Low T, Big Impact: Tips for Diagnosing Hypogonadism

Low Testosterone In Men: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

From there, they might provide guidance on healthy lifestyle changes, such as the tips above. Or, they might suggest a treatment tailored to your specific needs, which could include health testing, hormone therapy, or dietary adjustments. Typically, testosterone decreases as you age — particularly in people assigned male at birth. For some people, these levels can become too low and cause unwanted effects that have them looking for ways to increase their testosterone levels.

Early diagnosis and treatment in adult men provides better protection against loss of bone density (osteoporosis) and cardiovascular disease. Treatment can also improve tiredness, general well-being, erectile dysfunction and sex drive. Testosterone deficiency can be identified by blood tests which might be suggested when describing decreased sex drive (reduced libido) or erectile dysfunction.

However, the overall level of testosterone in your body changes throughout your lifetime as well. Studies have shown testosterone affects muscle mass, but not necessarily strength or function. Some health conditions and lifestyle habits can interfere with the production of this essential hormone.

There’s conflicting evidence regarding the benefits of male testosterone therapy for age-related declines in testosterone, according to a 2017 clinical review. For some people, testosterone levels may become abnormally low. Testosterone replacement therapy is used to help treat people with abnormally low levels of testosterone. Here are seven testosterone-boosting foods that could help you get the vitamins and minerals you need to keep your testosterone levels healthy. The levels of testosterone in your body are constantly changing in response to your body’s needs.

Decreasing levels of testosterone are a natural part of the aging process. The older a man gets, the lower his testosterone levels may drop. Several causes other than aging can also lead to low testosterone.

Your hypothalamus and pituitary gland normally control the amount of testosterone your testicles produce and release. Genetic variants that affect the Y chromosome and the sex hormone-binding globulin may result in a higher risk for low testosterone anabolic steroids. SHBG is a protein that helps deliver testosterone to the body’s tissues. For example, testicular atrophy can cause infertility and also reduce a person’s testosterone levels. In this instance, the low testosterone levels are a symptom of an underlying condition, not a cause of infertility. Authors of an older study from 2012 found that testosterone implants supported hair regrowth in some women receiving treatment for symptoms of sex hormone deficiency. There are also finger prick blood tests available that you can do at home to get an indication of your testosterone level.

Testosterone supports muscle mass, libido, energy levels, mood, focus, sleep quality, bone density, metabolic health, and more, says Houman. So, having lower-than-optimal testosterone levels can lead to a range of physical, mental, and emotional side effects, he says. People assigned male at birth have higher levels of testosterone than people assigned female at birth. Testosterone influences the development of many physical characteristics. It helps increase muscle bulk, bone mass, physical strength, and body hair.

It is not intended to provide diagnosis or be a substitute for professional medical advice from a healthcare practitioner. You should not use the information provided for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical or health problem, promptly consult your healthcare practitioner. Low testosterone may also be referred to as testosterone deficiency or hypogonadism. But if the FSH/LH levels come back low, you should probably consider checking prolactin.

Low testosterone — also known as hypogonadism or low T — can affect your overall health. But some doctors say it’s just a normal, harmless part of aging. Men are more likely to develop low testosterone 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.