Testosterone is a sex hormone that plays an important role in the health of both men and women. It is produced by the gonads (by the Leydig cells in testes in men and by the ovaries in women). Testosterone is responsible for traits such as body hair, muscle mass, and strength. It is also important for adequate levels of red blood cells, memory, bone growth, sense of well-being and sexual function. Men with low levels of testosterone might notice a reduction in these traits, while too much testosterone in women can cause these traits to be more pronounced.
You may want to take a testosterone level test if you believe your testosterone levels aren’t within a normal range.
Low testosterone symptoms, like low energy and low sex drive, can be caused by lots of problems and conditions. New research suggests that one out of four men over 30 have low testosterone levels… Are you one of them?
How do I find out if I have a testosterone deficiency?
Our doctor will first conduct a physical examination to see if the volume of body hair and facial hair is less than normal or not, check the size of the breasts; Gynecomastia (commonly known as man boobs) is the development of breast tissue in males, with low levels of testosterone production, men may begin to develop breasts.
However, the only accurate way to detect whether your level is low is with a simple blood test. One blood sample is enough to establish circulating testosterone levels.
Inadequate production of testosterone is not a common cause of erectile dysfunction (ED). However, when ED does occur due to decreased testosterone production, testosterone replacement therapy may improve the problem.
What causes testosterone deficiency?
As a man ages, the amount of testosterone in his body gradually declines. This natural decline starts after age 30 and continues throughout life. Research from Harvard Medical School suggests men’s testosterone levels drop by around 1% each year from their 30s on but that doesn’t mean its impact on libido and physique is inevitable.
Other causes of lowered testosterone levels include:
- Injury, infection, or loss of the testicles
- Chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer
- Genetic abnormalities such as Klinefelter’s Syndrome (extra X chromosome)
- Hemochromatosis (too much iron in the body)
- Dysfunction of the pituitary gland (a gland in the brain that produces many important hormones)
- Inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis (a condition that causes inflammation of the lungs)
- Medications, especially hormones used to treat prostate cancer and corticosteroid drugs
- Chronic illness
- Chronic kidney failure
- Liver cirrhosis
- Chronic pain and use of narcotics for pain control
- HIV and AIDS
What are the symptoms of testosterone deficiency?
Without adequate testosterone a man may lose his sex drive, experience erectile dysfunction, feel depressed, have a decreased sense of well-being, and have difficulty concentrating.
What changes occur in the body due to testosterone deficiency?
- Decrease in muscle mass, with an increase in body fat and weight gain
- Changes in cholesterol levels.
- Decrease in hemoglobin and possibly mild anemia.
- Fragile bones (osteoporosis).
- Decrease in body hair.
- Changes in cholesterol levels and lipid levels
How is testosterone deficiency treated?
At Apex Medical Center, we offer several testosterone treatment options: integrated medications, anti-aging medicine, vitamins, supplements and hormone replacement therapy.
Methods of delivery include Intramuscular injections, testosterone patch, and testosterone gel. Depending in part on the age of the patient and the duration of deficiency, we determine the best option for our patients based on their lifestyles and preferences. Each of these options provide adequate levels of hormone replacement; however, they all have different advantages and disadvantages. Our doctor will discuss the most appropriate options with you, to determine which approach is right for you.