Having a low testosterone count affects more than just a man’s sexual drive and ability. It can cause sleep disturbances, emotional issues and physical issues as well. Here are some detailed signs, changes, treatments and risks of treatment for low testosterone levels.
Normal Ranges of Testosterone are 300-1200 ng/dl. The goal for men over 65 is midpoint 300-450 of the normal range. Once the age of 30 has come and gone a man’s (T) level will start to drop gradually by 1% each year as part of the natural aging process.
“Signs of low Testosterone”
Physical Changes
- 1. Increased body fat
- 2. Decreased muscle strength and muscle mass
- 3. Fragile bones, more likely to break, bone density
- 4. Effect on cholesterol metabolism
- 5. Sperm production, infertility
- 6. Weaker
- 7. Lower or lost sex drive
- 8. Hot flashes
- 9. Loss of body hair
- 10. Smaller, softer testicles
- 11. Swelling, tenderness of breast tissue
- 12. Less energy, excessively fatigued
- 13. Erectile dysfunction
- 14. Height loss
Emotional Changes
- 1. Depression, sadness
- 2. Irritable or mood swings
- 3. Poor concentration
- 4. Decreased feeling of well-being
- 5. Memory trouble
- 6. Lower motivation, self-confidence
- 7. Poor concentration
Sleep Changes
- 1. Insomnia
- 2. Sleep more due to low energy
- 3. Sleep patterns change (times, length)
Tests
- 1. Blood tests- (T) levels are at their highest level in the early morning the test completed then.
- 2. Rule out Diabetes, depression, high blood pressure.
- 3. Rule out an infection or illness that would also lower (T) levels.
- 4. Thyroid problems are the result of 1/4-1/3 of low levels of testosterone.
Causes
- 1. Natural aging process
- 2. Type 2 diabetes
- 3. Liver or kidney disease
- 4. COPD
- 5. Pituitary gland problems/hormone problems
- 6. Testicle injuries
- 7. Radiation therapy
- 8. Chemotherapy
- 9. Steroid medications
- 10. Alcohol use
- 11. HIV/Aids
- 12. Obesity
- 13. Testicular cancer
- 14. Infection
Treatments
The treating of low (T) is done by a specialist either an Urologist or Endocrinologist that treats hormone problems. By the use of testosterone shots, gels, patches or tablets. Replacement therapy can strengthen a man’s muscles, protect bone, improve sex drive but can vary between men.
Shots-are less expensive, given every 7-22 days and levels will go up and down.
Gel/patches-are placed on the skin and the skin absorbs the testosterone into the blood. The gel and patches need replaced daily and they have a steady level of testosterone. The gels or patches may cause itching, irritation, blisters on some men. Women and children should not be exposed to the area the gel or patch has been placed.
Tablets-are placed on the gums above the incisors every 12 hours. They are a gel-like tablet that dissolves and releases testosterone slowly. They can cause a bitter taste, irritated mouth, tender gums, and headaches. You will be able to eat and drink and kiss will not harm women and children if used.
Risks and concerns of Treatment
- 1. Risks or benefits are unknown at this time due to no large group studies have been completed
- 2. Develop too many red blood cells.
- 3. Develop sleep Apnea
- 4. Develop an enlarged prostate
- 5. Can cause acne
- 6. Long-term use my cause prostate cancer in older men, so regular checkups are necessary to monitor for the signs of cancer. Regular monitoring includes all men over 50, men over 40 with family history of cancer, and all African American men.
- 7. Men should not use testosterone therapy if they have;
- a. Prostate or breast cancer
- b. Poorly controlled heart disease
- c. Untreated sleep apnea
- d. Too many red blood cells
All in all the use of testosterone therapy is beneficial for most men and safe if monitored by a specialist that deals with hormone therapy such as an Endocrinologist.
Sources:
Web MD- http://www.webmd.com/men/features/low-testosterone-explained-how-do-you-know-when-levels-are-too-low?page=2
Health line- http://www.healthline.com/health/side-effects-of-low-testosterone#2
Hormone Medicine- http://www.hormone.org/contact-a-health-professional/what-is-an-endocrinologist
