Testosterone is as vital to a man’s good health as the food he eats and the air he breathes. For men, maintaining healthy testosterone levels is an integral factor for overall well-being. Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles. As a boy reaches puberty and steps into the process of becoming a man, his body requires testosterone to develop his muscles, deepen his voice, fuel his height and grow facial and body hair. These years of adolescence and early adulthood will see the highest levels of testosterone. As a man achieves middle age and beyond those levels will begin a natural, gradual decline.
Low Testosterone Symptoms and Treatment Methods
In a portion of the adult male population, abnormally low testosterone levels can create or exacerbate a variety of negative effects, both sexual and non-sexual. Low testosterone symptoms can include conditions like hypogonadism, in which problems with the pituitary gland or insufficiencies in the testicles prevent adequate testosterone production. Normal production varies from person to person and blood tests are used to determine when treatment is necessary. A doctor may prescribe testosterone therapy in the form of pellets, a gel, a patch, or an injection if you exhibit a number of low testosterone symptoms and tests confirm your levels are insufficient.
The Effect of Low Testosterone on Libido
Testosterone is necessary for a man’s libido and fertility. Since his body requires this hormone to make sperm, inadequate levels can significantly decrease his chances of fathering children. Low testosterone can negatively affect the quality and quantity of his sperm. Additionally he may experience low testosterone symptoms like a lack of desire for sexual activity, and he may be unable to achieve or maintain an erection which may in turn contribute to a lack of self-confidence and an absence of motivation.
Non-Sexual Effects of Low Testosterone
Sex is not the only part of a man’s life which is affected by the production of, or deficiency in, testosterone. When his levels are low, he can suffer from low testosterone symptoms such as insomnia, sleep apnea, or other sleep pattern interruptions. His red blood cell count can be low, his muscles weakened, and his bone density decreased. He may suffer from a lack of energy and increased body fat as well as a loss of body hair. Another common development is gynecomastia in which the breasts become enlarged and sensitive. Insufficient testosterone may bring about changes in mood such as depression, and in mental abilities such as memory loss and difficulties concentrating.
Getting Healthy Again
There are a variety of health issues which can affect testosterone levels. Some medications used to treat conditions such as diabetes, emotional disorders, sleep apnea and thyroid problems can decrease testosterone. Even a man’s diet can factor into the equation. Effective treatment of these diseases and conditions can help return levels to normal and banish low testosterone symptoms. And testosterone therapy has the ability to rectify low levels and restore a man’s good health. Among other things, adequate testosterone can provide favorable results in the areas of:
• Energy levels
• Healthy amounts of body and facial hair
• Lean-to-fat ratio in the body
• Moods and emotions
• Muscle mass and power
• Red blood cell count
• Sex drive and sexual performance
• Sleep patterns