Testosterone is the hormone responsible for manliness, despite its presence in women as well. It is what dictates hair distribution in men and is the driving force behind male sexuality. The hormone is essential for muscle mass, strength and endurance. It is also useful for the general physical and mental wellbeing of men.
Low levels of testosterone have detrimental effects on the male body. This is not shocking as the hormone is needed for the day to day physiological functioning of the male body. The most common and worrisome symptom of declined testosterone is change in sexual function. It is marked by reduced desire for sex or low libido, irregular erections during sleep and infertility due to reduced sperm production. Most men experiencing these symptoms get stressed and this further lowers the little amount of testosterone being produced. In addition, depending on the cause, there is reduction in testicular size.
Testosterone is usually needed for the production and maturation of sperms and semen. With low levels in the body, the testicles are not able to produce enough sperms. The sperms produced are also of poor quality leading to overall infertility.
Change in physical appearance is another symptom that is characterized by increased fat gain especially around the mid abdomen, reduction in hair and thinning, swollen and sensitive nipples, decreased muscle mass with associated fatigue. This is because testosterone is usually responsible for development of secondary sexual characteristics in men and lean muscle mass. The swelling of the nipples and fat gain is caused by increasing levels of circulating estrogen which causes feminization in the distribution of fat.
Neurological disturbances are a marker of low testosterone. They include difficulty falling asleep, increased stress levels and a predilection for low moods and depression. There is reduced self motivation and confidence with a general feeling of being unwell. This can be explained by the withdrawal of testosterone which is used in the brain to maintain a normal sleep wake pattern and keep depression at bay.
Regardless of the cause, the basis of treatment is usually replacement of testosterone. The use of supplements that boost the production of testosterone has also been employed. Aromatase inhibitors which inhibit the breakdown of the available testosterone reserves have also been in use.
In summary, are you experiencing these low testosterone symptoms? If so, getting professional help is highly advisable instead of trying the multiple remedies available first.