Testosterone Deficiency, Hypogonadism

Testosterone Deficiency, Hypogonadism

Dr. Martin Miner is a family practice physician specializing in men’s health. He is chief of family and community medicine at The Miriam Hospital, and co-director of its Men’s Health Center. If you are taking hormone replacement therapy, regular follow-up appointments with your physician are important. Males experience a gradual decrease in testosterone as they get older. The older you are, the more likely that you’ll have low testosterone.

Testosterone plays a key role in stimulating hair growth on the body and face. When testosterone levels are low, you might notice reduced hair growth in these areas. Men experiencing difficulty conceiving should consider having their testosterone levels checked as part of a comprehensive fertility evaluation. Addressing low testosterone can sometimes improve fertility outcomes and enhance your chances of starting a family. It is a common misconception that only women and elderly males develop osteoporosis, which is not true. Lower testosterone levels can reduce the density of bones, leading to osteoporosis and other bone-related problems in hypogonadal men (5). In addition to negatively affecting quality of life and intimate relationships, low testosterone can be a factor in several disease conditions.

Here are some tell-tale symptoms and long-term effects of having low testosterone. Low testosterone levels in males can lead to erectile dysfunction. They can also affect sleep, mood, the size of the testicles, and more. In both males and females, low testosterone can lead to lower bone mass and reduced sex drive. However, consistent hormone replacement therapy helps improve sex drive, ease symptoms of depression and increase energy levels for those experiencing low testosterone. Male hypogonadism is a condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone, the main male sex hormone. It is also sometimes referred to as androgen deficiency or testosterone deficiency.

In men, this hormone helps to maintain sperm production, control sex drive, and regulate muscle mass and bone health. The pituitary gland and the brain control the production of testosterone which is secreted through the testicles. Each professional should possess the necessary skills for assessing, diagnosing, and managing male hypogonadism.

According to the American Urological Association, around 40% of men over 45 years are diagnosed with low testosterone. A muscular physique, a baritone voice, a toned figure—all these traits are closely tied to one particular hormone in the body, testosterone. This may be because testosterone can help open up blood vessels to the heart, allowing blood to flow more freely. The best say to build bone density is with weight-bearing exercise. Combining TRT with weight lifting is very useful for getting your bone density where it should be. Trouble with thinking and memory often occurs in men with low T, Dr. Werthman says. In addition to the amygdala, areas of the brain important for memory and attention—such as the cerebrum—also have testosterone receptors.

Following are the 10 alarming signs that indicates you might have low levels of testosterone. It is highly recommended to seek help from a registered practitioner to detect testosterone deficiency at an early age for prompt management. Clinicians participating in this activity can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of male hypogonadism. Participants learn to recognize key symptoms of too much testosterone in men and appreciate evaluation and management strategies, including patient selection for screening. This activity also highlights the interprofessional team’s role in enhancing care for patients with male hypogonadism. Testosterone is a sex hormone naturally produced within the body.

In fact, you should not take testosterone for non-medical reasons, such as bodybuilding, aging prevention or performance enhancement. If you have normal testosterone levels, TRT will not help your health problems. Also, if you are trying to father a child, you should not be on TRT.

Testosterone is a vital hormone that supports male characteristics and overall health. In addition to low libido, a man may also experience difficulties in achieving and maintaining an erection. While most men understand the importance of testosterone, many fail to recognize the signs of low testosterone as they begin to experience them.