Testosterone is the male sex hormone that is made in the testicles and it is needed for normal male sexual development and functions. During puberty, testosterone increases and helps boys develop male features like body and facial hair as well as a deeper voice. Testosterone increases libido, increases muscle mass, sharpens memory, and boosts energy.
But as we age, testosterone levels generally decrease and if a person’s testosterone levels drop below 250-300 ng/dL, it is considered a deficiency of testosterone meaning there is simply not enough hormone produced by the body. This condition is known as Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TD), Low Testosterone (Low-T), or hypogonadism. Testosterone (TRT) therapy (as a pellet therapy) is a common and safe way to restore testosterone levels.
How can I tell if I have Testosterone Deficiency?
The best way to determine if you are low in testosterone is to get your blood checked. There is also a reliable questionnaire called The Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males (ADAM) and it was developed by Saint Louis University that was developed to detect a risk of low Testosterone.
The yes/no version of the questionnaire looks like this:
- Do you have a decrease in libido (sex drive)?
- Do you have lack of energy?
- Do you have a decrease in strength and/or endurance?
- Have you lost height?
- Have you noticed a decreased “enjoyment of life”?
- Are you sad and/or grumpy?
- Are your erections less strong?
- Have you noticed a recent deterioration in your ability to play sports?
- Are you falling asleep after dinner?
- Has there been deterioration in your work performance?
It is possible that you have low testosterone levels if you answered Yes to number 1 or 7 or to more than 3 questions.
What are the Causes of Low Testosterone?
The most common cause of testosterone deficiency is age-related because as men get older, their bodies gradually produce less testosterone and they may experience a decrease in sex drive, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass, and other symptoms associated with testosterone deficiency. There could be medical conditions that can lead to testosterone deficiency such as Klinefelter Syndrome, pituitary tumors, diabetes, obesity, and thyroid disorders. Testosterone level can also drop if one takes certain medications or undergoes some treatments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, or lack of physical activity can be some lifestyle habits that contribute to low testosterone levels. Stressful situations and a poor diet can damage hormones and lower testosterone levels.
What are the Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency?
Testosterone deficiency can cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms.
The most common physical symptoms include:
- Decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Muscle loss
- Increased body fat
- Decreased bone density
- Psychological symptoms may include:
- Depression
- Anxiety,
- Mood swings
- Other symptoms may include:
- Low energy levels
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Hair loss
- Reduced ability to concentrate
- Decreased motivation
How do you fix testosterone deficiency?
Treatment typically includes hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to increase testosterone levels back to normal. Bioidentical Hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a natural medical solution in the field of preventive medicine. It is a therapy treatment that reintroduces new hormones into your body and balances them out in your system. BHRT makes use of plant-based hormones identical to the ones found in human bodies such as testosterone. BHRT may be administered in the form of injections, topical gels, creams, injections, cheek tablet, nasal spray, patches and implantable pellets.
BHRT begins with a thorough medical examination to explore your medical history and other important factors. A blood sample is then taken to determine the amount of hormones currently present in your body. In case your hormone levels are too low, we can customize a nutritional plan to boost or maintain them. Bioidentical hormones are then added to balance estrogen, progesterone or testosterone levels.