Low testosterone will affect men's health.
What's low testosterone?
* Low testosterone in men is caused by insufficient testosterone production. This condition is also referred to as hypogonadism. The health and life of a man can be significantly impacted by low testosterone.
* Testosterone is the most significant male sex hormone. Testicles and the brain govern their production. Puberty causes testosterone production. Around 30, testosterone levels begin to drop.
* Men need testosterone to grow and keep their traits. Testosterone affects sexual function. A man's risk of cardiovascular disease and early death is increased by low testosterone levels.
Why is testosterone low?
- Normal aging lowers testosterone. Other causes of low testosterone exist. Some causes are hereditary. It is possible to develop low testosterone later in life or inherit it.
- Overweight or obesity at any age lowers testosterone.
- After treatment for a medical illness, surgery, or mental stress, testosterone levels will return to normal.
Primary testosterone deficiency
Low testosterone can result from the testicles producing insufficient amounts of testosterone. This condition is also referred to as primary testosterone insufficiency. Common causes of primary testosterone deficiency:
Klinefelter syndrome. Males usually have one X and one Y. Klinefelter's syndrome has two or more X chromosomes and one Y chromosome.
Unlowered testes.
When a newborn is born without scrotal testicles, this happens. They have not entered the scrotum and are typically found in the lower pelvis. If not descended by 6 months, surgery is needed to move them into the scrotum. For optimal function, testicles should be colder than body temperature. Too much heat lowers testosterone production in the testicles that stay inside the body rather than in the scrotum.
Mumps orchitis.
This is testicular inflammation caused by mumps (which can be prevented by the MMR immunization).
Hemochromatosis.
This hereditary disease raises iron levels.
This condition can cause damage to the testicles.
Cancer therapy.
Radiation and chemotherapy can affect testosterone and sperm production.
Secondary testosterone deficiency
1. Low testosterone can also be caused by hypothalamus and pituitary gland issues that produce hormones that drive the testicles to generate testosterone. This condition is sometimes referred to as secondary testosterone deficiency. The Pituitary Gland Disorders booklet has additional information.
2. In secondary testosterone shortage, the testicles are normal but don't work due to pituitary or hypothalamic issues. Many disorders can produce secondary testosterone insufficiency, including:
3. Prolactinoma is a benign pituitary tumor that can cause secondary testosterone insufficiency.
4. HIV/AIDS lowers testosterone by affecting the testicles, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus.
5. Opiate medications and hormones can alter testosterone production.
How common is low testosterone?
- Older men are more likely to acquire low testosterone. Overweight and unhealthy males with long-term health concerns are more likely to have it.
- One big European investigation indicated that 2 in 100 males aged 40–79 had testosterone insufficiency. About 5 in 100 70-to-79-year-old men had testosterone insufficiency.
Low testosterone signs
- When the illness develops determines symptoms.
- An unborn male infant may be born with either: If the testicles don't grow properly due to low testosterone levels during pregnancy.
Female genitalia.
- Anomalous genitals; or
- Male genitalia can be underdeveloped.
- Low testosterone in men can cause:
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Infertility.
- Reduced beard and body hair.
- Reduced muscle mass.
- Developing breast tissue.
- Reduced bone density.
- Pre-puberty testosterone insufficiency can cause:
- Puberty delay.
- The individual may also experience a lack of vocal depth.
- Reduced penis and testicular growth.
- Overgrown arms and legs compared to the trunk.
Some older men experience menopause-like symptoms as their testosterone levels decline, including overtiredness.
- Lower libido.
- The inability to focus is another common symptom.
- Hot flushes.
How to detect low testosterone
Many older men with low testosterone go undiagnosed. Medical assistance is rarely sought because erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and diminished sex drive are frequently attributed to aging.
Blood testing for testosterone insufficiency may be recommended for erectile dysfunction or diminished libido.
Testosterone levels should be checked in men who don't respond to erectile dysfunction drugs like sildenafil.
Referral to an andrologist or urologist is typically advised by tests for low testosterone. They can run extra tests to determine whether the pituitary or testicles are the issue.
Additional tests could consist of:
- Checking for additional hormones (many hormones are impacted by certain pituitary disorders).
- Semen analysis.
- A pituitary CT or MRI could also be performed.
- Gene testing.
- Testicular biopsy.
Treatment for low testosterone
Can you avoid low testosterone?
- Boys can avoid delayed puberty with early identification. In addition to promoting the growth of muscles, beards, pubic hair, and penises, testosterone therapy can also trigger puberty.
- Adult males can best prevent osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease with early diagnosis and therapy. Fatigue, well-being, erectile dysfunction, and sex drive can improve with treatment.
- Treatment for low testosterone varies according to the cause.
- Men without additional conditions should keep a healthy weight. Increased adiposity in young males has been linked to decreased testosterone levels in the US.
Replacing testosterone
- Gel testosterone therapy is typical.
- Other testosterone treatments include long-acting injections or skin patches.
- Testosterone replacement side effects
Testosterone replacement causes:
- Apnea worsens.
- Acne.
- Noncancerous prostate enlargement.
- Prostate cancer growth in males.
- Breast enlargement (gynecomastia).
- Testicular atrophy and sperm loss are also observed.
- The overproduction of red blood cells may lead to the formation of blood clots in the legs or lungs.
- Anger and hostility escalated, but there was no physical confrontation.
- Heart failure worsens in men.
- Heart disease and prostate cancer risks are worries, although studies have not shown them.
- Male breast cancer, prostate cancer, severe heart failure, high hematocrit, and men actively trying to conceive are contraindicated for testosterone supplementation.
Alternative treatments
- Treating low testosterone caused by a pituitary gland dysfunction may boost sperm production and fertility. Usage of testosterone replacement treatment.
- Low testosterone may be caused by a pituitary tumor, which requires surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone replacement.
- A man with primary testosterone deficiency may benefit from infertility therapies, although these therapies rarely restore fertility.
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