The most widely used hormone is testosterone, which governs male traits and reproduction. Although usually regarded as a manly commodity, testosterone is also present in both men and women, affecting muscle power, bone density, mood and health. Low testosterone, also called hypogonadism, can significantly impact health, performance and well-being. Let us learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of low testosterone in this article.
What is Hypogonadism?
Hypogonadism occurs when the body is not releasing enough testosterone due to disorders of the testes (in men) or pituitary gland (in both sexes). The hormone testosterone is controlled via a complicated feedback loop between the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland and the gonads. Destroying this feedback loop can result in low hormone levels.
Hypogonadism can take two forms:
Primary Hypogonadism: The testicles are the culprit here. Testosterone is impaired by genetic disorders (Klinefelter syndrome), testicular injury, or infection.
Secondary Hypogonadism: This type occurs when there is a problem with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland that cannot activate testosterone. This can be caused by hormonal conditions, weight gain, chronic illness, or radiation or trauma injury.
Causes of Low Testosterone
There are a wide range of causes of hypogonadism, broadly categorized into primary and secondary causes.
Primary Hypogonadism
This is when the testes fail to release enough testosterone because of underlying testicular function issues. Common causes include:
Genetic Disorders: Testicular dysfunction is a condition caused by genes, for example Klinefelter syndrome (chromosomal mismatch).
Trauma or Infection: Physical harm to the testes or infections such as mumps may impact testosterone production.
Age: Testicular activity usually decreases as we get older, resulting in lower testosterone levels.
Long-Term Health Problems: Conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and liver cirrhosis can cause testicular dysfunction.
Secondary Hypogonadism
Secondary hypogonadism is caused by malfunctions in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland that cause hormone signals to the testicles to tangle. Key factors include:
Hormonal Diseases: Diseases of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland can cause lowered hormone levels.
Other Drugs: Certain drugs, especially those that increase hormones such as opioids or steroids, have the ability to raise testosterone levels.
Chronic Disease: AIDS, kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affect hormonal regulation.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
The symptoms of hypogonadism vary from person to person. A few might have multiple symptoms, and some may have few or none. The most common symptoms of low testosterone are:
1. Low Sex Drive
One of the most prominent signs of low testosterone is a marked reduction in sexual desire. Testosterone is a hormone that’s a necessary part of sexual attraction, and low levels result in a massive loss of desire. A man with this symptom may report that he no longer experiences sexual thoughts and feelings.
2. Erectile Dysfunction
The other major symptom associated with low testosterone is ED. Men can find it difficult to get or maintain an erection, and relationships become stressful and frustrated. Though low testosterone is generally the major cause, other causes of ED can be anything from stress, anxiety and cardiovascular issues.
3. Fatigue
Low-testosterone men frequently suffer from chronic fatigue. Those who sleep a full night feel abnormally tired and lack the energy to get on with life. Such chronic fatigue can profoundly affect both career and relationships.
4. Mood Changes
We should not ignore the psychological impact of low testosterone. During low testosterone, some men report experiencing mood fluctuations, irritability, anxiety and depression. Hormonal dysfunction can greatly affect mood, which affects overall emotional stability.
5. Decreased Muscle Mass
Testosterone is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. Men with low testosterone might experience a loss of muscle tone and strength, and therefore may be unable to stay in shape. This shift is particularly depressing for those accustomed to a vigorous life.
6. Increased Body Fat
A second bodily symptom of low testosterone is the buildup of body fat around the belly. These changes in body weight can be explained by the dysfunction of hormones that control fat accumulation and metabolism. In this manner, some men may experience a change in the shape of their bodies, further diminishing their sense of self-worth.
7. Decreased Bone Density
Having low testosterone is strongly linked with low bone density, which may lead to fractures and osteoporosis. The problem with hormonally imbalanced men is that they may not realize this symptom could have consequences on their skeletal system until they are quite seriously affected.
8. Hot Flashes
Curiously, some men with low testosterone can suffer from hot flashes, just as do women at the start of menopause. Such bursts of warmth are unpleasant and often accompany sweating and flushing.
9. Reduced Facial and Body Hair
Likewise, testosterone also determines male features like facial and body hair. When levels drop, the growth of body hair may be affected, which some might find annoying.
Diagnosing Low Testosterone
The diagnosis of hypogonadism is generally a combination of a history, physical exam, and laboratory testing. Physicians usually give you two testosterone blood tests: one to detect excess and the other to check your levels.
Total Testosterone: This test indicates how much testosterone is present in the blood, bound and free.
Free Testosterone: The amount of testosterone that’s biologically present and flowing freely in the body.
A urine test should be done early in the morning when the testosterone is at its highest. If the testosterone level is low (usually below 300 ng/dL) and you suffer from clinical symptoms, a diagnosis of hypogonadism is usually made.
Treatment Options
Depending on who is diagnosed, there are various approaches to treat low testosterone, depending on the patient’s requirements and the cause. Here are some common approaches:
1. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
The most commonly prescribed therapy for low testosterone is hormone replacement. You can get HRT in the form of injections, patches, gels or pellets. This treatment is meant to bring the hormone levels back into the normal range, decreasing symptoms and leading to better lives.
2. Lifestyle Changes
If low testosterone has lifestyle consequences (obesity, diet, sedentary lifestyle, or excessive drinking), many lifestyle modifications can lead to substantial changes. Having a balanced diet, regular exercise, losing weight, and reducing stress can all help maintain proper hormones.
3. Medication Adjustments
Men who suffer from low testosterone due to a drug side effect should talk to a doctor about other medications or modifying existing prescriptions.
4. Treatment of Underlying Conditions
Resolving any associated diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, or hormonal imbalance, can also boost testosterone. Such conditions require regular monitoring and a whole-body approach to care.
5. Psychological Support
As low testosterone has mental health implications, you might want to consider seeking psychological counseling or therapy, especially if you are a subject of mood disorders due to low testosterone.
Conclusion: Low Testosterone (Hypogonadism)
Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, is a major issue that affects men’s health and well-being, causing many physical and mental side effects. Knowing its symptoms, its causes, and its treatment options can enable individuals to seek care and reclaim control over their health. If you believe that you are at risk of having low testosterone, you should visit a doctor to be diagnosed and offered individualized treatment. By being proactive, people can improve their living standards and wellbeing.
