7 Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency

Low Testosterone Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment

Checking testosterone levels is as easy as having a blood test. It’s best to measure free testosterone levels in the morning. Even with an abnormally low level that is replicated on a repeat test, the decision to begin testosterone replacement therapy and the proper dose requires a careful conversation with your doctor. Testosterone therapy may make sense for women who have low testosterone levels and symptoms that might be due to testosterone deficiency. However, the wisdom and effectiveness of testosterone treatment to improve sexual function or cognitive function among postmenopausal women is unclear. There are times when low testosterone is not such a bad thing. Testosterone may stimulate the prostate gland and prostate cancer to grow.

Low sex drive could be linked to depression or be a side effect of medication. For these reasons, it’s a good idea to call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms so you can have a thorough medical exam. As men age, testosterone production naturally wanes; in fact, about 40% of men over age 45 have lower levels of testosterone — technically called hypogonadism. But if yours is significantly low, your body starts showing signs. Though present in both men and women, testosterone is often called the male hormone because men have a much higher percentage than women. Testosterone surges during puberty and is critical in the development of distinctly male features — a deeper voice, facial and body hair, muscle strength, and sperm.

You take the shots every 2 to 4 weeks, as prescribed by your doctor. You may also be able to get the medicine without injections by using a nasal pump. Your  testosterone levels can swing up and down between doses.

Women and children could suffer harmful effects from contact with testosterone treatment. To keep your loved ones safe, always wash your hands after applying testosterone and cover the application site. The method you choose may be based on your preferences or may be determined by your insurance company.

In some cases, it is caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits that you can change. In other cases, it is caused by an underlying medical condition that requires treatment. Your doctor can help you identify the cause of your symptoms and learn how to manage them. Rare genetic disorders such as Klinefelter syndrome, where males have an extra X chromosome, may also affect testosterone production. A diminishing sex drive occurs naturally with age, but when the cause is low testosterone, a male will notice a significant decrease in the desire for sex. For congenital hypogonadism, testosterone replacement therapy often helps prevent problems related to delayed puberty. Primary hypogonadism happens when something is wrong with your testicles that doesn’t allow them to make normal levels of testosterone.

This molecule helps to trigger a series of chemical reactions necessary for an erection. However, low testosterone patch ftm is the cause for about half of men who experience erection difficulties. Other causes can include thyroid malfunction, diabetes, smoking and alcohol use, and psychological factors such as stress or depression.

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Luteinizing hormone then signals the testes to produce testosterone. Primary hypogonadism is present in men whose testicles do not function properly, which prevents them from producing normal levels of testosterone. The right levels of testosterone play an important role in your health, no matter your gender. Checking your testosterone level is as simple as having a blood test from your doctor.