Low testosterone occurs when the male reproductive glands do not produce high quantities of the sex hormone. Medically known as malehypogonadism, how do you know if you are experiencing this?
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According to Cleveland clinic, low testosterone affects almost 40 percent of men aged 45 and older, it is more common than one might first think. The male sex hormone is said to start reducing from the age of 30.
One of the convincing signs of low testosterone is an increase in body fat; another is the enlargement of breast tissue–known as gynecomastia. Declining testosterone levels may also cause mood swings and irritability; this may be accompanied by depressed mood, a decreased sense of well-being, and fatigue.
Low testosterone can also lead to a low sex drive and erectile dysfunction (the inability to get or maintain an erection). One other possible sign of low testosterone is a decrease in body hair.
Signs of low testosterone:
- Increase in body fat
- Enlargement of breast tissue
- Mood changes, such as moodiness, irritability and depressed mood
- Fatigue due to anaemia
- Low sex drive and erectile dysfunction
- Decrease in body hair.
Other signs of low testosterone might include: infertility, thinning of the bones, loss of muscular strength, and difficulties with concentration and memory.
A blood test–usually taken in the mornings when testosterone levels are supposed to be the highest–can determine testosterone levels.
Testosterone replacement therapy
Treatment for low testosterone can include testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
TRT can be injected every two weeks, or a daily patch can be worn to raise testosterone levels.
Topical gels are another option, which can be applied to the skin of the upper back or arms.
The benefits of TRT include:
- Loss of fat
- Increased bone density
- Protection against osteoporosis
- Improved mood and sense of well-being
- Improved sexual function
- Improved mental sharpness
- Greater muscle strength
- Greater physical performance
