Testosterone deficiency can impact men’s hormonal health in a multitude of ways. It arises when the testes fail to produce enough testosterone. Male testosterone levels normally decline with age. However, hypogonadism, is a disorder in which a man will not produce enough testosterone even adjusted for his age. Learn how we diagnose testosterone deficiency and what symptoms to watch out for.
Testosterone Levels Change Throughout Your Life
Testosterone is a hormone and the levels that your body carries are constantly in flux depending your body’s specific needs. With that said, after the age of 30, it is common for testosterone levels to decrease in men, sometimes falling too low and triggering unpleasant side effects. The good news is that increasing your testosterone to the proper levels is achievable.
The Importance of Testosterone
Most men are aware that testosterone plays an important role in regulating the male sex drive, supports the development of sperm (thus supporting fertility), and developing male sex characteristics. What most people are not aware of is the integral role that testosterone plays on all organ systems including the heart, the brain, the bones, the liver, the kidney, the skin and interactions with other hormone systems.
Factors that Can CauseTestosterone Deficiency
According to Healthline, the following are some common factors in men that influence testosterone levels or cause testosterone deficiency:
Causes of testosterone deficiency include:
- delayed puberty
- testicular damage (caused by trauma, alcoholism, or mumps)
- hypothalamic disease
- pituitary disease
- non cancerous pituitary tumor
A number of genetic diseases can also affect testosterone levels or cause testosterone deficiency, including:
- Klinefelter syndrome
- Kallmann syndrome
- myotonic dystrophy
Symptoms to Watch Out For
If you are unsure if you are suffering from testosterone deficiency pay attention to some of the warning signs such as:
- Decreased energy
- Depressed mood
- Decreased enjoyment of life
- Feeling sad or grumpy
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
- Decreased facial and body hair
- Difficulty maintaining erection
- Loss of sex drive
- Diminished work performance
- Anemia
The best way to get to the root cause of your testosterone deficiency symptoms is by scheduling a consultation and exam with a member of our Balanced Well-Being Healthcare team. We can help you get back to feeling like you again!
Discover Your Testosterone Levels Today!
If you are symptomatic, and think your testosterone levels may be askew, call our offices today to be tested. We will also assess other hormones that are directly related. Blood tests will help us evaluate testosterone deficiency and the following:
- Free and total testosterone levels, DHEA, thyroid panel, vitamin D levels, Estradiol, FSH, LH, nutritional evaluation when appropriate, adrenal testing when appropriate, prostate evaluation with PSA screening and cardio-metabolic evaluation to assess for underlying metabolic syndrome.
- If testosterone deficiency is found to be low the underlying or more “upstream “ cause is considered in depth. There will be replacement of precursors, nutrients, and other hormones prior to initiating testosterone replacement if appropriate. Keep in mind every person requires a unique evaluation. Testosterone levels can be boosted and supported with herbs, glandular support, and nutrients initially.
- If testosterone replacement is initiated I usually recommend replacement in the form of a topical gel. If fertility is the issue then other treatments may be considered.
Effective treatment for testosterone deficiency will require additional monitoring with follow-up blood work and exams. It is important to continue to observe your levels of testosterone, estradiol, PSA, blood counts and other markers to know how treatment is progressing.
Contact Balanced Well-Being Healthcare of Fort Collins today to schedule your initial consultation today!