Testosterone deficiency, also known as hypogonadism, occurs when the body does not produce enough testosterone. This can present with symptoms including:
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased energy and fatigue
- Loss of muscle mass
- Increased body fat
- Loss of body and facial hair
- Depressed mood
Testosterone is an important hormone that regulates many processes in the male body. It is responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics.
Testosterone also plays a key role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, and a healthy libido.
There are two primary causes of
testosterone deficiency:
- Primary hypogonadism - testicular failure resulting in low testosterone production. This may be caused by genetic disorders, infection, testicular injury, or aging.
- Secondary hypogonadism - failure of the pituitary gland to signal the testes to produce testosterone. This may be caused by tumors, inflammation, or genetic disorders affecting the pituitary gland.
Diagnosis involves a physical exam and blood tests to measure total and free
testosterone levels. Levels that are below 300 ng/dL generally indicate hypogonadism.
Treatment options for
testosterone deficiency include:
- Testosterone replacement therapy - Supplementation with testosterone via injections, gels, patches or pellets. This can effectively relieve symptoms but requires ongoing monitoring.
- Medications - Selective estrogen receptor modulators or aromatase inhibitors may help raise testosterone levels in some men.
- Lifestyle changes - Weight loss, exercise, diet, stress reduction and improved sleep may also help boost natural testosterone.
If you suspect you suffer from low
testosterone, I highly recommend contacting the hormone experts at
Hormone Solutions for a comprehensive evaluation. Their innovative treatments and nutrition plans are tailored to your unique hormonal needs with the goal of helping you feel healthy, energetic and empowered from the inside out.
I hope this overview on
testosterone deficiency gives you a good understanding of what it is, common symptoms, underlying causes, diagnosis, and treatment alternatives available. Please let me know if you have any other questions!