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Testosterone is near the top of the list of important hormones produced by the body. It is a vital hormone that plays a role in the function of many body systems and functions and can be found in males and females, though it is much more prevent in men- hence its nickname of the male sex hormone. Testosterone is mainly produced in the testicles in men and it is also stored there too. It is the hormone which assists with the stimulation of sperm production and helps control a man’s sex drive and libido. A lesser known but still important and continually studied effect of testosterone in men is it seems to help build muscle and bone mass.

The production of testosterone in the body peeks around puberty around the time a young man is considered sexually mature and the levels decreases as men age. This is a normal part of aging and is of no concern really but at times younger men may have low T levels and this can cause problems with their sex drive and hamper their sexual activities. This is especially frustrating for men who are in the prime of their lives. Signs of low T (also called hypogonadism) are often subtle and usually an official diagnosis is needed by a medical procession, such as those at The Testosterone Clinic. We here care about helping each of our patients regain his confidence and his ability to perform. Here are some of the warning signs we encourage all of our patients to be on the lookout for:

• Testosterone is a powerful factor for attaining and maintaining a strong erection during intercourse. When testosterone levels fall too low, men experience what is commonly known as erectile dysfunction. ED is the most common side effect to low T levels.

• Levels of testosterone can ave a big effect on semen production as well and also helps boost the vitality and number of sperm that are produced. More T means more sperm and a higher fertility rate and lower levels of T mean less semen during intercourse and lower sperm counts.

• Testosterone has a huge role in the sexual urges and libido in both men and women. Men with low T will usually experience a sharp and dramatic drop in their sex drive and find that sex does not interest them as much or they are not as turned on as they once were.

• Men living with low T levels often say they feel more tired and worn out and that they seem to lose their energy faster than they used to. Beyond normal aging effects low testosterone can affect energy, which makes it harder to last a full round in bed.

• Women typically are the ones people think of when it comes to mood swings but men can suffer from them too, especially if they are suffering from low T levels. Mood swings can wreak havoc on a romantic night if things start to go wrong with a partner.

• Men with low T might see a surprising loss in both muscle mass and strength. They will also often report that it is harder to put on muscle mass once they have lost it. It is still being studied in this regard but lack of strength can have a huge impact in the bedroom.

• While it is known that lower levels of T can cause fat buildup, few realize what kind of impact this can have on one’s sex life. Not only does excess weight affect your looks, fat buildup in certain areas can make it harder to get into the right positions during sex.

Contact Testosterone Clinic today if you are afraid you may be suffering from low testosterone levels. We will help you set up your first appointment and find out what is causing your symptoms. You do not have to suffer alone and keep it all to yourself. There are treatments available and we are ready and able to help you find the one that is best for you and your unique needs. Give us a call- you will be glad that you did!

 

Low testosterone affects men in many different ways. When testosterone levels fall too low, it can cause problems that range from decreased sex drive, hair loss, mood swings, and even mental issues. Fortunately, most low testosterone symptoms are treatable.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Low Sex Drive

Testosterone is essential to maintaining a man’s sex drive and testosterone levels naturally decreases as they age. However, a more drastic drop in sexual urges happens with early low T.

Erection Issues

When a man has testosterone levels that are too low, he may have difficulty getting or keeping an erection hard enough or long enough for sexual intercourse with a partner.

Decreased Semen Volume

Higher levels of T means a man has more semen which means higher concentration of sperm in most cases. Men with low T often mention a decrease in sperm levels during ejaculation.

Hair Loss

Balding is normal and happens as they age for many men. However, when low T is involved a man may experience more extreme and far-spread loss of body and facial hair.

Fatigue

Sleep issues and feeling tired with no energy, even after a decent night sleep and normal levels of activity during the day are commonly reported symptoms of low testosterone levels.

Muscle Problems

Testosterone helps with the building and strengthening of muscle, and this means that for men with low T levels they have difficulty putting on and keeping muscle mass.

Body Fat Increase

Fat burning and the formation of fat cells are closely tied to testosterone levels for men so low levels of the hormone can cause unsightly at deposits such as man-boobs and love handles.

Brittle Bones

Osteoporosis is generally thought of as woman’s issue. However, low T levels in men can also lead to bone loss and lead to more brittle and fragile bones.

Mood Changes

Testosterone influences many physical aspects of the human body and it can also influence mood and mental capacity, which leads to massive mood swings at times.

Treatments Available

It is always best to talk to your primary care provider about any of your symptoms and concerns about your health. This is important in order to learn what is causing your symptoms and what treatments are the best option to address your low testosterone. If your symptoms are severe and testosterone levels are significantly low, hormone replacements are the most common treatment used. In addition, anyone struggling with the symptoms and side effects of low testosterone should consider the following options as possible treatments that can help them restore optimal hormonal balance:

• Work to make adjustments to daily lifestyle activities and choices in order to maintain a healthy regiment for diet and exercise- when the body is healthy and balanced the hormone levels are more balanced and better regulated.
• It has been shown through several studies that poor sleeping habits leads to increased stress which affects the production of hormones including testosterone.
• Stay active and exercise at least moderately every day as much as possible, this is because exercise stimulates the release of testosterone.
• For the men who are in a steady romantic relationship, communication is key, especially if there are symptom of testosterone deficiency that is impacting sexual performance. You can discuss your feelings, frustrations, and make plans for treatment together.
• Men who experience erectile dysfunction may want to consider talking to a health care provider about treatments specific to treating ED and related issues.
• Impaired concentration, lack of recall, trouble with memory, foggy brain, depression, and anxiety can all be symptoms of low testosterone levels that many men experience but do not realize are related to their testosterone levels.

What to do now?

If you think your symptoms are related to possible low testosterone levels it is important to speak with your doctor or health care provider. Be honest with them about what you are experiencing and be open to the ideas and suggestions they have for possible treatments and steps you can take to improve your testosterone level.

Testosterone is one of many important hormones that the body produces and it can be found in both males and females though it is much more prevent in men- thus why it is known as the male sex hormone. It is mainly produced in the testicles in men. It is the hormone that is responsible for stimulating sperm production and the hormone that controls and boosts a man’s sex drive. Less known but still very important, testosterone also helps build muscle and bone mass in men. Testosterone production generally peeks around puberty or the time a male is considered sexually mature and it slowly decreases as men age. Men can experience a range of symptoms if it decreases more than it should. “Low Testosterone is diagnosed when levels fall below a normal range (300- 1000 ng/dL, according to the Australian Medical Administration). A blood test (called serum testosterone level) is used to determine your level of circulating testosterone. A range of symptoms can occur if testosterone production drastically drops. Signs of  Low Testosterone ( also called hypogonadism ) are often subtle and can be mistaken for a natural part of aging” .

Here are some of the warning signs to be on the lookout for:

Low Sex Drive

Testosterone has a huge role in the sexual urges and libido in both men and women. Men are much more sensitive to it and they may experience a drop in sex drive as they age and as their levels of testosterone naturally decrease. However, someone with low T will see a sudden and dramatic drop in their sex drive and will see the decline happen at a younger age than what would normally be expected.

Trouble with Erections

Testosterone is a powerful factor of sexual arousal and is a key component to a man’s erection. When testosterone levels are too low, men can experience problems getting and keeping an erection. This is a condition commonly known as erectile dysfunction.

Low Amounts of Semen

Testosterone influences the production of semen and helps improve the vitality of a man’s sperm. The more testosterone a man has, the more semen he produces and the healthier his sperm will be. Men with Low Testosterone will see a marked decrease in the output of semen during ejaculation.

Male Balding

Testosterone has an impact on several other non-sexual body functions, including hair production. Many men lose their hair as they age but what many do not know is that balding is connected to the level of Testosterone in their body. Men with Low Testosterone may see trends of hair loss in regards to body hair, facial hair, and elsewhere.

Decrease in Energy

Men who are living with low T levels often report extreme fatigue and say that they begin to see a noticeable decrease in their energy levels throughout the day. If you are tired all of the time, even when getting a full night’s sleep, you may be experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalances and low testosterone in your bloodstream.

Drop-off in Muscle Mass

The building and strengthening of muscle, including the addition of new muscle mass and the strengthening of existing muscles, is tied to levels of testosterone. Men with low T might notice a decrease in both muscle mass and strength and also find that it is harder to build new muscle mass.

Stubborn Body Fat

Most men who have low T levels will find they have problem areas when it comes to fat pockets building- such as love handles, stomach, and back. They may also develop a condition known as “ gynecomastia ” or enlarged breasts. This correlation is still being studied but it is thought that testosterone influences how the human body stores fat as well as how the body consumes and burns fat for energy.

Bone Mass Reduction

Men are less likely to get osteoporosis than women but when men do get it, it is often tied to T levels because the hormone aids in the production of bone cells and is also thought to help with strengthening bone cells. Men with low T may have more risk for bone breaks, especially as they get older and the effects build over time.

Mood Swings

Women are the ones often accused of massive mood swings, especially during their menstrual cycles, but men can also experience routine mood swings if they have low levels of testosterone. It can also influence mood and mental capacity and men with low T levels have been shown in many studies to be more likely to experience depression, irritability, or a lack of focus.

If you think you may be suffering the effects of low testosterone take action now!  Contact the Low Testosterone Clinic today to set up your first appointment and find out what is causing your symptoms. There are many treatment options available for dealing with low Testosterone levels but you have to speak up and let your doctor know that there are issues and concerns.

 

The best treatment for males who are suffering from low levels of testosterone will largely depend on the underlying cause. Sometimes testosterone replacement therapy may be best and other times something as simple as weight loss and a healthier lifestyle can restore levels to a normalized state. While there are no forms of testosterone therapy that have yet been approved for women in the United States, there are some who will prescribe milder doses of testosterone injections for women who have testosterone imbalances. When an underlying medical condition is impating the level of testosterone then in many cases addressing that condition and relieving the symptoms will help restore hormone levels.
Treatment Options

Testosterone is delivered to the male body in a number of ways:

• Injections- these are given into a major muscle such as the arm or leg and can be given every few weeks in a doctor’s office or through self-injection.
• Patches or gels can be used and applied to the skin- these contain high level of testosterone and are used daily to supply a boost to the hormone levels.
• A tablet-shaped patch which is called a buccal system is used in the mouth where the upper gum and inside of the lip in to offer a 12 hr supply of testosterone.
• Testosterone pellets are concentrated doses that are inserted under the skin of the buttocks, where the slow release formula delivers for up to three or four months.

Men and women can be treated with supplemental testosterone but they must have follow-up blood tests in order to monitor their health and to see how they are responding to the treatment.