Written by Nahir Abdel Nabi
Sunday, 09 April 2023 08:00 AM
Testosterone is the primary hormone in men, and is responsible for the development of many physical characteristics that are normally considered masculine, such as a deep voice, hair growth, increased bone density, and many more.
Within a series of Q&A topics, “The Seventh Day” presents everything you need to know about decline testosterone According to the site everydayhealth
Q: What are the signs and symptoms of low testosterone?
Depending on the cause and the age when low testosterone first appeared, symptoms can vary. Younger males should pay attention to the following::
Delayed onset of puberty
Lack of secondary sexual characteristics, such as a deep voice and facial hair
According to the Urology Care Foundation, middle-aged or older men should be aware of the following: RIGHT ARROW
-Tired
-depression
Sleep problems
Low sex drive
Inability to have or maintain an erection
Low sperm count
Breast enlargement or tenderness
Muscle and bone loss
Fertility problems
Body hair loss
Men can have low testosterone but not have symptoms either. Some of the symptoms, such as fatigue, sleep problems and depression, can be caused by several underlying conditions unrelated to testosterone..
Q: What are the causes and risk factors of low testosterone
Men’s testosterone levels begin to decline naturally starting around age 30, and then decline by about 1 percent per year thereafter for the rest of their lives.
A variety of other medical conditions can cause testosterone levels to be significantly lower than normal in boys and men. These include::
Autoimmune diseases
Chronic liver or kidney disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Genetic reasons
-Heart failure
HIV or AIDS
Infection (such as mumps)
Injury to the testicles
Metabolic disorders
-obesity
Prolactinoma (prolactin-secreting tumor) or other tumors of the pituitary gland
Testicular cancer or testicular cancer treatment
Type 2 diabetes
Some medications are also associated with low testosterone levels, including:
Chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer
Corticosteroids (sometimes called glucocorticoids)
– Opioids
Sometimes the cause of low testosterone in a man is unknown, and many men have several different causes.
Q: How is low testosterone diagnosed?
Low testosterone is diagnosed through the following tests to check for:
Total testosterone level
Luteinizing hormone (LH) Abnormal levels could mean a problem with the pituitary gland, which can cause a decrease T.
Elevated levels of prolactin in the blood can also indicate problems or tumors in the pituitary gland.
Hemoglobin in the blood (Hgb)
Other possible tests are: Right arrow
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) It may be checked for spermatogenesis function.
An estradiol test is performed if the patient has enlarged breasts.
Glycosylated hemoglobin test (HgbA1C) This test looks for diabetes by checking the level of hemoglobin bound to glucose.
Thyroid hormone levels. Evaluation of other hormonal disorders can contribute to the diagnosis.
Cortisol level is another possible hormonal imbalance.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) An MRI scan of the pituitary gland may be done.
Low testosterone bone density tests can promote bone loss.
Karyotype (chromosome tests)
Q: What are the treatment options and medications for low testosterone?
In the past, low testosterone was usually treated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) . Recently, however, the thinking on this matter has changed. The American College of Physicians updated its clinical practice guidelines in 2020 to advise that chemotherapy treatment should only be prescribed to men with impotence..
Possible side effects of resonance replacement therapy
The potential long-term effects of resonance replacement therapy have not yet been determined, but there is scientific evidence that it may cause:
-Sleep Apnea
Acne and other skin irritations
Existing prostate cancer growth or benign prostate growth
Breast enlargement
Shrinking testicles and decreased sperm production
Too much red cell production, which can cause blood clots
Possible cardiovascular complications, including events such as stroke or heart attack
What are alternative and complementary therapies?
Weight loss Weight loss often causes testosterone levels to rise, especially if you are obese or have an underlying medical condition such as diabetes that can contribute to low testosterone..
Reduce alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption can convert testosterone into estrogen .
Calm yourself down. The stress hormone cortisol can affect the effects of testosterone.
Get a full night’s sleep. Sleep deprivation increases cortisol levels .
Intermittent exercise can build muscle mass, which in turn releases testosterone from protein.
Eat healthy fats Add fats to your diet such as those found in nuts, avocados and olive oil.
Avoid sugar. This can lower testosterone.
Prevent low testosterone
