Leading a healthy and fruitful life is something we all strive for. And for men, testosterone is needed to attain this. So how is this hormone formed? Production starts at the hypothalamus, a part of the brain. The hypothalamus’ job is to let the pituitary gland know how much testosterone the body needs.
The pituitary gland then produces Luteinizing hormone (LH), a hormone that stimulates production. Finally, LH signals the testicles to produce testosterone. Aside from the testicles, the adrenal glands, located above the kidney, also produce testosterone in small amounts.
Testosterone helps regulate many bodily activities such as the production of sperm, muscle building, and red blood cell development. So what happens when our levels are too low? This article will discuss the causes of low testosterone in men, symptoms to watch out for, and how to effectively treat it.
What Causes Low Testosterone?
This happens in men when the testicles fail to produce the required level of hormones needed for reproduction. According to the American Urology Association, low levels in men occur when testosterone has less than 300 nanograms (ng) of hormone per deciliter (dl) of blood.
A number of factors can cause this. Sometimes natural factors might be the cause. Other times, medications and injuries contribute to this deficiency.
5 Signs of Low Testosterone
There are several ways to determine if your levels are low. Below are some of these indicators;
Lack Of Sex Drive
Testosterone is responsible for driving sexual desire. When you have low levels, your sexual drive fades away. Although sexual interest tends to reduce as men age, when there is low testosterone, the loss of sex drive will be noticed almost immediately.
Erectile Dysfunction
Low testosterone cause erectile dysfunction. And men with low levels will often experience weak erection because the penile tissues that produce nitric oxide are insufficient. If you notice erectile dysfunction, consult your doctor immediately. Note that other factors can contribute to a weak erection. These include excessive smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and chronic health issues.
Hair Loss
Although balding is a natural part of aging in men, hair loss is also a primary indicator. This is because men with this health condition experience body and facial hair loss.
Bone Weakness
Anyone suffering from low testosterone is likely to experience “Osteoporosis”, the term for the thinning of bone mass. This hormone helps to build and strengthen the bone. So men with low levels, especially older men, have lower bone volume and are more likely to have bone fractures.
Low Sperm Count
Testosterone is an integral part of sperm production in the body, and a reduction in this hormone will cause the semen volume to reduce over time. This is a major indicator that your levels are low.
Effective Ways of Treating Low Testosterone
According to Harvard Health Publishing, it is very important to take action after noticing signs. First off, you have to consult a physician for a diagnosis. After you have been diagnosed, you can begin with treatments. Some common ways to combat this include:
Healthy Food and Exercise: Healthy food and exercise is an effective method of treating low testosterone. Some foods may play essential roles in helping the body moderate testosterone levels. Making sure you get healthy foods that are rich in zinc and vitamin D and exercising daily may help regulate your levels.
Medication and Supplements: There are tons of natural supplements and herbs that can help you combat the signs mentioned above. And luckily, we offer most of these natural remedies; check them out here.
Testosterone levels in men decrease naturally due to aging. However, these levels are naturally low in some men and can bring in a lot of unwanted symptoms. So it’s crucial to confirm from a physician when you notice these signs.
