Causes, symptoms , signs and treatment of low testosterone
Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS
Introduction
A condition in which the male body generates inadequate amounts of testosterone is referred to as low testosterone level, also known as low testosterone. The principal male sex hormone, testosterone, promotes secondary sexual traits including muscular growth, bone density, facial hair, and a deeper voice in addition to developing and maintaining male reproductive tissues
Although low testosterone is caused due to age, a normal range for adult males is usually between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). A man is said to have low testosterone if his testosterone levels persistently fall below the lower limit of the normal range, often below 300 ng/dL.
Symptoms of low testosterone may include:-
Fatigue, diminished sex desire, erectile problems, decreased muscle mass, mood swings, and hair loss are a few symptoms of low testosterone. However, since there are other potential causes for low testosterone, it’s crucial to speak with a medical expert for a correct diagnosis.
- Low libido or urge for sex
- Fatigue and low energy levels
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced strength and muscular mass
- A rise in body fat
- Mood swings like anxiety
- Decreased bone mass
- Reduced development of body hair
- Infertility
Age-related decrease, certain medical problems (such as hypogonadism, testicular abnormalities), obesity, chronic sickness, hormonal imbalances, and specific drugs are only a few of the causes of low testosterone levels.
People should speak with a healthcare provider if they continue to suffer low testosterone symptoms.
A blood test to determine testosterone levels is commonly used to diagnose the condition.
Depending on the person’s health and unique circumstances, treatment options may include hormone replacement therapy or treating the underlying problem.
Causes:-
- Ageing: Natural testosterone levels fall with age, especially beyond the age of 30 to 40.
- Medical problems: The production of testosterone can be impacted by disorders including hypogonadism, diabetes, obesity, and chronic illnesses and these are the main causes of low testosterone.
- Drugs: Some medicines, including painkillers and corticosteroids, can reduce testosterone levels.
- Issues with stress and sleep: Hormone production can be impacted by ongoing stress and insufficient sleep and these are the main causes of low testosterone.
- Testicular illnesses or injuries: Diseases or physical injuries may impair the production of testosterone by the testes.
- Lifestyle factors: Low testosterone can be caused by lifestyle factors such a poor diet, inactivity, and excessive alcohol or drug use.
Signs of low testosterone:
- Tiredness and low energy.
- Decreased libido and sex desire.
- Difficulty obtaining or keeping an erection.
- A loss in strength and muscular mass.
- An increase in body fat, particularly in the abdominal region.
- Mood swings like agitation or despair.
- Lessened bone density, which might result in bone fractures.
- Modifications in hair growth, including loss or thinning of body and facial hair.
Remember that some of these symptoms can be caused by a variety of other causesof low testosterone, so having them does not definitely indicate that you have this condition. It’s crucial to have a correct diagnosis from a medical expert.
Treatment:-
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): This involves injecting, using gels, patches, or pellets to provide testosterone.
- Treating the underlying causes: Addressing the underlying issue, for as through treating chronic conditions or changing medication.
- Modifications to a person's lifestyle: Regular exercise, healthy eating, and weight control may, in certain situations, help testosterone levels rise.
Low testosterone is often treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) using a variety of techniques, such as:
- Injections of testosterone are given every few weeks or months.
- Daily application of testosterone patches to the skin.
- Apply daily testosterone gels to the skin.
- Implanted beneath the skin, testosterone pellets release the hormone gradually over several months.
- Buccal tablets: Applied twice a day to the gums.
HRT relieves symptoms including weakness, decreased libido, and mood swings by bringing testosterone levels back to a healthy range. A healthcare practitioner decides the best approach and dose depending on the patient’s requirements and overall health. To guarantee safety and effectiveness, regular monitoring is necessary.
Prevention:-
Numerous dietary and medical practices must be adopted in order to prevent low testosterone. The following specific actions can assist in preventing low testosterone:
- Keep up a Healthy Diet: Eat a well-balanced diet full of vital minerals including zinc, vitamin D, and healthy fats. These nutrients aid in the creation of testosterone and maintain a healthy hormonal balance.
- Regular Exercise: Take part in regular physical activity, which should include both strength and cardiovascular training. Exercise on a regular basis can increase testosterone levels and benefit general health.
- Control Stress: Excessive stress can result in hormonal abnormalities, including a decrease in the synthesis of testosterone. Engage in relaxation-promoting activities or stress-relieving practices like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or hobbies.
- Getting Enough Sleep: Try to get 7-9 hours of good sleep every night. Proper hormonal balance, including the generation of testosterone, depends on sound sleep.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Low testosterone levels can be a result of obesity and excess body fat.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: Drinking too much alcohol might lower testosterone levels. For hormone balance to remain intact, moderation is essential.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can also result in lower testosterone levels. Giving up smoking can have a good impact on hormone levels and general health.
- Reduce Exposure to Hormone Disruptors: Minimise exposure to substances like pesticides and plastics that can disrupt hormonal balance.
- Regular Checkups: To keep track of your hormone levels and general health, schedule routine checkups with your doctor.
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): If you have hypogonadism symptoms and noticeably low testosterone levels, TRT may be advised by your doctor. To restore hormone levels to a healthy range, it entails prescription testosterone in a variety of forms, including gels, patches, injections, or pellets.
TRT, however, must only be utilised under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider.
Promoting hormonal balance and avoiding low testosterone may be achieved in large part by living a healthy lifestyle and taking care of any underlying medical concerns. Consult a medical expert for tailored guidance if you are worried about your testosterone levels or any associated symptoms.
Factors:-
Hypogonadism, or low testosterone, is a medical disease in which the body produces insufficient testosterone, the main hormone involved in male sex. Although it can afflict both men and women, it is more frequently linked to men. Here is a thorough explanation and a summary:
- Age: Men's testosterone production normally declines as they age, resulting in a condition known as age-related hypogonadism or late-onset hypogonadism.
- Primary Hypogonadism: This condition develops when the testicles are unable to generate enough testosterone because of an abnormal defect, an accident, or illnesses such testicular cancer or the mumps.
- Secondary Hypogonadism: In this condition, diseases including tumours, head injuries, or certain drugs prevent the pituitary gland or hypothalamus from stimulating the testes to make testosterone.
- Diseases: Low testosterone levels can also be influenced by chronic illnesses including obesity, renal disease, and liver disease.
- Medications: The synthesis of testosterone may be affected by a number of medications, including opioids, glucocorticoids, and several hormonal treatments.
- Hereditary disorders: Such as Klinefelter syndrome, are uncommon hereditary illnesses that can cause low testosterone levels.
Diagnosis:-
- Testosterone levels are determined by blood testing, patient's symptoms, medical history, and physical exam.
- Other procedures, such imaging scans or genetic testing, may be carried out to determine the underlying reason.
1. Medical History:
A thorough review of the patient’s medical history, a physical examination, and certain laboratory testing are required for the diagnosis of low
testosterone. Here is a thorough description of the diagnosing procedure:
- The healthcare professional will begin by going over the patient's symptoms and medical background. Any changes in libido, energy levels, mood, and sexual function will be discussed.
- The patient's current medicines, prior operations, and ongoing medical issues will all be recorded.
- Family history may also be important because low testosterone can result from specific hereditary diseases.
2. Physical Examination:
To look for indications of low testosterone, a physical examination will be performed. Evaluations of muscle mass, body hair
distribution, and gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue) symptoms may be part of this process.
- The medical professional will also look for any further physical anomalies that can be connected to low testosterone.
3. Evaluation of Symptoms:
Low libido, erectile dysfunction, lethargy, mood swings, and other issues connected to low testosterone will all be assessed for presence and severity.
4. Blood Tests:
- Testosterone Levels: A blood test to determine the total testosterone level in the blood is the main method of diagnosing low testosterone. Since testosterone levels are highest in the morning, this procedure is typically done then.
- Free Testosterone Levels: Since free testosterone is the hormone's physiologically active form and is not attached to proteins, it is occasionally also tested.
- The pituitary hormones luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are involved in controlling testosterone production. By measuring them, it is possible to distinguish between primary (testicular) and secondary (pituitary/hypothalamic) causes of low testosterone.
- Additional Blood Tests: Additional blood tests may occasionally be requested to evaluate associated health factors, such as lipid profiles and indicators of liver and renal function.
5. Repeat Testing:
The doctor may request more testing to confirm the diagnosis if low testosterone levels are found.This ensures precision and disproves any
transient variations.
6. Additional Tests:
Additional tests, including imaging examinations (ultrasound, MRI), or genetic testing, may be necessary to pinpoint particular problems causing low testosterone, depending on the clinical presentation and probable underlying cause.
It’s important to understand that determining if someone has low testosterone takes a thorough evaluation of both the clinical symptoms and the outcomes of laboratory tests. Always base treatment choices on a complete assessment performed by a trained healthcare expert.
Conclusion:
A person’s quality of life and general health can be greatly impacted by low testosterone. For a precise diagnosis, it is essential to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical assistance. Causes of low testosterone include Ageing, Medical problems, Drugs, Issues with stress and sleep, Hormone production, Testicular illnesses or injuries, Lifestyle factors etc.
Effective management of the illness is possible with the use of treatment alternatives including testosterone replacement therapy. However, in order to receive individualised counsel and assistance based on specific health requirements and concerns, it is imperative to speak with a healthcare expert.