Testosterone is a hormone in our body that can increase or decrease depending on certain conditions. Some symptoms can let you know about your lack of testosterone.
A lot of health issues can arise because of lower than necessary levels of testosterone in men. Loss of testosterone or T-levels may cause testicular dysfunction. Diabetes, stress, radiation, and chemotherapy, as well as certain drugs, smoking, opioids, pituitary disorder, or genetic disorder, can cause low levels of T in men. The trend of using testosterone boosting drugs has increased recently. AUA has also reported that the actual cases of low T levels are going untested.
Blood tests can determine the amount of testosterone in your body. It is more accurate than self-diagnosis. You can also get to know if you have hypogonadism.
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Difference Between Testosterone Deficiency And Hormone Deficiency
Testosterone levels naturally decline with age. The older you get, the lower your testosterone production will be. But that does not mean you have a hormone deficiency.
T-levels rise during puberty and adulthood. Certain conditions will cause these levels to be unnatural. Only when you have a health condition with specific symptoms, you can say that you have a hormone deficiency.
Lower levels of Testosterone do not always need medical attention. Medicine and hormone injections should only be used when you have a hormone deficiency. The normal level of T is 300ng/dl to 1000ng/dl. A T-level below 263ng/dl is considered being a cause for concern.
However, these numbers are not the only determinant of health conditions. The lower T levels can be caused by conditions other than hormone deficiency. So definitely get a professional consultation from a doctor.
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As for the treatment to raise the level of testosterone, herbal remedies like the Tongkat Ali are advised alongside medical supplements
Some basic signs and symptoms of low testosterone in men are mentioned below-
1. Lower Sex Drive
If you are low on testosterone, you will notice a lower sex drive than before. Now, testosterone can also reduce naturally with age. When men cross the age of 35, sex drive naturally decreases.
But if you are in your 20s and feel the lack of sexual drive or do not feel sexually motivated, then it may be because of low T (testosterone)
2. Erectile Dysfunction
Testosterone produces nitric oxide in the brain, which aids in erectile functions. Lower levels of T can cause lower levels of nitric oxide production, which can cause erectile dysfunction.
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But know that testosterone is not the only culprit of erectile dysfunction. There are lots of cases in which a hormone therapy did not aid in curing erectile dysfunction.
Most have some underlying conditions such as diabetes, obesity, thyroid problems, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Depression, anxiety, smoking, drug consumption, and alcohol use can also cause erectile dysfunction in men.
3. A lower volume of erectile discharge
Prostate, seminal vesicles, and the testicles produce the liquid that contains semen. All these parts need testosterone to function properly. Lower levels of testosterone will indicate a lower volume of fluid produced by these organs.
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4. Increased Hair loss
Hair loss is a sign of hormone disorder. There are certain levels of hair loss that you need to figure out. If you are experiencing an increased amount of shedding, then it is probably not caused by hormone deficiency.
But if you are experiencing hair loss in patches, then it is possibly caused by hormone deficiencies.
Multiple types of hormone deficiency can cause hair loss too. Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and low Testosterone levels can all be the culprit. So get a blood test done to determine your hormone levels before drawing any conclusion.
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You should remember that hair loss can also be caused by genetics. Loss of hair on the body and other parts may require a testosterone level test.
5. Feeling Tired All The Time
Fatigue can be caused by anything. Being tired after a busy day is normal. However, if you are constantly feeling tired, it may be caused by hormones. Feeling demotivated or fatigued even after taking an ample amount of rest can be caused by low T levels.
6. Loss Of Muscle Mass
In men, loss of muscle can be a reason for low T levels. Testosterone is responsible for lean muscle growth, bone density, and hair. Sudden loss in muscle mass can be caused by low T levels.
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7. Irregular Weight Gain
Losing muscle can also result in gaining fat. Because muscle helps in burning calories, low muscle mass can cause an increased amount of fat accumulation. So low T levels can also make someone suddenly obese.
8. Reduction Of Bone Mass
Testosterone helps to grow stronger bones by increasing bone density and mass. While growing up lower levels of T can cause the body to develop low bone mass. In old age, a sudden drop in bone density can also be attributed to low T levels.
9. Frequent Mood swings
Low T levels can cause changes in moods. Someone otherwise motivated can become tired and depressed because of low T levels. It is important to test T levels when someone experiences an unnatural change in mood.
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Lack of concentration, focus, fatigue, irritability, and depression sometimes can be caused by lower T levels.
10. Imbalance Of Cognitive functions
Hormones and cognitive functions are related to each other. Age can cause swings in hormone levels. With aging, people experience lower levels of hormone production and cognitive functions. So if your memory is getting affected with age, then you should consult a doctor and have hormone tests done.
11. Low count of blood cells
Hormones aid in the production of bone mass and blood count. Our blood cells are generated in our bone marrow.
Hormones also help to regulate the blood count. Anemia can be caused by men with lower T levels. Some symptoms of anemia are dizziness, fatigue, loss of concentration.
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You should get a test done if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Takeaway
Testosterone levels can vary for different reasons. Age is also a significant factor in the imbalance of hormone levels. Self-medication of hormones can cause increased risks of heart disease. Careless medication can also cause an even decreased amount of testosterone levels.
If you are experiencing acute symptoms, then you should consult a doctor and get the tests done right away.
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