Low testosterone (Male hypogonadism) is a medical condition where the male testes (scrotoplums, the male reproductive organs) don’t produce sufficient testosterone (male sex hormones). This condition can have various causes, but the most common cause is the genetic malfunctions that can disrupt the proper functioning of reproductive organs. It also happens when body cells and tissues don’t respond to sexual signals correctly. Low Testosterone is the most prominent cause of erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition where a male has weak or no desire to have sex and has low levels of energy levels leading to decreased libido.
Low Testosterone as a symptom can lead to many other problems. Erectile dysfunction, low energy levels and reduced libido are some of the complications that low testosterone can cause. Low testosterone production can affect the way the body responds to sexual stimuli. If there is insufficient hormone production, the body produces less testosterone than what is required for normal sexual function. Low Testosterone symptoms include lack of desire for sexual intercourse, loss of libido, inability to achieve and maintain an erection, decreased muscle mass and loss of bone density.
Other symptoms of low testosterone levels may include anxiety, mood swings, depression, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, osteonecrosis, irritability, insomnia, and hypertension. Low testosterone may also lead to the development of various cancers like breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and others. Symptoms of low testosterone may also lead to the occurrence of obesity. Men with low testosterone levels are more likely to develop age-related illnesses like diabetes, atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, and cognitive impairment. As a side note, low testosterone levels can also cause infertility in men.
So how does low testosterone affect the way you live your life? The most common manifestation of this disorder is impotence or decreased sexual ability. In most cases, these symptoms appear slowly over time and are most noticeable after one or two years. But what are the causes of low testosterone levels? There are many theories on the subject. Among them are performance-enhancing drugs, exposure to toxic substances during childhood, and exposure to radiation.
Aside from low testosterone, there are also other causes for low testosterone. These include body fat levels, insulin resistance, aging, underactive thyroid glands, depression, hypoglycemia, kidney failure, hypothyroidism, vitamin D insufficiency, and medications. A deficiency of testosterone can also be caused by insufficient intake of dairy products, meat, and carbohydrates. With these said, it is important to take note of proper diet and lifestyle in order to keep low levels of the hormone within the body.
Low testosterone helps prevent bone loss because it encourages the production of the hormones that allow the body to maintain a healthy bone mass. Low levels of testosterone might lead to osteoporosis, which is a common bone disease found among older people. Low testosterone levels may also contribute to weak libido or erectile dysfunction, which is common among men and women in their 40s and above. Aside from bone mass, low testosterone also affects the thickness and duration of your hair.
Symptoms of low testosterone include decreased sex drive, decreased bone mass, and decreased muscle mass. In men, the hormone helps produce sperm, controls the adrenal glands, and is key in the production of testosterone. The hormone also has numerous other important roles, such as:
Testosterone affects many areas of your body and its effects are not necessarily felt in the testicles. In men, the testicles are one of the main areas that produce testosterone. Testosterone is responsible for the growth and strength of the testicles and the functioning of the other sex organs. Low levels of testosterone have been linked to weak erections, body hair loss, decreased bone density and muscle mass, depression, irritability, anxiety and thinning hair.
Low Testosterone can also lead to the symptoms of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a common sleeping disorder that can have severe health risks. Symptoms of sleep apnea include daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, pauses and gasps for breath during sleep, increased daytime sleepiness, dry mouth and drowsiness. Because low levels of testosterone therapy can contribute to these symptoms, it is recommended that low levels be treated to treat sleep apnea. Low levels of testosterone have also been linked to conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, insomnia, and depression.
Low Testosterone can affect many areas of an individual’s life. It can lower energy levels, reduce physical activity, decrease production of sex hormones, increase body fat and increase body hair. It has also been shown to cause changes in the cardiovascular system, causing atherosclerosis, fatty buildup, hardening of the arteries and the formation of high cholesterol. Low levels of testosterone can also cause conditions such as osteoporosis, hypertension and depression. Osteoporosis is commonly associated with aging, as estrogen levels are increased with age.
Low Testosterone therapy has shown to help men suffering from erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction refers to difficulty maintaining an erection sufficient to have sexual intercourse. Low testosterone levels have also been found to contribute to impotence and loss of libido. Low testosterone therapy has been found to be effective in increasing libido and helping men achieve erection in a natural and easy way.
A healthy diet and lifestyle can go a long way toward correcting many of these symptoms of Low Testosterone. By eating a healthy diet, which includes foods rich in vitamins and minerals, and getting regular exercise, many of these symptoms of Low Testosterone can be corrected. The men’s sexual health clinic in Jacksonville called Prime Men’s Medical Center can provide more information about Testosterone Deficiency and how to treat it. In some cases, medications such as testosterone replacement therapy may be recommended. However, it is always best to discuss these issues with your doctor before you make any type of change to your diet or lifestyle.