Introduction: What is Low Testosterone?

Testosterone is the hormone that helps maintain muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive in men. Testosterone is typically seen as the “male hormone.” Testosterone is a hormone with multifaceted physiological functions in men. Testosterone is essential for health throughout life and becomes most critical in the sexual prime of life. 

Low testosterone is a condition in which the body produces less than the normal amount of testosterone. The first step in treating low testosterone is a thorough physical examination to determine the condition’s cause. This can include a blood test, CT scan, or MRI. Some causes of low testosterone may require treatment with hormone therapy.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone is a condition that affects men and women. In men, low testosterone can lead to erectile dysfunction, infertility, decreased sex drive, depression and more. Women may experience low testosterone during childbirth, menopause, or after having a baby.

The most common symptoms of low testosterone include:

• Erectile dysfunction or low libido
• Fatigue
• Decreased muscle mass
• Increase in body fat
• Decreased bone density
• Reduced sense of well being

Causes of Low Testosterone Levels in Women

There are several reasons as to why women may have low testosterone levels.

Some women use oral contraceptives to regulate menstrual cycles or prevent pregnancy. Oral contraceptives change the balance of hormones in the body, causing low T and high estrogen levels. Post-menopause Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can also cause a change in testosterone levels.

The most common natural cause of low testosterone in females is a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder in women and is characterized by enlarged ovaries or cysts on the ovaries. Another reason for low testosterone levels in women is Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). HSDD is a condition where people have a lack of interest or desire to engage in sexual activity. A common cause of HSDD is medications used to treat mental health issues such as depression and bipolar disorder.

Causes of Low Testosterone Levels in Men

The most common cause of low testosterone in young males is anabolic steroid use. These drugs, including testosterone and its associated esters, accelerate muscle growth and are used by bodybuilders, weight lifters, and athletes to improve performance. Other substances that can decrease testosterone levels include alcohol and smoking cigarettes and marijuana.  

Testosterone levels can drop significantly in later years with age, illness, and poor nutrition habits. 

Diagnosis of low testosterone

A doctor can order a battery of blood tests that will measure the hormone levels at a specific point in time. A serum testosterone test measures the amount of testosterone that is in your blood. It is a good indicator of the actual amount of testosterone being produced and active in your body. 

For men, a visit to the doctor isn’t the only step to test your levels

One way you can confirm or rule out whether low testosterone levels are causing any of your problems is to do a simple self-assessment test. It can give you a powerful indicator of whether going to your doctor for a confirmatory blood test is necessary. The tool is the Testosterone Deficiency Assessment Test on our website. In just five minutes and by answering seventeen simple questions that ask you to rate specific characteristics of your symptoms, you will get a comprehensive rating of the likelihood that low testosterone levels could be the cause of some of your problems. Armed with this information, you can better decide whether a further investigation by your doctor will be necessary.

Treatments for low testosterone

Male testosterone replacement is available in various formulations, such as creams, gels, and injections. Testosterone boosting treatments can restore vigor to aging men and help them avoid the aging process’s pitfalls.

There are a number of treatment options available for low testosterone levels. These treatments vary depending on the cause of the problem. For example, suppose you have an enlarged prostate gland or other medical conditions that are causing your symptoms. In that case, surgery may be required to correct these issues. Suppose you have low testosterone due to aging. In that case, hormone replacement therapy may be prescribed. There are also many supplement options available.

A standard testosterone replacement method is adding testosterone directly. One of these is the advanced cream AndroForte® which was developed and patented by Lawley Pharmaceuticals. This Australian company specializes in the manufacture of pharmaceutical-grade bioidentical testosterone. AndroForte can be easily applied to bare skin, is absorbed quickly and directly boosts testosterone levels within a few days.

There is also a prescribed oral therapy with a nonselective form of testosterone called hydroxypropionate oil. The typical dose of testosterone replacement is 50 to 100 mg per day, taken in three equally divided doses. However, the amount of testosterone required will vary from person to person and may be higher or lower than this value. 

It is not necessary for men who have low levels of testosterone to take supplemental hormone replacement therapy if everything else in their lives is in order. The average testosterone requirement is about 300-800 mg/week. Still, this value may change based on individual circumstances and the person’s age.

FAQ

What are the testosterone levels of champion athletes and sportsmen compared to me?

Testosterone levels of athletes have been linked to the size of their muscles. The more muscle a person has, the higher his testosterone level will be. Studies have also shown that people with high levels of testosterone are more likely to enjoy an engaging sporting activity and are more likely to exhibit physical dominance when playing a sport. 

Evidence suggests that the stated physical dominance in sport may be more about having muscle size than being a true dominant athlete. Studies have shown that men with higher testosterone levels are more likely to use strength and aggression when competing against other people or animals. These behaviors are seen as dominant and are often associated with the idea of “winning.” 

The link between testosterone levels, dominance, and winning can be seen in studies of the use of sports to establish dominance. The strongest men in a group often have higher testosterone levels. Men with lower testosterone levels are more likely to negotiate or share resources, while men with higher testosterone are more likely to fight over resources  Men with lower testosterone levels are also better at recognizing emotional states and tend to be more nurturing. Researchers found that the way a person is raised and their personality can also affect how much testosterone they have.

What are the most common treatments for low testosterone?

Testosterone replacement therapy can involve medication in the form of oral treatment through pills, or with patches and gels that you apply to your skin. It can also come in the form of injections. 

How long does it take for treatment to work?

Most men feel improvement in symptoms associated with sexual performance within four to six weeks after beginning testosterone replacement therapy. If you are looking at increases in muscle mass, that may take from three to six months.

What else can you do if your testosterone is low?

There are natural ways to raise testosterone, including exercise and weight loss. Stopping smoking and reducing your intake of alcohol and any recreational drugs can also have a strong effect on both the levels and on your symptoms. There are also some prescribed medications that have the effect of lowering hormone levels. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to get the best advice on how you can still get the benefits of the meds without sacrificing the necessary benefits of testosterone.