What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone found in both humans and other animals. The testicles are the primary source of testosterone in men. Women's ovaries produce testosterone as well, albeit in much lower quantities.
The production of testosterone begins to rise significantly during puberty and then begins to fall after the age of 30 or so.
Testosterone is most commonly associated with sex drive and is essential for sperm production. It also has an impact on bone and muscle mass, as well as how men store fat in their bodies and even red blood cell production.
A man's testosterone levels can also have an impact on his mood.
Low Testosterone Levels
- Reduced sex drive
- Fewer resources
- Gaining weight
- Depressive feelings
- Moodiness
- Self-esteem issues
- Fewer body hair
- Bones that are thinner
While testosterone production naturally declines as a man ages, other factors can cause a drop in hormone levels.
Testicular injury, as well as cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, can all have a negative impact on testosterone production.
Stress and chronic health conditions can also reduce testosterone production. Among them are the following:
- AIDS
- Kidney disorder
- Alcoholism
- Liver cirrhosis
In adult women, testosterone levels gradually decline; however, low T levels can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- A lack of libido
- Decreased bone
- Strength
- Inability to concentrate
- Depression
Low T levels in women can be caused by ovaries removal as well as pituitary, hypothalamic, or adrenal gland diseases.
Although testosterone therapy may be prescribed for women with low T levels, its effectiveness in improving sexual function or cognitive function in postmenopausal women is unknown.
Testing Testosterone levels
According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, normal male testosterone levels range between 280 and 1,100 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) for adult males and between 15 and 70 ng/dL for adult females.
Because ranges differ between labs, it's critical to discuss your results with your doctor.
According to the American Urological Association, if an adult male's testosterone levels are less than 300 ng/dL, a doctor may perform a workup to determine the cause of low testosterone.
Low testosterone levels may indicate pituitary gland dysfunction. The pituitary gland sends a signaling hormone to the testicles to increase testosterone production.
A low T test result in an adult man could indicate that the pituitary gland is not functioning properly. A young adolescent with low testosterone levels, on the other hand, may be experiencing delayed puberty.
Men with moderately elevated testosterone levels may experience few noticeable symptoms. Boys with higher testosterone levels may enter puberty earlier. Women with high testosterone levels may develop masculine characteristics.
Abnormally high testosterone levels could be the result of an adrenal gland disorder or even testicular cancer.
High testosterone levels can occur in less serious conditions as well. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, for example, which can affect both males and females, is a rare but natural cause of increased testosterone production.
If your testosterone levels are abnormally high, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the cause.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
If low T is interfering with your health and quality of life, you may be a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy. Artificial testosterone can be taken orally, as injections, or as gels or skin patches.
Replacement therapy may result in desired outcomes such as increased muscle mass and increased sex drive. However, the treatment does have some side effects. These are some examples:
- Retention of fluid
- Oily skin
- Shrinking testicles
- A reduction in sperm production
According to several studies, testosterone replacement therapy does not increase the risk of prostate cancer, but it is still a topic of ongoing research.
One study suggests that men on testosterone replacement therapy have a lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer, but more research is needed.
Related article: Click here to learn how to boost your testosterone levels naturally
In Conclusion
In men, testosterone is most commonly associated with sex drive. It also has an impact on mental health, bone and muscle mass, fat storage, and the production of red blood cells.
Abnormally low or high levels can have a negative impact on a man's mental and physical health.
A simple blood test can be used by your doctor to determine your testosterone levels. Testosterone therapy is available to treat men who have low testosterone levels.
If you have low T, consult your doctor to see if this type of therapy would be beneficial to you.
Comments
Post a Comment