Do You Have Low Testosterone?

As men age, losing testosterone on some level is almost certain. Low testosterone levels can impact your life in many ways, and you might not expect most of them. Losing testosterone will also greatly affect daily life, especially if you don’t know how to properly deal with the issue.

Low T can even be dangerous, as some of the symptoms can be insidious, especially because they can be blamed on other disorders and not treated appropriately for some time. Although diagnosing low testosterone is a matter of detective work, some physicians never uncover the cause of the decline in the essential hormone.

The normal range for testosterone is between 300-1,000 nanograms per deciliter, which is an extremely wide gap for people to fall into, and some men may experience low T symptoms even while falling into this range.

Still, many physicians are willing to try to raise testosterone levels if symptoms occur and other causes are ruled out. Here are some causes, tips, and solutions to help combat testosterone loss and get you back to being you.

Causes of Testosterone Loss

Low testosterone can be frustrating to experience for men and women alike. It doesn’t only affect you physically but emotionally and mentally as well. After age 30, most men begin to experience a gradual decline in testosterone,” says David Samadi, MD, chairman of the urology department at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Although testosterone levels never reach zero (as estrogen levels do in women during menopause), low testosterone levels for men can cause symptoms such as depression, low sex drive, and impotence.

Other symptoms are harder to notice and may be caused by low testosterone, including trouble sleeping, weakness (both muscular and skeletal), and fatigue. Sparse facial or body hair is also a symptom. Symptoms can vary depending on if the low testosterone is caused by aging or another medical issue. While low testosterone is more common in older men, it can occur in younger men as well. Fortunately, all of the causes of low testosterone in men are treatable, so if you experience symptoms at any age, there’s no reason to ignore it. There are other causes that reduce testosterone, most notable is obesity in which fat cells enhance conversion of testosterone to estrogen. Lifestyles including smoking and drug abuse also contribute to low-T.

What can be done about it

Treatment for low testosterone is abundant and varied. The appropriate treatment for you will depend on the severity and the option your doctor feels will fit you and your symptoms.  If your doctor detects low testosterone they may perform additional tests to determine the cause. Below is an overview of the different testosterone treatments available.

• Skin patch. A patch is applied once every 24 hours, in the evening, and releases small amounts of the hormone into the skin.
• Gels. Topical gels are spread daily onto the skin over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. It is important to wash your hands after applying and to cover the treated area with clothing to prevent exposing others to testosterone.
• Mouth tablet. Tablets are attached to your gum or inner cheek twice a day. Testosterone is then absorbed into the bloodstream.
• Pellets. These are implanted under the skin, usually around the hips or buttocks, and slowly release testosterone. They are replaced every three to six months.
• Injections. Various formulations are injected every seven to 14 days. Testosterone levels can rise to high levels for a few days after the injection and then slowly come down, which can cause a roller-coaster effect, where mood and energy levels spike before trailing off.

Alternative Treatments

• Maintain a healthy weight. Overweight men are more likely to have low testosterone levels. Losing weight can bring testosterone back up.
• Exercise regularly. Sedentary men tend to have reduced levels of testosterone, as the body doesn’t need as much. Weightlifting can stimulate testosterone production. The key is regularly moving your body and using your muscles.
• Sleep 7 to 8 hours every night. Lack of sleep affects the hormones in your body.
• Try vitamin D supplements. A 2011 study of 165 men suggested that supplementing with about 3,300 IUs of vitamin D per day increased testosterone levels.
• Enjoy your morning coffee. There is some 2008 evidence that caffeine may increase testosterone levels.

Summary

Low Testosterone will happen on some level to almost every men. It can greatly affect your life if you don’t pay attention to it and don’t take care of yourself while you are young. The good news is low testosterone is highly treatable and usually temporary. Treatment is available. Consult your primary care physician if you are experiencing some of the early signs of low testosterone like low energy, loss of muscle mass, weight gain, and chronic fatigue. Help is out there!