The Dangers Of Low Testosterone
Much of what you associate with men, in terms of general appearance, is because of testosterone. During puberty, this hormone helps build muscle, deepens a mans voice, and boosts the size of his sex organs. Throughout life, testosterone is the hormone that drives libido and keeps muscles and bones healthy. Testosterone levels are highest at the tail end of puberty , but typically remain at high levels until around age 30.
After 30, most men experience a gradual decline in testosterone. Many men notice that this correlates with a loss of sexual desire, which is totally normal. Sometimes, however, testosterone levels drop too low. This can reduce your bones strength and muscle mass, exacerbate sexual issues, and lead to a host of health issues. Low testosterone can be dangerous if not treated.
Do you think you have low testosterone? Put your health first with Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care and James Y. Lee, DO. Dr. Lee is a mens health expert hell work with the rest of our team to make sure you get the care you deserve to be the best man you can be.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have Low T
If you suspect that you might have low T, make an appointment with your doctor. They can use a simple blood test to determine your testosterone level.
If your doctor finds that your testosterone level is lower than normal, they may order additional tests or do an exam to investigate why. Your treatment plan will depend on your diagnosis and medical history. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or testosterone replacement therapy.
You should always talk to your doctor before taking new medications, including testosterone replacement therapy and supplements. According to research published in
Treatments For Low Testosterone In Women
There are some treatment options for women who experience premenopausal low testosterone, though most testosterone therapies are formulated for men, with much higher levels of the hormone. Testosterone options for women include pills, patches,creams, gels, and implants. Patients should consult with their physician to learn more about testosterone treatment options. One androgen therapy called Estratest, a combination of estrogen and synthetic testosterone, has been prescribed for postmenopausal women for many years in the U.S.
Research on testosterone treatment in women is somewhat limited. A 2019 review in the journal Lancet Diabetes Endocrinology of 36 clinical trials found that testosterone supplementation significantly increased sexual function for postmenopausal women, including improved sex drive and experience. However, not all studies have shown benefits of testosterone therapy.
Testosterone pills have been associated with cardiovascular risks including a rise in LDL , or bad cholesterol, but this has not been seen with testosterone prescribed topically in cream or gel form.
Other potential side effects of testosterone therapy in women can include developing acne and facial hair. Women also generally experienced weight gain while taking testosterone, according to the study.
Read Also: Can You Od On Melatonin
Signs And Symptoms Of Low Testosterone
If you have low testosterone levels, you may notice the following signs and symptoms:
-
sleep disturbances
If left untreated, may also contribute to more serious issues like heart disease, poor memory, and loss of bone density. Testosterone treatments have not been studied in women as much as in men. It is important to consult your health care provider if you are a woman and suspect you have or are diagnosed as having low testosterone.
Low Testosterone: How Do You Know When Levels Are Too Low
The only accurate way to know when low testosterone levels are too low is to get the proper blood testing completed. When you work with a reputable clinic, they will mandate that blood testing and a physical examination be completed. The clinical advisor with whom you work will set up the appointment for you in a local hormone replacement therapy HRT clinic in your city.
Blood testing is very simple. It is a quick and easy process, such as what you would get in a routine physical exam. Once completed, the blood work will be sent back to the clinic where the licensed physician of endocrinology will analyze the results. Our trained doctors are highly skilled in reading blood work and can tell a patient whether or not he or she is dealing with low T.
After a blood sample confirms low T, the doctor can then presume that the problems a person is dealing with physically, emotionally, mentally and sexually may be symptoms of low testosterone levels. This is when they can correctly diagnose a patient and prescribe the right medication and dosage for the unique needs of each individual patient.
You May Like: How Long Does Testosterone Injection Last
How Do You Train
One of the best ways to boost testosterone levels is to perform heavy resistance training.
The more physically demanding the better which makes sense given that men who perform no physical activity really dont require testosterone.
While any kind of exercise is good for you, the type of training you do makes a difference.
If you lift heavy weights and do high intensity cardio then you are more likely to have high t-levels.
However, if you do a lot of endurance training your testosterone levels are more likely to be low.
Remember this wont give you an exact figure, but if you havent done a bench press in years you probably fall into the low-testosterone category.
Should All Men Be Tested For Low T
Men who are otherwise healthy dont need to be screened, according to guidelines released in 2018 by the Endocrine Society, an organization made up of endocrinologists.
The American Urological Association, made up of urologists, also issued guidelines in 2018. These advise doctors to think about measuring testosterone in patients who meet any of the following criteria:
-
unexplained anemia
-
pituitary issues
-
chronic corticosteroid use
The guidelines state testing should be considered in these situations even without symptoms of low T.
We are not recommending general screening of the population, Dr. Mezitis says. The test can be expensive. It varies, but he cites costs of around $100.
Recommended Reading: Foods To Naturally Increase Testosterone
What Are The Signs Of Low Testosterone
Your partner doesnt need to look like a body builder to show he has a normal amount of testosterone. Although low testosterone also called low T is strongly related to age, men of all sizes and ages can have it.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms to look out for are a decrease in his sex drive, erectile dysfunction, low energy, weak bones and decreased muscle strength. That said, a lot of these symptoms are associated with other health issues.
Most of the men I see who tell me they have problems theyre tired all the time, they have nonspecific symptoms, they lost their sex drive end up having normal testosterone, Amory says. Only about 3% to 4% of men will have low testosterone.
How Treatment Works For Testosterone
By knowing your testosterone numbers, our medical professionals can provide quality treatment for low T and other underlying conditions with testosterone replacement therapy. Your path to vitality happens with four steps:
Recommended Reading: What Does Low Estrogen Cause
Popular Methods For Treating Low T Include:
- Intramuscular Injection is the traditional delivery method for a patient to receive testosterone into the body quickly. Intramuscular injections produce rapid, long-lasting results. Injections may need to be administered every few weeks or once every few months depending on your needs.
- Testosterone Pellet Therapy allows us to deliver testosterone via a pellet inserted under the skin . This is a quick procedure with virtually no discomfort or pain. The pellet releases a precise dosage of hormones for several months without any need for additional creams, injections, or prescriptions.
- Topical testosterone gels are painless but not as convenient as other treatments and therapies. A man applies gel in certain specific areas around the body according to a doctors instructions. End results are comparable to other methods, but application into the blood stream may take more time and levels may not be as optimal throughout the treatment period as with pellet therapy.
Risks Of Testosterone Therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy side effects most often include rash, itching, or irritation at the site where the testosterone is applied.
However, there is also evidence of a possible increased risk of heart attack or stroke associated with testosterone use. Experts emphasize that the benefits and risks of long-term testosterone therapy are unknown, because large clinical trials haven’t yet been done.
There are a few health conditions that experts believe testosterone therapy can worsen:
It will be years before large clinical trials bring any answers on the long-term benefits and risks of testosterone therapy. As with any medicine, the decision on whether the possible benefits outweigh any risks is up to you and your doctor.
You May Like: Hormone Testing For Weight Loss
How Do You Treat Low Testosterone In Men
Men can start to lose their natural testosterone starting at the age of 25 causing symptoms such as low energy, fatigue, reduced muscle mass, impaired memory, and decreased sex drive.
At PRP Regeneration Specialists we use a personalized approach to improve testosterone levels naturally. Testosterone can be administered in gels, injections, sublingual tablets, and pellets. Our medical team will use bloodwork, age, weight, and current medications to determine which type of testosterone replacement will be the safest and most effective.
Men can find out if they have low testosterone with a simple blood test at PRP Regeneration Specialists. Usually a total testosterone level less than 500 with symptoms will qualify or treatment. Men that have been on testosterone replacement for a year report improved ability to lose weight and fat mass, better quality sleep, improved energy and stamina, increased sex drive and morning erections. Bio-identical testosterone can also create a calming effect and reduce mood swings.
Bio-identical testosterone has been proven to be safe and does not increase the risk for heart attack, stroke, or advanced prostate cancer. Synthetic testosterone can potentially increase the risk for heart attack and stroke by making platelets stickier. Treatment using bio-identical pellets is recommended every 5-6 months to keep men feeling their best.
Here is one of many positive testimonials from one of our male clients:
What Are The Foods That Kills Testosterone
Testosterone levels can be affected by many different factors, including diet. There are certain foods that have been shown to decrease testosterone levels, and avoiding them can be a simple and effective way to improve your hormone health.
Some of the worst offenders include soy products, processed foods, and anything with high amounts of sugar. These foods can all lead to decreased testosterone levels, so it’s best to avoid them as much as possible.
In addition to avoiding these foods, there are also a few key nutrients that are important for maintaining healthy testosterone levels. Zinc and vitamin D are two of the most important, so make sure you’re getting enough of both in your diet.
Read Also: Is 5 Mg Melatonin Too Much
What Is A Testosterone Test
In order to know whether testosterone levels are too low, a normal level has to be established. This has been a challenge for clinicians. However, according to a press release from the Endocrine Society in January 2017, results from a recent study have helped to define the normal ranges for testosterone levels in those assigned male at birth: 264916 nanograms per deciliter . This range is for those assigned male at birth between the ages of 19 and 39 years who dont have obesity.
A testosterone test measures the amount of testosterone in your blood. If a doctor wants to test the hormone levels in your blood, theyll most likely specify a time of day for your test. Hormone levels are highest in the morning, so this test is often performed in the morning between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Your doctor may have your levels tested more than once.
Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain drugs before your test, as they could affect your testosterone levels. Its important to tell your doctor about all medications youre taking. Include both over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
Testosterone home-testing kits are also available from companies such as LetsGetChecked. They use your saliva to test your hormone levels. After taking the test, youll send your sample to a lab for testing.
There may be certain lifestyle changes to help increase testosterone levels, such as adding resistance exercise and losing weight.
Who Does Low Testosterone Affect
Male hypogonadism is a medical condition that can affect people with testicles at any age from birth through adulthood.
Low testosterone is more likely to affect people who:
There are several possible causes of low testosterone. The two types of male hypogonadism are:
- Primary hypogonadism .
- Secondary hypogonadism .
Causes of primary and secondary hypogonadism are also divided into either congenital or acquired .
Causes of primary male hypogonadism
Primary hypogonadism happens when something is wrong with your testicles that doesnt allow them to make normal levels of testosterone.
Another name for primary hypogonadism is hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. In this type, your pituitary gland produces more luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in response to low testosterone levels. The high levels of these hormones would normally tell your testicles to produce more testosterone and sperm. However, if you have damaged or missing testicles, they cant respond to the increased levels of gonadotropins. As a result, your testicles make too little or no testosterone and sperm.
Sometimes in primary hypogonadism testosterone levels are within the normal range and gonadotropins are high. Your specialist will help you understand if you need treatment, even with normal testosterone levels.
Congenital conditions that affect your testicles and can lead to primary hypogonadism include:
Acquired conditions that affect your testicles and can lead to primary hypogonadism include:
Also Check: Is 6 Mg Of Melatonin Too Much
In Most Cases Testosterone Treatments Are Not The Best Option For These Symptoms
A lot of medical conditions can contribute to low testosterone levels, Shukla said. Its important to make sure that youre not dealing with any underlying health issues. You want to really identify why youre experiencing those symptoms.
As he likes to frame it, maintaining your health is like maintaining your house. If you dont take care of the bones of the house, you canât expect to add on to the house or put a lot of investment in the house.
Diabetes, kidney disease and a sedentary lifestyle could be contributing factors to these symptoms, as well as other chronic diseases.
Find and book the expert care you need in seconds
Recommended Reading: Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Testosterone Therapy
Treatment Is Safe For Most Men
Safety issues made the news last fall, when the FDA issued a new warning about the physical and mental health risks associated with the abuse of testosterone products. But a majority of scientific studies on testosterone replacement therapy havent found any increased risk of heart attacks or stroke with proper use, Paolone notes.
While its always important for any man to think about his risks for heart attack or stroke, and certainly men who are getting this treatment need to be monitored, testosterone replacement therapy is generally thought to be safe for men who need it, he says.
Read Also: How Long Does Testosterone Pills Take To Work
Alpha Jym Testosterone Support
Image courtesy Jym
The Natural Testosterone Optimizer from Alpha JYM is a natural supplement that aids in the increase of testosterone levels. It includes a combination of substances that have been proven to stimulate testosterone production in humans.
D-Aspartic Acid, Fenugreek Seed Extract, Tribulus Terrestris Extract, Zinc, Vitamin D, and Boron are some of the compounds in Alpha JYM Testosterone Support.
D-aspartic acid is a form of amino acid that has been shown to boost testosterone levels. Fenugreek Seed Extract is a herbal remedy from the ancient world that has long been used to treat low testosterone. Tribulus Terrestris Extract is an ingredient in many testosterone supplements since it has been found to boost testosterone levels.
Zinc is a mineral that is necessary for testosterone production. Vitamin D is a vitamin that aids in the absorption of calcium, which is critical to bone health. Boron has been linked to an improved testosterone level.
If you’re searching for a healthy way to boost your testosterone levels, Alpha JYM Testosterone Support is an excellent option. It’s made up of a combination of substances that have been scientifically proven to promote testosterone synthesis.
Exercise And Lift Weights
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to prevent many lifestyle-related diseases. Not only that but it can also boost your testosterone levels.
One 2015 study involving men with obesity found that increased physical activity was more beneficial than calorie restriction for increasing testosterone levels .
According to one literature review, the effects on testosterone levels can vary based on several factors, including the type of exercise and the training intensity .
Resistance training, such as weightlifting, has been shown to boost testosterone levels in the short term .
High intensity interval training can be very effective as well, although all types of exercise should work to some extent (
What you eat can affect levels of testosterone as well as other hormones .
Additionally, constant dieting or overeating may disrupt your testosterone levels .
Eating enough protein can help you maintain healthy testosterone levels and can aid in fat loss, which may be beneficial too .
Consuming plenty of healthy fats may also help support testosterone levels and hormone balance. Some research shows that a low fat diet could actually decrease testosterone levels .
Therefore, a nutritious, well-rounded diet based mainly on whole foods is best. A healthy balance of protein, fat, and carbs can help you optimize your hormone levels and support your overall health.
Read Also: Best Time Of Day To Take Testosterone Shot