Is Low Testosterone Dangerous to Your Health?

Low Testosterone Testosterone Deficiency: Symptoms and Treatment

Low testosterone (testosterone deficiency) in men occurs when the body is unable to make enough testosterone. Low testosterone can significantly affect a man’s health and quality of life. Low testosterone is diagnosed by measuring testosterone levels with a blood test. Testing first thing in the morning is recommended as this is when males generally have the highest level of T circulating in their bodies. In males, production of this hormone starts to fall after age 30 and continues to decline (about 1% per year) throughout their life. Healthcare providers and medical researchers don’t know how to prevent low testosterone from genetic conditions or damage to your testicles, hypothalamus or pituitary gland.

Low testosterone is a common side effect of the aging process in males. Most cases of low testosterone are treatable, and being aware of the symptoms can help a person to receive an early diagnosis and treatment. The American Urology Association (AUA) defines hypogonadism as total testosterone level of less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). The diagnosis is only made after two testosterone lab checks are done and the patient has symptoms.

But another small study suggested foods that boost testosterone level frequent masturbation before strength training workouts could provide a prolonged boost in testosterone levels and assist with muscle growth, though more research is needed. If your levels are low, you may be prescribed testosterone replacement therapy. Most men with low testosterone rub a testosterone gel on their arms or shoulders, according to the Urology Care Foundation. Another method is to get a shot into a muscle, or you can wear a patch that slowly releases testosterone into your blood. There are oral replacement therapies as well, but these are not recommended for testosterone replacement. Men with prostate cancer shouldn’t take testosterone because it can fuel cancer growth. Low testosterone, also known as “low T,” is a common condition in men as they get older.

Less common, although still significant, are symptoms including dry skin, dry eyes, joint pain, night sweats and flushing (like women commonly experience during menopause) and loss of body hair. “And I even saw a patient with gum disease secondary to low testosterone,” says Dr Foster. Other substances like alcohol, opiates and medications all spell bad news for T levels, as does poor diet. “Men are very sensitive to external factors impacting their body’s testosterone production,” says Dr Huang. “Telling someone who has no energy and is tired all the time with depression (a common symptom of low T) that ‘all’ they need to do is lose weight won’t cut it,” says Dr Foster. Instead he believes prescribing patients TRT gives them the motivation they need to lead a healthy life.

If you have low testosterone and the symptoms bother you, a doctor may recommend testosterone replacement therapy. Primary hypogonadism happens when something is wrong with your testicles that doesn’t allow them to make normal levels of testosterone. However, some researchers and healthcare providers disagree with this and feel that levels below 250 ng/dL are low. Providers also take symptoms into consideration when diagnosing low testosterone. Any issue with your testicles, hypothalamus or pituitary gland can cause low testosterone (male hypogonadism).

From the age of about 30 years, testosterone levels usually start to decrease. Some inflammatory diseases, like tuberculosis and sarcoidosis, as well as HIV and AIDS impact the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and can affect testosterone levels, according to the AUA. Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, are also linked with testosterone deficiency. You may have low testosterone if you’re experiencing a reduction in your sex drive, difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, hair loss, and fatigue. A doctor can conduct tests, such as a serum testosterone test, to diagnose low testosterone.

It’s thought that leptin, a hormone found in fat cells, inhibits testosterone production. Sometimes, the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone, a condition known as hypogonadism. If low testosterone symptoms bother you, speak with a healthcare professional. TRT is a lifelong treatment, so your testosterone levels may drop if you stop treatment. The body requires testosterone to develop the penis and testicles.

Others may claim to increase testosterone level but don’t always provide substantial evidence to back up their claims. There may be certain lifestyle changes to help increase testosterone levels, such as adding resistance exercise and losing weight. But overall, you should see a gradual increase in muscle mass and bone density, as well as higher libido. Your doctors will also look for a deeper voice and beard growth as signs of getting your testosterone back on track. Problems such as tiredness, low sex drive and erectile dysfunction can be thought to be due to the normal ageing process so medical help is often not sought.