As we navigate the first weeks of the New Year, many men will be embarking on lifestyle changes such as taking more exercise, eating more healthily, or managing their stress levels. However, there is an underlying issue that could be undermining these efforts at personal improvement: low testosterone levels.
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone that plays a key role in male sexual function. Males produce testosterone in their testicles, and it is essential for the development of the genitals, the deepening of the voice, bone growth and density, muscle size and strength, facial hair, sperm production, and libido.
Testosterone also influences energy levels and mood. Women produce testosterone in their ovaries, but in much lower quantities than males.
What are the signs of low testosterone levels in men?
The signs of low testosterone are often missed in males, either because they are subtle or because they are attributed to other causes such as lifestyle changes or age. Although testosterone levels do naturally decline as men get older, they do not drop sharply.
On average, males who are 30 years or older can expect their testosterone levels to decline by about one per cent a year. Healthy men who live active lifestyles may not notice any discernable difference in the way that they feel or their appearance. However, sometimes testosterone can drop to abnormally low levels.
Erectile dysfunction
One red flag is difficulty getting or maintaining an erection (ED). This may be accompanied by a loss of sex drive (low libido). If you have been experiencing persistent ED that has lasted for three months or longer, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
Your doctor may carry out a test to check your testosterone levels, as well as make other checkups such as blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and cholesterol levels. If any other causes are ruled out, you may be prescribed an oral medication to treat ED such as Viagra, which is cheap to buy online as sildenafil.
Low energy or fatigue
Men who feel persistently tired or even exhausted, despite no change to their activity levels or sleep patterns, may be affected by low testosterone. This can affect performance at work, motivation to exercise, and overall quality of life.
Mood swings
Testosterone plays a role in mood regulation. Men with low testosterone may find that they are increasingly irritable, depressed, or prone to stress and anxiety. This can affect their personal relationships and also impact their professional life.
Weight gain
Low testosterone levels cause body fat to be stored differently. If you are accumulating fat around the belly or breasts (gynecomastia) then it may be a sign that you have a hormonal imbalance.
Loss of muscle mass and strength
Testosterone plays an important role in building and maintaining muscle mass. If you take regular exercise, and have recently noticed that your strength is reduced or you cannot increase your muscle size despite no drop in your activity level, then this may be the sign of a hormonal imbalance.
Impaired cognitive function
Men who experience frequent ‘brain fog’, difficulty concentrating or lapses in memory may have low testosterone levels.
How can low testosterone be treated?
The first step to addressing the condition should be to see a doctor. This is because self-diagnosis could lead to inappropriate treatment that may be harmful to your health. Your doctor will carry out a test to measure your testosterone levels. If they are depleted, treatment options will depend on the underlying causes.
If a serious illness or injury is ruled out, treatment plans may include making lifestyle changes such as losing weight, eating a balanced diet, and taking more exercise. You may also be prescribed testosterone replacement therapy. This is usually delivered via gels, patches or injections.
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