Are You Suffering from Low Testosterone?
Testosterone replacement therapy is a popular treatment option for men who are suffering from low testosterone in Parker and Aurora. The many harmful and frustrating symptoms of low testosterone can have a major impact on one’s quality of life. If you’re unsure as to whether or not you’re experiencing this medical condition, it’s best to learn more about its symptoms and causes.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Men
Testosterone is a key hormone in fat distribution, production of red blood cells, sex drive, reproductive function (including semen production), muscle mass, bone density, and many other aspects of male physiology.
Because of this, as a result of a decline in testosterone, men may notice numerous emotional, cognitive, sexual, and physical symptoms. These symptoms vary from patient to patient based on several factors, including age.
Emotional and cognitive symptoms of low testosterone in men may include depression and mood changes, a drop in energy, issues with concentration, memory problems, trouble sleeping, a reduction in motivation, and self-confidence issues.
Sexual symptoms can include erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, a lower incidence of spontaneous erections, and a lowered sperm count, which can lead to infertility.
A number of physical symptoms may also occur. Men may experience an increase in body fat, gynecomastia (oversized male breasts), weight gain, a decrease in bone density, and a decline in endurance. They may also notice reduced muscle mass and strength, loss of pubic hair and underarm hair, and a decrease in testicle size.
Some of these symptoms may be the result of health conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, thyroid issues, or depression. They may also be side effects of certain medications. Because of this, it’s important to come in for an official diagnosis.
Causes of Low Testosterone in Men
When testosterone levels are normal, it is because the male body is in full control of testicular testosterone production. Production is regulated by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. In the morning, men generally experience higher testosterone levels, and as the day continues, there is a natural controlled decrease.
Stress, weight gain, a medical issue known as hypogonadism, and the aging process can all result in a reduction of male testosterone levels, necessitating a need for treatment. Levels are highest in adolescent years and the start of adulthood, but around age 30, they begin to slowly decrease. The rate is only 1% a year, but after long enough, this can make a big difference.
Additional factors that can increase the chances of having low testosterone include obesity, sleep apnea, cirrhosis of the liver, Type 2 diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and kidney dysfunction.
Studies indicate that two percent of all men have low testosterone and that eight percent of men ages 50 to 79 experience this issue. It is important to come in for testing for low testosterone around the age of 45.
Diagnosing Low Testosterone in Men
During a consultation for low testosterone treatment at Beyond Human, you will meet with one of our health and wellness experts. They will ask you about your symptoms in great detail, and they will also ask questions regarding pre-existing medical conditions, recent illnesses, current medications, and any history of smoking.
Your health and wellness expert will perform a physical examination. They will also order a total testosterone level blood test. If your blood testosterone level is low, other blood tests like prolactin blood tests and LH blood tests may be performed to help to identify the cause of your low testosterone.
Once the cause has been determined, your wellness professional will discuss testosterone optimization treatment options with you. They will create a treatment plan that ensures effective optimization. They will also schedule a prostate screening, since this is necessary for all candidates.
Keep in mind that patients who have a history of liver disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer, or heart disease may not be good candidates for hormone replacement treatments. Patients with untreated sleep apnea or uncontrolled heart failure may not be ideal candidates.
Contact Us for Treatment
Low testosterone treatment is an ideal way to restore balance to your hormone levels. This can resolve symptoms while also reducing the likelihood of prostate cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s.
If you feel that you may be suffering from low testosterone and think low testosterone treatment may be right for you, take the first step: Contact Beyond Human. Arrange an appointment in Parker or Aurora with a qualified specialist, who will be happy to help diagnose and treat your low testosterone.