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What Does Low Testosterone Do

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What Are The Symptoms Of Low Testosterone In Women

What does Testosterone do? Low Testosterone signs.

When your testosterone drops lower than 15 ng/dL, you will likely see changes. Because its lower than normal, you arent dealing with potential changes that reflect male characteristics, like facial hair or muscle growth. Instead, you experience issues like:

  • Loss of bone mass and osteoporosis
  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Vaginal dryness

Perhaps the most recognized side effect of low T among men and women is that your sex drive may come to a grinding halt, in part or in addition to the development of sexual dysfunction.

The primary type of sexual dysfunction caused by low T is called hypoactive sexual desire disorder or HSDD.

HSDD is characterized by a distinct lack of interest in sex at all. That means a lack of interest in sex itself or even fantasies or masturbation. You might also experience symptoms like low self-confidence and self-worth as well as depression and fatigue.

Low T doesnt guarantee HSDD, nor does HSDD meant hat you have low testosterone levels. The link is poorly understood thanks to a lack of research. As a result, there isnt a single testosterone level that guarantees HSDD.

As a result, low T isnt just a hormone issue. It can impact your overall health and wellbeing, including your physical, psychological, and spiritual health.

How Do You Boost Your Testosterone Levels

Nutrients such as zinc, vitamin D and D-Aspartic acid have all been shown to optimize testosterone production in robust clinical trials.

TestoFuel provides you with all of the building blocks needed to fuel your physical needs. Whether its to ramp up your libido or pack on slabs of muscle, this all-natural supplementation will optimize masculinity.

  • Increased Energy work out harder for longer in the gym and in the bedroom
  • Muscle Growth and Strength feel stronger and look better. Bigger lifts and more size
  • Libido enhancing Improve confidence, endurance and sex drive
  • Recover Better ;Go again and again. A bigger sexual appetite and better gains in the gym

TestoFuel is an ideal, natural supplement specifically designed to give you all of the benefits with none of the side effects.

Mood Swings And Changes

Besides affecting physical function, testosterone also plays an important role in mood regulation. Medical researchers note that men with Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome are more susceptible to depression, irritability and lack of focus. All these conditions can reduce the quality of your personal and work life.

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Symptoms Of Low Testosterone In Women

What are some low testosterone symptoms in women? Low libido, weight gain, and changes in mood are all common signs of low testosterone levels. Low testosterone over a long period of time may also contribute to more serious issues like heart disease, poor memory, and loss of bone density.

Other common signs of low T?

  • Your hair may begin to thin
  • Your skin may become drier
  • Your sex drive may be dampened
  • You might lose muscle mass
  • An increase in body fat, as well as mood changes , can also stem from lower-than-healthy testosterone levels
  • Sexual dysfunction, bone loss, and overall loss of strength are some other possible low T symptoms

Diagnosing And Testing For Hypogonadism

How Do You Know If You Have Low Testosterone?

Outside of age, there are myriad causes for testosterone deficiency, Dr. Mulhall adds. They include testicular dysfunction, chemotherapy or radiation to testes, or loss of the testes, he said. Then there are secondary testosterone deficiencies, genetic disorders, Kleinfelter syndrome, pituitary disorders, steroid use, opioid use, diabetes, and obesity.

While testosterone supplementation is being used to treat low hypoactive sexual desire, a type of sexual dysfunction, in women, we don’t know if it’s a bona fide condition, says Dr. Bhasin. Its been plausible but remains only a hypothesis that hasnt been proven definitively.

According to the recommendations issued by both the Endocrine Society and AUA,1,2 before a diagnosis of testosterone deficiency can be made, patients must demonstrate both a low testosterone levels and show signs and/or symptoms of the condition.

Read Also: How Much Estrogen Is In Loestrin

Know The Health Warnings Of T Supplementation

When it comes to treatment, there are a variety of forms of testosteronefrom gels to adhesive pellets to injectionsthat can be administered to men.

However, you should be aware that patients who use transdermal gels to restore normal T levels should be careful to avoid any risk of transferring testosterone gels to women and children.4 Covering the shoulders or upper arms where the gel has been applied is sufficient to protect against accidental exposure of this hormone to others.

From a reproductive standpoint, both professional organization guidelines note that men who are trying to conceive should not receive testosterone treatments because it impairs sperm production.

Even when testosterone replacement is stopped, there will be a period of time during which it will take sperm production a while to recover, says Dr. Mulhall.

Theres no magic to diagnosing or treating testosterone deficiency, says Bhasin. Like any other condition its really important to have accurate measurements and be rigorous in the diagnosis and a major concern has been starting treatments without an appropriate diagnosis.

The result has been that half the people never refill their prescriptions and about three quarters of men given a testosterone prescription will not be using testosterone after the first year, he said.; It’s a bona fide condition that is under diagnosed and over treated.

What Is Testosterone And Why Does It Decline

Testosterone is a hormone. It’s what puts hair on a man’s chest. It’s the force behind their sex drive.

During puberty, testosterone helps build men’s muscles, deepens their voice, and boosts the size of their penis and testes. In adulthood, it keeps men’s muscles and bones strong and maintains their interest in sex. In short, it’s what makes a man a man .

After age 30, most men begin to experience a gradual decline in testosterone. A decrease in sex drive sometimes accompanies the drop in testosterone, leading many men to mistakenly believe that their loss of interest in sex is simply due to getting older.

“Some say it’s just a part of aging, but that’s a misconception,” says Jason Hedges, MD, PhD, a urologist at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. A gradual decline in testosterone can’t explain a near-total lack of interest in sex, for example. And for Hedges’ patients who are in their 20s, 30s, and early 40s and having erectile problems, other health problems may be a bigger issue than aging.

“A lot of the symptoms are mirrored by other medical problems,” Hedges says. “And for a long time, we were not attributing them to low testosterone, but to diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease. But awareness and appreciation of low testosterone has risen. We recognize now that low testosterone may be at the root of problems.”

“The blood test is really the thing,” Mezitis says.

Recommended Reading: How Fast Does Testosterone Build Muscle

Why Might Your Testosterone Drop

Like men, women are more likely to experience low T both as part of aging or as a result of a medical condition or as a side effect of medication. By the time a woman is 40, her hormone production falls by around half.

Even still, testosterone drops when a center of hormone production suffers. Your ovaries are the biggest producer of testosterone, but it also comes from your adrenal glands and peripheral tissues.

As a result, when your ovaries undergo changes, you are more likely to experience hormonal fluctuations, including a drop in your T levels.

First, lets talk about hormonal birth control. Many women begin hormonal contraception during late adolescence and remain on it over long periods of time. The use of medications like the pill or the patch change your hormonal balances and can lead to a drop in your testosterone later in life.

What could birth control do to your testosterone production? Some of the testosterone produced by your ovaries and adrenal glands binds to the serum hormone bonding globulin , which is a protein. If the testosterone binds to SHBG, then it is inactive testosterone. Only free, unbound testosterone increases your libido. Some forms of hormonal birth control increase SHBG, which means more testosterone binds to it, leaving less behind in the active form.

Another cause is ovarian failure.

Finally, issues with your pituitary gland or thyroid, like a tumor, can cause changes in your hormone levels including your testosterone.

What Is Low Testosterone

What does low testosterone feel like?

Men who have low testosterone do not make enough of the male hormone called testosterone. This hormone allows men to produce sperm and to develop and keep normal physical male traits. Low testosterone is also called testosterone deficiency or hypogonadism.

Low testosterone can lead to problems such as loss of sex drive, erection problems, infertility, and weakened bones.

Read Also: How Do You Start Testosterone Ftm

Testosterone Mood And Thinking

Some of the changes that may occur with low testosterone are nonspecific symptoms such as easy irritability, mood changes, poor concentration, and feeling fatigued or having less energy. However, these symptoms may be caused by a condition other than low testosterone.

Other Health Problems That Mirror Low T Symptoms

  • Anemia
  • Steroid medications

Loss Of Mental Clarity And Difficulty Concentrating

Studies have shown that men who take testosterone tend to experience an increase in memory. Testosterone affects many physical processes in the body, and focus, clarity, and memory are no exception. Life issues caused by low testosterone- such as stress and relationship issues- can also play a role in the struggle to focus.

Read Also: Who Needs Hormone Replacement Therapy

Signs Of Low Testosterone In Men

Testosterone is a naturally produced hormone thats found in both men and woman along with many animals.1 While men have a much higher percentage of testosterone than women, the hormone helps keep bodily functions working in balance for both sexes. In males, the testicles make the majority of testosterone and in women, the ovaries make small amounts of testosterone.1 The endocrine system monitors your bodys hormone levels and sends signals to your organs to produce testosterone when needed. In addition to the sex organs, the adrenal glands of both men and women also contribute to producing testosterone.

When speaking about testosterone levels, we primarily associate it with men, as its directly linked to puberty, sex drive, and mood.1 When testosterone levels are too high, it can cause changes in behavior and increased sex drives. When testosterone levels are too low, men will often experience a range of symptoms.2 The problem is, many of these symptoms are subtle, so its difficult to notice them unless you know what to look out for. In this article, well cover 11 signs of low testosterone in men.

Low Testosterone Symptom: Your Heart Might Be At Risk

How Do I Know If I Have Low Testosterone?

The effect of testosterone levels on the risk of heart problems has stoked controversy among experts, Dr. Anawalt says.;

On one side, low levels of testosterone may be linked to heart problems. In fact, one study;from the U.K. found men with low T had a greater risk of dying from heart disease than men with normal levels.;

This may be because testosterone can help open up blood vessels to the heart, allowing blood to flow more freely.;

But on the flip side, some studies have suggested that testosterone therapyespecially in older men or those with existing heart conditionsmight increase the risk of heart attack;or stroke. Experts think it may thicken the blood, making a clot more likely.;

Related: 30 Easy Ways to Save Your Heart Today

It seems that the extra testosterone might be raising levels too high, Dr. Anawalt says.;

So if youre a candidate for testosterone therapy, make sure you talk to your doctor about the benefits and the risks, Dr. Werthman says.;

Your doctor may test your testosterone levels after you first start therapy or change dosagesor sometimes between shots, if youre receiving treatment by injectionto make sure your levels arent surging too high, Dr. Anawalt says.;

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What Are The Benefits Of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Potential benefits of testosterone replacement therapy may include:

  • In boys, avoiding problems related to delayed puberty
  • Loss of fat
  • Skin irritation

Laboratory abnormalities that can occur with testosterone replacement include:

  • Increase in prostate-specific antigen
  • Increase in red blood cell count

If you are taking hormone replacement therapy, regular follow-up appointments with your physician are important.

Guidelines suggest discussing the potential risk vs. benefit of evaluating prostate cancer risk and prostate monitoring. The doctor and patient will decide together regarding prostate cancer monitoring. For patients who choose monitoring, clinicians should assess prostate cancer risk before starting testosterone treatment, and 3 to 12 months after starting testosterone:

  • PSA levels should be checked at 3, 6, and 12 months within the first year, and then every year after that.
  • A digital rectal examination of the prostate should be done at 3-6 months and 1 year after beginning therapy, and then every year after that. This is recommended even for men who are not on testosterone replacement therapy, as an age-related prostate cancer screening. This usually begins at age 50.
  • Hematocrit levels will be checked before testosterone therapy starts, and then on a regular basis to make sure red blood cell levels remain normal.

How Treatment Works For Low 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:

  • Health AssessmentDuring your initial visit, one of our medical professionals will conduct a comprehensive health assessment, including a simple blood test. This test is part of a full lab panel, including your PSA, A1C, and more.;All of your lab results, the responses to our health questionnaire and your medical history will be discussed with our medical provider at your next office visit.
  • Personalized PlanBased on your health assessment, lab results and medical history, your provider will create your personalized testosterone replacement therapy treatment plan, if testosterone therapy is appropriate.
  • Treatment RegimenYour treatment regimen is based on your personalized plan. If your numbers indicate low t, we will discuss testosterone replacement treatment options using testosterone replacement injections, which are administered by a medical professional in our office typically every seven to 10 days, or administered by you at-home, if you prefer one of our simple, convenient take-home options.
  • Optimization and PreventionOnce your testosterone replacement therapy regimen is underway to address symptoms of low testosterone , your provider will optimize treatments to maximize your health and wellness.
  • Also Check: Does Taking Estrogen Cause Cancer

    Signs Of Low Testosterone And What You Can Do To Relieve Symptoms

    Low testosterone occurs in men when the testicles dont produce the levels of the male sex hormone that theyre designed to produce. This can cause many problems for men because testosterone plays an important role in the male body. It helps develop sexual characteristics, maintain muscle and bone mass, keep your red blood cell levels up, and give you an overall sense of well-being.

    If your testosterone level drops, as it does for almost 40% of men 45 and over, you may need to seek some help so you can maintain normal body functions.;

    At Arlington Family Practice, low testosterone is one of the common mens health issues we treat. Here are five signs of low testosterone, and what you can do to relieve these symptoms.

    Low Testosterone: How Low Can It Go

    Does Low Testosterone cause Hair Loss?

    Most men don’t need to worry about dangerously low testosterone, but you should know the symptoms. Find out about really low T and its warning signs.

    As if erectile dysfunction weren’t enough to worry about, low testosterone weighs on the minds of many men. Throughout your life, testosterone plays an important role in regulating sexual, mental, and physical health. That’s why low testosterone, or low T as it’s called, can cause common symptoms like erectile dysfunction , low libido, depression, and low energy. The good news in all of this is that very low testosterone is very unlikely, and certain signs will let you know when testing and possible treatment are needed.

    Recommended Reading: Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Testosterone Therapy

    Latest Men’s Health News

    Treatment of low testosterone in hypogonadism is a fully accepted therapy. Treatment in older men is more controversial. Discuss your testosterone levels, symptoms, and side effects of treatment with your doctor to establish whether you should receive therapy and what form of therapy.

    There are several ways that testosterone therapy can be administered:

    • Transdermal : Usually applied once a day . Tends to be clean and easy to apply. There is an available mouth patch that sticks to the upper gums and is applied twice daily.
    • Gels: Applied directly to the skin and then absorbed through the skin . Dosing is more difficult although these gels are available in single applications packages or premeasured pumps.
    • Injections: Testosterone can be delivered by direct injection.
    • Pellets: Pellets can be implanted into the soft tissue and release the testosterone.

    Why no pills? Testosterone is available as a pill but some experts believe long-term oral delivery of testosterone can have negative effects on the liver. These other delivery methods bypass the liver and go directly into the blood stream.

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