Testosterone replacement therapy is the most effective solution for low testosterone levels. As you probably know, testosterone is the male hormone. In simple terms, it is what makes men manly, and healthy levels of testosterone are essential for young men to develop properly, and for men of all ages to live healthy and balanced lives. When testosterone levels drop beyond normal limits, men find themselves weak and unable or unwilling to handle important daily activities. To know whether you are suffering from Low-T, you need to learn how to recognize the symptoms of this condition. In case of a deficiency, you need to inform yourself about the benefits and the risks of testosterone replacement therapy.
What is low testosterone?
Low testosterone is one of the most common men’s health problems. In the recent years, more and more men have been diagnosed with low testosterone, but this doesn’t mean that this condition is more popular nowadays that it was a few years ago. It just means that men are more concerned about their health nowadays, they take more regular tests, and they are less intimidated to talk about erectile dysfunctions. Since testosterone is the male hormone, it regulates most of the functions that make men manly, from strength to body fat distribution and sex drive. This hormone is particularly important in young adulthood, to support the proper body development of men. It is during this time in one’s life that testosterone can reach maximum levels of up to 1200 nanograms per deciliter. After the age of 30, men start can expect their testosterone levels to drop by 1% each year. This is a natural part of aging, but it isn’t an unstoppable process. Regardless of one’s age, it is possible to increase testosterone levels, either through natural remedies or through testosterone replacement therapy. Therapy is usually required for levels below 300 nanograms per deciliter.
Low-T symptoms
Although a decreased libido and erectile dysfunctions are the most common problems associated with low-t, this hormonal unbalance can also present itself through other symptoms, such as:
- Low sex drive
Testosterone plays a key role in libido (sex drive) in men. Some men may experience a decline in sex drive as they age. However, someone with low T will likely experience a more drastic drop in their desire to have sex.
2. Difficulty with erection
While testosterone stimulates a man’s sex drive, it also aids in achieving and maintaining an erection. Testosterone alone doesn’t cause an erection, but it stimulates receptors in the brain to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a molecule that helps trigger a series of chemical reactions necessary for an erection to occur. When testosterone levels are too low, a man may have difficulty achieving an erection prior to sex or having spontaneous erections (for example, during sleep).
However, testosterone is only one of many factors that aid in adequate erections. Research is inconclusive regarding the role of testosterone replacement in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. In a review of studies that looked at the benefit of testosterone in men with erection difficulties, nearly half showed no improvement with testosterone treatment. Many times, other health problems play a role in erectile difficulties. These can include:
· diabetes
· smoking
· stress
· anxiety
3. Low semen volume
Testosterone plays a role in the production of semen, which is the milky fluid that aids in the motility of sperm. Men with low T will often notice a decrease in the volume of their semen during ejaculation.
4. Hair loss
Testosterone plays a role in several body functions, including hair production. Balding is a natural part of aging for many men. While there is an inherited component to balding, men with low T may experience a loss of body and facial hair, as well.
When should you test your testosterone?
Most of the symptoms presented above can be felt by anyone from time to time, depending on what is going on in your life. However, if one of more symptoms become frequent over extended periods of time, you should consider a testosterone test. The tests are very simple and there are even special clinics where you can go to get tested. Our personal favorite is Game Day Men’s Health, the best low t San Diego clinic. This place feels more like a man cave than a sterile healthcare facility, so you will feel very comfortable to get tested here. The test will only take about 20 minutes of your time, and if there is need for therapy, you will be provided with a comprehensive treatment plan, suitable for your specific needs.
What causes low testosterone levels?
Aging is the only natural cause for Low-T, but there are also medical, circumstantial and lifestyle factors that can create such a hormonal unbalance such as:
- Chronic illnesses such as diabetes or cancer
- Emotional distress
- Testicle injuries
- Obesity
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Pituitary or hypothalamus disorders
- Medications
Natural remedies
To naturally increase your testosterone levels, consider some of the following solutions:
- Be more active – Try to include some high intensity and stress exercises in your daily workouts
- Make some diet changes – Giving up sugar has proven to be very helpful for increasing testosterone levels. You can also try eating more healthy fats, and increasing your zinc and Vitamin D intake.
- Try to be more relaxed – Daily stress is one of the major factors that causes hormonal unbalances.
Testosterone replacement therapy
If testosterone levels are way below normal limits, therapy should be considered as soon as possible. The therapy is very simple, and it consists in testosterone supplements, which can be taken as pills, applied as gels or as injections.