The human body produces various hormones and testosterone is one of them. Men’s testicles are the site of testosterone production. The sexual development and looks of men are greatly affected by testosterone. It is important for sex drive and boosts sperm production. It also assists in bone mass and muscle building.
With the advancing age, the production of testosterone gradually decreases. The American Urological Association explains that among 60 years old men, 2 out of 10 have low testosterone levels. And this ratio increases to 3 out of 10 in their 70s and 80s.
When testicles (male reproductive glands) produce insufficient testosterone (a male sex hormone) this condition is called male hypogonadism or low testosterone.
Adequate levels of testosterone in men help to maintain and develop:
- Bone mass or density
- Sense of well-being
- Muscle mass
- Sufficient levels of red blood cells
- Sexual features and reproductive functions
How common is low testosterone?
Approximately 40 percent of men aged 45 and older are affected by low testosterone. Healthy testosterone levels are difficult to define because levels differ throughout the day and are affected by body mass index (BMI), nutrition, alcohol consumption, certain drugs, age, and disease.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone level
Men will experience various symptoms if the level of testosterone falls below normal. The following are common symptoms experienced by men with low testosterone levels.
Low sex drive
The sex drive of men (libido) is defined by the level of testosterone. With the increasing age, many men experience a drop in their sex drive. Likewise, low testosterone along with increasing age greatly affect sex drive and desire to have sex.
Difficulty with erection
Although testosterone enhances the sex drive of a man, it also helps to produce and keep an erection. Testosterone itself does not induce an erection but causes nitric oxide to be released by receptors in the brain. A molecule called nitric oxide that helps and causes a variety of chemical reactions needed for the occurrence of an erection. A man can have trouble getting an erection before sex or getting involuntary erections when testosterone levels are too low, such as during sleep.
Other than low testosterone levels, erections are also affected by other health conditions including
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Depression, anxiety, and stress
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Excessive alcohol use
- Low semen volume
The milky fluid that helps in sperm motility is called semen and testosterone plays an essential role in semen production. The volume of semen during ejaculation decreases in men with low testosterone levels.
Other common symptoms men experience due to low testosterone levels include
- Hair loss: Low testosterone levels will lead to baldness.
- Fatigue: Low energy levels associated with tiredness and fatigue.
- Loss of muscle mass: Low testosterone levels will affect muscle mass, strength, and function.
- Smaller testicles.
- Mood changes.
- Memory issues.
- Increased body fat.
- Low blood counts.
Testosterone replacement therapy
The effects of low testosterone levels or hypogonadism can be managed through testosterone replacement therapy. However, it is still unclear that testosterone replacement therapy is effective for older men who are otherwise healthy.
Men using testosterone replacement therapy reported that they feel more energetic and young by using testosterone medicines. However, results are unknown in healthy men. According to the American College of Physicians’ recommend guidelines, testosterone replacement therapy does not only boost energy and vitality but also improves sexual function.
Testosterone replacement therapy is good for your body as it helps in the production of red blood cells, beneficial for iron deficiency, and provides muscle strength and muscle mass. Moreover, reduces the chances of osteoporosis and helps to relieve depression, fatigue and also reduces the risk of diabetes in men.
What are the Benefits of Testosterone Therapy?
The following are the key benefits of testosterone replacement therapy.
Restored Libido and Vitality
There is a direct link between testosterone levels with men’s sex drive and libido. Increased sexual arousal and desire are due to higher testosterone levels. Lose erections and the inability to keep erections is due to low testosterone levels. Testosterone replacement therapy overcomes such problems and helps to keep firm erections and also improves the quality of erections.
Improved Lean Muscle Mass
Testosterone therapy provides sufficient testosterone levels that provide strength, endurance, and increased muscle size. It also decreases fat. The best improvement can be seen in people who perform the regular exercise with testosterone therapy.
Increased Bone Density and Strength
With the decline in testosterone levels, the bone density in old age men also decreased, which increases the risk of breaks, fractures, and osteoporosis. Testosterone therapy helps to support mobility by strengthening bones, muscles and maintaining bone mineral density.
Better Cognition
The developing incidence of Alzheimer’s disease is also minimized by testosterone replacement therapy and it also improves cognitive functions and rate of recall.
Cardiovascular and Endothelial Health
As we know red blood cells are required for healthy heart function and also essential for physical exertion to improve performance. The production of red blood cells is stimulated by testosterone replacement therapy that ultimately prevents stroke and heart attack and improves physical performance.
Enhanced Mood
Low testosterone levels do not only affect you physically but also emotionally. Testosterone therapy helps to control symptoms linked with low testosterone levels such as depression, fatigue, anxiety, and irritability.
