metabolism
- Genetic abnormalities
In the case of lower-level testosterone, it is recommended to meet the doctor and get the the right treatment at the destined time.
Solution of The Lower Testosterone in Males:
Testosterone Treatment depends on the cause of the low testosterone.
It considerably differs for men when testosterone levels reduce due to aging over those suffering from any testicle disorders, injury, or disease.
Here are a few remedies that can normalize testosterone levels in males.
Testosterone Medicine/ Supplements: Testosterone supplements are one of the measures to deal with lower testosterone levels.
The US FDA approved MethylTestosterone as an effective solution for low testosterone levels. However, it is not recommended for continuous usage or a solution in all conditions.
It is because the medicine might result in high liver toxicity. The specialists only prescribe this Testosterone Medicine to older adults with severe symptoms.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): Testosterone Replacement Therapy is a type of medical assistance that can fix a few dysfunctions due to low testosterone.
Generally, it helps improve hemoglobin, bone strength, and muscle gain but does not benefit mental health.
Depending on the causes, the doctors can recommend the following ways of medical intake:
- Injections
- Gels and patches
- Oral intake of Testosterone Medication through gums
However, the treatment process requires regular monitoring. If taken under improper assistance, it can lead to:
- Higher RBCs
- Breathing issues; especially while sleeping
- Acne and reduced hair growth
- Breast enlargement, and
- In severe cases, cardiovascular disorders
While deciding on TRT, one must consider the benefits with associated side effects.
Prohormone Supplements or Testosterone Booster: Prohormone supplements or Testosterone Boosters are used for muscle building and weight loss.
However, some health practitioners might recommend the same to you as a treatment for Low-Testosterone Levels.
Till date, there is no relevant research that shows the positive effect of supplements in increasing the testosterone count.
Also, such supplements might pose multiple health risks depending on how a body reacts.
Improving Lifestyle: Controlling the smoke, drinking, improving dietary habits, and losing weight can help solve the testosterone issues.
It’s important to consult the doctor and switch to solve the issue naturally before consuming the Testosterone Medicines or Boosters.
If exercising and other herbal tactics do not work, then you can go for medication.
High Testosterone Levels:
Commonly, only the lower testosterone levels have risks and side effects on men. The higher testosterone levels are rare.
Risks and Symptoms of High Testosterone Levels:
More testosterone in males might result in:
- More acne
- Oily skin
- Excessive facial hair
- Irresistible behavior
- Sleep apnea
- Increased muscle mass, and
- In the worst case, infertility
In a Nutshell:
For proper fertility, it is necessary to consult with the doctor. The only remedy to maintain the Natural Testosterone levels in Males is to monitor the signs of decreased testosterone levels.
In case you find any symptoms, consult with the health specialists at the earliest possible.
Stay Tuned for more updates on the male and female infertility issues and their possible solution.