What Does Low Testosterone Cause

Should A Dad Bod Be A Cause For Concern

Not only does this change in physical appearance cause low self esteem, weight gain and decreased fitness levels due to low testosterone, there are also physical repercussions.

Men with low testosterone are more likely to have high insulin levels, which means that they are at higher risk of developing diabetes, as well as cardiovascular problems including high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Unfortunately, this is a vicious cycle, as these health problems can actually cause low testosterone, as well as being side effects of this condition.

Testosterone Therapy For Low Levels

In most cases, men need to have both low levels of testosterone in their blood and several symptoms of low testosterone to go on therapy.

It is possible to have low levels and not experience symptoms. But if you do not have any key symptoms, especially fatigue and sexual dysfunction, which are the most common, it is not recommended you go on the therapy given the uncertainty about long-term safety.

Even if your levels are low and you have symptoms, low-t therapy is not always the first course of action. If your doctor can identify the source for declining levelsfor instance, weight gain or a particular medicationhe or she may first address that problem.

If you and your doctor think testosterone replacement therapy is right for you, there are a variety of delivery methods to consider, as found in the Harvard Special Health Report Men’s Health: Fifty and Forward.

Most men feel improvement in symptoms within four to six weeks of taking testosterone replacement therapy, although changes like increases in muscle mass may take from three to six months.

Diabetes And Low Testosterone

A link between diabetes and low testosterone is well established. Men with diabetes are more likely to have low testosterone. And men with low testosterone are more likely to later develop diabetes. Testosterone helps the body’s tissues take up more blood sugar in response to insulin. Men with low testosterone more often have insulin resistance: they need to produce more insulin to keep blood sugar normal.

As many as half of men with diabetes have low testosterone, when randomly tested. Scientists aren’t sure whether diabetes causes low testosterone, or the other way around.

Also Check: Can Cortisol Levels Be Tested

How Is Low Testosterone Treated

Healthcare providers treat low testosterone with testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone replacement therapy has several different forms, including:

• Testosterone skin gels: You apply the gel every day to clean, dry skin as directed. Its important that you dont transfer the gel to another person through skin-to-skin contact. Testosterone skin gels are one of the most common forms of treatment in the U.S.
• Intramuscular testosterone injections: You or a provider can administer the injections into a muscle every 1 to 2 weeks. Providers can administer long-acting testosterone by injection every 10 weeks. There are also subcutaneous injection options.
• Testosterone patches: You apply these patches every day to your skin as directed. You usually have to rotate their location to avoid skin reactions.
• Testosterone pellets: A specialist implants these pellets under your skin every three to six months. The pellets provide consistent and long-term testosterone dosages.
• Buccal testosterone tablets: These are sticky pills that you apply to your gums twice a day. The testosterone absorbs quickly into your bloodstream through your gums.
• Testosterone nasal gel: You apply a testosterone gel by applying it into each nostril three times a day.
• Oral testosterone: A pill form of testosterone called undecanoate is available for people with low testosterone due to specific medical conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome or tumors that have damaged their pituitary gland.

• Skin irritation .

How Do I Know If A Product To Treat Hot Flashes Is Safe Or Legitimate

In general, its always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new medication or supplement. Sometimes, a product might seem safe on the surface, but it might not be a good option for you when you factor in other medications you take or other medical conditions you might have. Your provider will discuss each of these factors with you and make sure its a safe product for you.

Ask yourself a few simple questions when youre considering a new treatment for hot flashes:

• Whats the treatment?

• Ads disguised as valid news articles.
• Ads in the back of the magazines.

Additional red flags to look for can include:

• Big claims: If products claim to be a “cure” for your condition or give outrageous claims, be cautious.
• : Be wary if the product is only offered through one manufacturer or purchased only through a healthcare providers office.
• Ingredients: Make sure all of the active ingredients are listed and dont trust “secret formulas.”
• Testimonials: Remember that only people who are satisfied with a product give testimonials and that they may be getting paid for their endorsement.

The best and safest thing to do is talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new product for your hot flashes.

Read Also: What Does Too Much Cortisol Do

Are There Foods That Can Help With My Hot Flashes

Many people try to add more plant estrogen into their diets to combat the hormonal changes that go along with menopause. The thought is that adding plant estrogens can help with your hot flashes. Plant estrogens, such as isoflavones, are thought to have weak estrogen-like effects that might reduce hot flashes.

Examples of foods with isoflavones include:

How Is Gynecomastia Managed Or Treated

Some people dont want or need treatment for gynecomastia. If a medication or other substance is causing breasts to enlarge, you may need to stop using the drug or switch to a different one. If a disease is the cause, swelling should go away with disease treatment.

Some men choose to get breast reduction surgery. During this procedure, a plastic surgeon removes breast tissue to make breasts smaller.

You May Like: Levels Of Estrogen During Cycle

Does Titanium Dioxide Lower Testosterone

Titanium dioxide is a controversial topic at the moment. This white, fine, mineral powder is used in a variety of everyday products from sunscreens and cosmetics to plastics, food colorants and toothpaste. The inorganic compound is used most often to provide a whiter, bright pigment to products. While the U.S. Food and Drug Association allows this compound to be added to food in the U.S., titanium dioxide was recently banned as a food additive , citing its ability to cause damage to your DNA.

Many concerns regarding titanium dioxide revolve around its potential to be carcinogenic, but what does it do to your testosterone levels? The answer is: we just dont know enough yet. One small model study showed titanium dioxide caused a decrease in testosterone synthesis, but more research is needed to determine just how titanium dioxide affects testosterone levels in humans. Until we know more, some researchers suggest limiting your intake of titanium dioxide whenever possible.

Alternative And Complementary Therapies

• Lose weight. Losing the pounds often causes testosterone levels to come up, especially if you are obese or have an underlying medical condition such as diabetes that can contribute to low T.
• Limit alcohol consumption. Consuming alcohol can convert testosterone to estrogen.
• Calm yourself. The stress hormone cortisol can compromise testosterones effects.
• Get a full nights sleep. Sleep deprivation shoots up cortisol levels.
• Work out. Interval exercise can build muscle mass, which in turn releases testosterone from protein.
• Avoid BPA. Drinking out of plastic cups made with the chemical bisphenol A can lower testosterone levels.
• Get your zinc. Found in shellfish and pork, this mineral can support testosterone levels naturally. If you take a supplement, take 12 to 15 milligrams daily.
• Eat healthy fats. Add fats to your diet such as those found in nuts, avocado, and olive oil.
• Avoid sugar. This can decrease testosterone.

You May Like: Male Non Hormonal Birth Control

Youre Tired All The Time

Fatigue is a common sign of low testosterone. You might feel like you just dont have the energy that youre used to. Or you might be incredibly tired, all the time.

According to the American Urological Association, men with low testosterone levels have a higher prevalence of fatigue than men with normal testosterone levels.

Researchers arent sure why fatigue is such a common symptom of low testosterone in men, but it could be related to sleep disturbances. Testosterone production peaks during deep sleep. If youre not getting adequate nighttime rest, your T levels may not reach their daytime peak. In one JAMA study , daytime testosterone levels decreased by 10-15% among healthy young men who restricted sleep to 5 hours per night for one week. Of course, skimping on sleep will make you tired in its own right, but there could be a double threat.

Fortunately an increased boost in energy is one of the first things I hear from my guys I put on TRT, says Calvert.

How Common Is Testosterone Deficiency

Men are more likely to develop testosterone deficiency as they get older. It is also more common in men who are overweight and men who are in poor general health with long-term health conditions.

One large study in Europe found that testosterone deficiency affected about 2 in 100 men aged 40 to 79 years. Testosterone deficiency affected about 5 in 100 men aged 70 to 79 years.

Don’t Miss: Can Dogs Take Melatonin For Anxiety

Could You Have Low Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone made by the testicles. It is important for a man’s sex drive and physical appearance.

Certain health conditions, medicines, or injury can lead to low testosterone . Testosterone level also naturally drops with age. Low testosterone can affect sex drive, mood, and changes in muscle and fat.

Treatment with testosterone therapy may help reduce symptoms.

How Is Gynecomastia Diagnosed

Your healthcare provider will assess symptoms, perform a physical exam and review your medical and family history. A blood test may also be recommended to check hormone levels.

Because both gynecomastia and breast cancer cause breast lumps, your provider may order a:

• Breast ultrasound to view detailed images of breast growths.
• Mammogram to examine unusual growths or changes in breast tissue.

Recommended Reading: How Do You Measure Cortisol Levels

How Are Low Testosterone Levels Treated

Testosterone therapy, given by injections, gels, lotions, creams, patches or tablets, is used to treat low testosterone. It’s unclear whether testosterone therapy has any benefit for older men who are otherwise healthy, and testosterone therapy may even be harmful in some situations.

The risks of testosterone therapy include:

• acne or other skin reactions
• non-cancerous growth of the prostate and growth of any existing prostate cancer

Getting diabetes or other illnesses under control and losing weight can also improve testosterone levels.

Testosterone And Other Conditions

Low testosterone often exists with other medical conditions:

• Depression: In a study of almost 4,000 men older than 70, those with the lowest testosterone levels were more than twice as likely to be depressed. This link remained even after allowing for age, general health, obesity, and other variables.
• Erectile dysfunction : Problems with erections and libido are common symptoms of low testosterone. While most ED in older men is caused by atherosclerosis, an evaluation for low testosterone may be warranted.

Recommended Reading: Free Testosterone Vs Total Testosterone

What May Interact With This Medication

• Medications for diabetes
• Steroid medications like prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Youre Working Out But Not Seeing Any Gains

If youve been more devoted than ever to your fitness routine, but not noticing any gains, it could be a symptom of low testosterone in men.

Testosterone stimulates the growth of muscles and increases muscle strength, says Calvert. Your muscle cells have receptors called androgen receptors. When testosterone binds to the receptors, it helps your muscles grow. But when T levels flag, the muscle can start to degrade.

In simple terms, if you have more circulating testosterone, your muscle cells are more active and they grow, says Calvert. Take away the T, and adding muscle mass is almost impossible.

Recommended Reading: How To Deal With High Cortisol Levels

Low Testosterone In Men

Low testosterone in men is called hypogonadism. If a man has this condition, it means that he is not producing enough testosterone. Male hypogonadism may be congenital or it may develop later in life. By congenital, we mean that he is born with that defect.

The effect of hypogonadism and its treatment depends on the cause and the time of your life in which it occurs. Clinical research shows that male hypogonadism can be resolved with testosterone replacement therapy.

The Effects Of Leaving Low Free Testosterone Untreated

If you ignore the signs and symptoms of having low free testosterone, you may be setting yourself up for much more severe health issues.

Leaving your low free levels untreated can lead to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease or heart attacks, osteoporosis and strokes.

However, it can also affect your mental capacity to increase your risk of developing dementia or depression.

Don’t Miss: How To Lower Cortisol For Sleep

Symptoms Of High Testosterone In Women

Signs of high testosterone levels in women can include:

• Abnormal hair growth throughout your body
• Male pattern baldness
• An enlarged clitoris and smaller breast size
• Menstrual irregularities are another sign of high levels of testosterone
• And if you put on pounds super easily, you might want to get your testosterone levels checked: elevated testosterone contributes to weight gain

High female testosterone levels are also linked with an increased risk of obesity and infertility. Post-menopausal women with elevated testosterone may be more likely to experience insulin resistance, which can make diabetes more likely. If you have high levels of testosterone, speak with your healthcare provider to learn about hormone imbalance treatment options. In some cases, hormone therapy or medication can help get levels back to a balanced state.

Testosterone Tablets And Pellets

Tablets are placed on the gums above your incisors every 12 hours. As the gel-like tablet dissolves it slowly releases testosterone. Gum tablets can cause a bitter taste, irritated mouth, tender gums, or headaches. These side effects may get better with time. You can eat, drink, and kiss women and children while using testosterone tablets. Testosterone pellets are placed under the skin with low continual release of T for 3-6 months which eliminates the need for a weekly or daily testosterone application.

Also Check: Low Hormone Birth Control Pill

The Effects Of Testosterone On The Body

Testosterone is an important male hormone. A male begins to produce testosterone as early as seven weeks after conception. Testosterone levels rise during puberty, peak during the late teen years, and then level off. After age 30 or so, its normal for a mans testosterone levels to decrease slightly every year.

Most men have more than enough testosterone. But, its possible for the body to produce too little testosterone. This leads to a condition called hypogonadism. This can be treated with hormonal therapy, which requires a doctors prescription and careful monitoring. Men with normal testosterone levels should not consider testosterone therapy.

Testosterone levels affect everything in men from the reproductive system and sexuality to muscle mass and bone density. It also plays a role in certain behaviors.

Low Testosterone can contribute to DE and low testosterone supplements could help fix your DE issue.

What Should I Watch For While Using This Medication

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. They will need to check the level of testosterone in your blood.

This medication is only approved for use in men who have low levels of testosterone related to certain medical conditions. Heart attacks and strokes have been reported with the use of this medication. Notify your care team and seek emergency treatment if you develop breathing problems changes in vision confusion chest pain or chest tightness sudden arm pain severe, sudden headache trouble speaking or understanding sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg loss of balance or coordination. Talk to your care team about the risks and benefits of this medication.

This medication may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your care team before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medication.

Testosterone injections are not commonly used in women. Women should inform their care team if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your care team or pharmacist for more information. Talk with your care team about your birth control options while taking this medication.

This medication is banned from use in athletes by most athletic organizations.

Read Also: Non Hormonal Birth Control Phexxi

Your Bones May Be Weaker

Men with low T may be more prone to broken bones.

Bone metabolism is complex and related to two main cell types, says Calvert. There are osteoblasts, which build the bone, and osteoclasts that break it down. Testosterone stimulates osteoblasts to deposit bone, so if your T levels are low, you may make less bone.

Whats more, estrogen , stops osteoclast activity. If your T is low, your estrogen levels will also be low, and youll have more bone breakdown.

When To See A Healthcare Provider

If you have symptoms such as reduced sex drive or erection problems, you should see your healthcare provider. They can do a blood test to help determine whether you have low testosterone. Low T is also a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease so its important to get checked to not only help your symptoms but protect your heart.

Recommended Reading: Hormones And Depression In Females