Symptoms and Treatment of Low Testosterone

What is testosterone? How can you tell if your testosterone is low? How can you increase testosterone? In this article, you will find the answers about what testosterone, is, and the symptoms and treatment for low testosterone.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is the principal male sex hormone, although it is present in both sexes. In an adult male it helps to maintain sexual function, muscle mass, and bone strength. Testosterone also helps maintain energy levels and mood.

What causes low testosterone?

Testosterone defiency can be present at birth or develop later. Testosterone production naturally decreases by 2% each year in men over 30. Research shows that by age sixty, the body is producing 60% less testosterone than at age 20. Men over 65 with low levels of testosterone fall more frequently, leaving experts to believe that low levels of the hormone impair vision.

An unhealthy lifestyle can also lower testosterone levels. These unhealthy habits include:

Poor diet

Lack of exercise

Smoking

Alcohol abuse

Diabetes

Being Overweight

What are the symptoms of low testosterone?

If you are experiencing these symptoms you may have low testosterone.

Decreased sex drive

Lower sperm count

Obtaining and maintaining an erection

Depression

Insomnia

Fatigue easily

Have trouble concentrating

Pot Belly

Decreased muscle mass and strength

Loss of body hair

Smaller, softer testes

Pectoral (breast) fat

Loss of bone mass leading to osteoporosis

How is low testosterone diagnosed?

The first step in diagnosing low testosterone is a complete medical history and physical examination. Questions will be asked about your personal medical history, such as, age, blood type, medications taken, lifestyle factors, and major life changes which may be causing stress.

A family history will also be taken to identify any genetic factors. The doctor will want to know if any relatives were alcoholic, had heart disease, hypertension, stroke or diabetes.

Before the physical examination, the doctor will ask questions about your sexual history. These questions may include:

Genital abnormalities present at birth

Age at puberty

Current status of sexual function

Rate of nocturnal emissions

Degree of penile rigidity during erection

Frequency of masturbation or sexual intercourse

The doctor will examine the scrotum, penis size, breast size, size and consistency of the testes, and body hair. Blood tests can determine if testosterone levels are low.

How can low testosterone be increased?

Testosterone gels such as Androgel are relatively new, and more expensive than other testosterone treatments. The gel is a mixture of water, alcohol, and the hormone testosterone. The gel is applied once every twenty four hours and can be applied to the shoulder, arms, stomach or thigh, being careful not to apply to an area that might come in contact with a partner. If contact is made, wash area immediately with soap and water.

ZMA is a testosterone boosting supplement that consists of Zinc Monomethionine Aspartate, Magnesium Aspartate, and vitamin B-6. Studies have shown that supplementing with 30 mg zinc, and 450 mg. of magnesium a day can elevate testosterone levels up to 30%.

Testosterone cream works in the same way as testosterone gel, except testosterone creams can only be used in eight week intervals before a break must be taken