The Mighty T
What Happens When Testosterone Drops and How To Get Back To Normal
Testosterone is the quintessential male hormone. It is produced inside the testes and is, in large part, responsible for the development of the secondary sexual characteristics that begin manifesting during puberty, such as hair growth, increased muscle mass, deepening voice, lengthening, and thickening of the penis, etc.
Although testosterone is the most important sex hormone in men, its role in the body goes much further. Testosterone is involved in emotional balance, the distribution of bone and muscle mass, the accumulation of adipose tissues, libido, and overall general health.
Furthermore, maintaining healthy testosterone levels has been linked to a decreased risk of suffering many cardiovascular diseases. And men with healthy levels of Testosterone enjoy increased lean muscle mass, decreased visceral fat, lower cholesterol, and more balanced glycemic levels.
Various laboratory tests can determine if a man has a testosterone deficiency by measuring his blood levels. Men’s normal testosterone levels range from 200 to 1000 nanograms per deciliter.
Various conditions may either drop or boost a man’s testosterone levels outside of the normal range. When this happens, some symptoms can begin to manifest.
In cases where testosterone levels drop below normal, such symptoms include fatigue, weakness, lethargy, depression, irritability, loss of muscle and bone mass, erectile dysfunction, diminished libido, and in extreme cases, a loss of fertility.
Although testosterone levels decrease as a man ages, when one or more of the symptoms mentioned above appear, it may be prudent to consider hormone replacement therapy.
HRT – Treatments For Men With Low T Levels
There are several treatment alternatives for men who have abnormally low testosterone levels and are suffering from adverse symptomatology as a result.
Affected men may resort to distinct lifestyle changes and a few nutritional supplements that are purported to promote testosterone production. However, the only clinically proven treatment for low testosterone levels is Hormone Replacement Therapy.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy may take the form of intramuscular injections, transdermal patches and gels, oral and sublingual presentations, and even soft-tissue pellet implants.
Which delivery method is best will be determined on an individual basis by a doctor after evaluating each patient’s particular clinical history.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy
When used appropriately in men with a confirmed diagnosis of a testosterone deficiency, hormone replacement therapy has been shown to cause no serious or lasting adverse side effects.
Some of the potential benefits that can be obtained from Testosterone Replacement Therapy include:
- Increased Sexual Potency
- Stronger Erections
- Increased Sexual Desire
- Increased Energy
- Stronger Bones
- Increased Muscle Development
- Reduced Body Fat
- Better Mood
- Stronger Immune System
- Improved Cognition And Concentration
If you begin to notice any of the following symptoms, primarily if you are over the age of 40, Testosterone Replacement Therapy may confer a significant improvement to your physical, mental, and sexual health:
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Anxiety
- Mood Swings
- Habitual Discomfort
- Persistent Pessimism
- Fatigue
- Reduced Physical Strength
- Lack of Motivation
- Sadness
- Irritability
- Trouble Falling Or Remaining Asleep.
- Weight Gain
- Negative Self Image
- Difficulty Achieving Or Maintaining Erections
