Causes of Low Testosterone
Testosterone levels naturally decline as men age, but low testosterone can also be caused by other conditions. These might include:
- Injuries to the testicles
- Chemotherapy/radiation therapy
- stress
- AIDS-related
- kidney disorder
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- pituitary gland disorders
- autoimmune illness
- obesity
- Some drugs have this as a side effect
The Risks of Low Testosterone
Low testosterone levels may raise your chances of acquiring various health problems.
These conditions include:
- osteoporosis
- diabetes
- heart disease
Diagnosis
Typical testosterone levels range from 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). When testosterone levels fall below 300 ng/dL, this is referred to as low testosterone. Your testosterone level can be determined by a blood test called a serum testosterone test.
Other tests may be performed to determine the cause of low testosterone. Tests to diagnose low testosterone and its causes include:
- serum testosterone
- luteinizing hormone
- Level of blood prolactin
Treatment
1. Testosterone Replacement Therapy.
This is a very common type of treatment. If you are experiencing low testosterone symptoms, consult with a doctor to see if testosterone replacement treatment is correct for you. Testosterone replacement treatment is available in several forms, including:
- Oral drugs,
- skin gel injections,
- pellets inserted under your skin
- patches
Testosterone replacement therapy is a long-term therapeutic option. If you discontinue medication, your testosterone levels will fall as well.
The following are possible side effects of testosterone replacement therapy:
- acne
- enlarged prostate
- shrinking testicles
- decreased sperm count
- high red blood cell count
- fluid retention
- swollen feet or ankles
Testosterone replacement therapy may not be right for you if you have;
- an untreated heart condition
- breast or prostate cancer
- sleep apnea
- high red blood cell counts
- if you still plan to have children
2. Change of Diet and lifestyle
This is also a common and very underrated form of therapy with success stories and barely any side effects to go along with it.
Conclusion
Males’ testosterone levels slowly decline as they age. The chances of having low testosterone increase with age.
A number of circumstances can cause low cholesterol. Males with testosterone levels lower than 300 ng/dL may exhibit various symptoms. A simple blood test may be used by a doctor to determine your testosterone level.
If your symptoms are caused by low testosterone, testosterone replacement therapy is a frequent treatment.
LetsGetChecked offers male hormone tests at home at various pricing points if you want to know your testosterone levels.
