Your Guide to Boosting Low Testosterone Levels If you can’t explain why you’ve been feeling so depressed lately and why you no longer have the same drive you once had in bed like you were in your 20s. Then these are ways of your manhood saying that your fuel tank is about to get empty, so you need to re-fuel yourself. Your testosterone levels are dropping and something needs to be done to spike them up.
Familiar with the condition called menopause? Menopause happens in women when the body is no longer able to supply an adequate amount of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. This is a point in a woman’s life when she gets to experience hot flushes, mood swings, and an increased risk of developing medical conditions. So that’s why your wife easily gets angry with you for no reason? Men, too, are likely to undergo a similar condition called andropause. Where the male hormone testosterone suddenly begins to drop.
To help you grasp a better understanding, here are some answers to common questions about having low testosterone.
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is a male hormone responsible for exhibiting male characteristics such as your facial hair, baritone voice, and your muscular physique among others. Although testosterone is produced in the testicles, hormone production is still controlled by the pituitary gland found in your brain.
Does testosterone increase the risk of prostate cancer development?
When men have low testosterone levels, they may be advised to undergo testosterone replacement so they get to maintain their quality of life. However, many of these men refuse to undergo hormone replacement thinking that this may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. However, studies support that testosterone and prostate cancer development have no direct relation. One study even conducted showed that men with low testosterone levels were more likely to die than those with high levels. So any concern you have about prostate cancer treatments as a result of problems with low T are likely unfounded. Which is also to say your
Gleason score is unlikely to take on added importance due to problems with testosterone.
What are the symptoms of low testosterone levels?
Men with low testosterone levels exhibit symptoms like loss of sexual appetite and erectile dysfunction. When your testosterone is low, you start to become obese. You’re no longer as strong as steel. You get depressed for no reason. You seem to be forgetful. Or that you don’t have the same energy as you had during your young adult years.
How is your testosterone level tested?
To determine your testosterone levels, you simply need to undergo blood testing. If your levels are within 900-475, then you’re good. But if it’s lower than the range, then it’s best to discuss with your doctor on what you can do to normalize your testosterone levels.
What causes low testosterone levels?
Testosterone levels normally decrease with age. However, if age is not the issue, other possible causes for this condition would be infection of the testes, starvation, poor diet, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, or kidney failure. Or in several cases, if the main cause of low testosterone levels remains to be unknown, they refer to the condition as idiopathic low testosterone production.
Can low testosterone be treated?
Yes. There are a number of treatments available to help boost testosterone levels. The most popular treatment for hormone replacement is the hormone pellet. It is placed under the skin so your body can absorb it. The pellet is usually replaced every 5 or 6 months or whenever necessary. So far, this treatment has been FDA-approved so it’s basically safe and effective. Other treatments for low testosterone include transdermal patches, testosterone injections, testosterone pills, and testosterone gels rubbed into the skin.
What happens once you get treatment?
Men who have undergone any of these testosterone treatments have reported to have increased energy levels, enhanced strength, improved bone density, less fatigue, and improved sexual functions.
What are the side effects of testosterone replacement therapy and the risks involved?
The common side effects of testosterone replacement are acne problems, testicular atrophy, and loss of hair. Long term risks may include increased risks of liver damage and stroke. Prostate cancer may also be imminent. So asking your doctor ahead about possible
prostate cancer treatments may give you leverage.
If you’re considering getting testosterone replacement therapy, it is best to discuss this over with your doctor so you can weigh out the pros and cons. It may also be best that before undergoing such therapy, begin living healthy by incorporating fruits and vegetables in your diet and engaging yourself in daily aerobic exercises. These, along with testosterone replacement, can finally supply you with all the fuel you need to live happy and strong.