Many men struggle with low testosterone levels after their 30s and often don’t get the right treatment. Many have to wait many years to start a family since they aren’t aware such a condition exists. That’s why we decided to create this blog and list everything about low testosterone in men.
In this blog, Apex Hospital – home to the best IVF experts and general surgeons in Sirsa, Haryana – will discuss signs, causes, and recovery options for low testosterone levels in men.
Let’s start by understanding the meaning of low testosterone!
What’s Testosterone?
It is a hormone primarily produced in the testicles of men and the ovaries in women. In men, testosterone is crucial for sexual development, reproductive function, physical strength, and mental health. Testosterone levels in men peak during adolescence and early adulthood. Some men face a rapid decline in testosterone levels but thankfully it can be treated through lifestyle changes and medical interventions.
Before learning about the best recovery options, let’s discover the major signs of low testosterone.
What are the Signs of Low Testosterone?
Low testosterone poses a big challenge to men’s health. Below are the major signs of low testosterone levels in men:
Low sex drive: Testosterone plays a major role in sex drive. Low testosterone levels harm the sexual desire of men. Meaning, that they may not feel the same level of interest in sexual activities leading to relationship challenges.
Erectile dysfunction: Testosterone helps stimulate receptors in the brain that produce nitric oxide that triggers an erection. Men with low testosterone often find it difficult to maintain an erection, majorly in the morning.
Decreased semen production: One of the major signs of low testosterone is a noticeable decline in semen volume during ejaculation. Reduction in semen production can impact a man’s ability to conceive as semen is important for the fertility process.
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Drop in energy: Men with low testosterone often feel extremely fatigued even after adequate sleep. The drop in energy levels can make daily activities feel burdensome and reduce overall productivity.
Loss of muscle mass: Testosterone is essential to build and maintain muscle mass. Low testosterone levels in men can impact muscle size and strength even if they continue to exercise regularly.
Mood swings: Testosterone has a profound effect on mental and emotional health. Men with low levels are more likely to experience irritability, depression, and difficulty concentrating. Some may develop an overall sense of sadness and lack of motivation.
Now that you have an idea of the major signs of low testosterone levels, let’s discover the major causes of low testosterone.
What are the Major Causes of Low Testosterone?
Low testosterone can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are the biggest ones:
Aging: Testosterone levels naturally start to decline around the age of 30. For some men, this condition is more significant and can lead to a condition known as male menopause.
Chronic health conditions: Certain chronic health conditions can also lead to low testosterone levels. These conditions include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and liver disease.
Testicular injury or disease: Damage to the testicles due to trauma, surgery, radiation, and infections often reduces the production of testosterone. Conditions like testicular cancer can also lead to hypogonadism.
Hormonal disorders: Kallmann syndrome can disrupt the signaling that controls testosterone production. Plus, a condition named hypopituitarism where the pituitary gland produces insufficient hormones can also contribute to low testosterone levels.
Medications: Some medications such as corticosteroids, opioids, and treatments for cancer can reduce testosterone levels in men. It is best to consult with your doctor and change your medication to reduce the impact of medications on testosterone.
Stress: Chronic stress causes the men’s body to produce excess amounts of cortisol that can inhibit testosterone production. Prolonged exposure to stressful environments can therefore lead to low testosterone levels over time.
Drugs and alcohol: Excessive consumption of alcohol and use of certain drugs can impair testicular function and lead to decreased testosterone production.
Genetic conditions: Some men are born with genetic conditions that affect testosterone levels. For example, Klinefelter syndrome is a condition where men are born with an extra X chromosome that affects their ability to produce testosterone.
How to Treat Low Testosterone in Males?
While low testosterone levels don’t pose a major health risk, they can disrupt overall well-being. Below are the major recovery options men can opt to treat low testosterone levels:
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): It is one of the most common and effective treatments for low testosterone. Testosterone replacement therapy aims to bring testosterone levels back to normal through:
- Injections: Testosterone can be injected directly into the muscles every one to two weeks. It allows testosterone to be adsorbed into the bloodstream over time.
- Gels: Testosterone gels are applied to the skin where the hormone is absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Tablets: They are placed in the mouth where testosterone is absorbed through the gums into the bloodstream.
Testosterone replacement therapy is considered one of the best treatments for low testosterone levels. However, it can come with potential risks including sleep apnea, an increase in red blood cells, and a higher risk of prostate issues.
Lifestyle changes: Making changes to the lifestyle can help men improve their hormone levels. These lifestyle changes include:
- Regular exercise: Start engaging in weightlifting and resistance training can naturally boost men’s testosterone levels.
- Healthy diet: A healthy balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports testosterone production.
- Weight loss: Reducing abdominal fat can help men reach a higher testosterone level.
- Stress management: Meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help reduce cortisol and promote healthier testosterone levels.
Low Testosterone in Men: Wrapup
There you go!
We hope that the above blog helped you learn everything about low testosterone levels in men. Always consult with a reputed infertility clinic in India like Apex Hospital for treatment to get assured results.
Got any queries to ask? Reach us on WhatsApp or call us at 91680-39000
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