Low Testosterone in Male's
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Do you as a male feel more tired than usual? Do you have a lower libido than usual? Maybe, you just feel more depressed than in the past. These are only a few of the symptoms a male can experience if he has low testosterone. When most people talk about testosterone they mostly associate it with the male sex organ, but it is so much more than that. Testosterone is a hormone that is made by your body and is responsible for several different functions. This hormone regulates the development and distribution of male hair, changes in body mass and strength, fat distribution, sex drive and sexual function, mood and energy levels, and last bone strength. According to the Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week journal (2012) “Low testosterone is the most common cause behind many age-related ailments faced by men of all ages.” (p. 900). Additionally, many chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, are linked to and associated with low testosterone levels in men. Men with low testosterone levels should seek medical treatment, because low testosterone impacts a man's entire body and can be destructive to his overall health. Testosterone is the male hormone that is responsible for the development and maintenance of the male sexual function. The physiological effect of testosterone impacts muscle mass and strength, bone density, metabolic function, mood and cognitive function (Tartavoulle & Porche, 2012). Low testosterone is caused by a decrease in testosterone production and is also referred to as testosterone deficiency, Hypogonadism, and commonly as “Low T”. According to Tartavoulle & Porche (2012), “A decrease in testosterone production is associated with Hypogonadism, a clinical syndrome resulting from failure of the testes to produce testosterone that results in decreased spermatozoa production and loss of testosterone physiological effect.” (p.778). This information alone tells us that testosterone important to a male's body and not having enough can be detrimental to their health. Testosterone levels in a male are determined by many different things and many have a cause and effect relationship between them. Naturally, as one ages one’s Testosterone levels decrease. This means that the older you get the more susceptible to low testosterone you become. According to Low Testosterone(Hypogonadism), “Roughly 35% of men over the age of 45 are afflicted with low testosterone and the prevalence increases with age.” (2013). Additionally, according to “Testim” (2013) , “The normal range of testosterone levels in healthy men is approximately 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Men with Low T have testosterone levels that are approximately under 300 ng/dL. One’s bones are affected as well and can lead to osteoporosis through bone mass loss. Muscle mass and strength is affected by reducing the male's lean body mass and decreasing your strength. Often, in low testosterone cases the cognitive function is impaired and intense mood swings can occur. Sexual function also can be decreased, as well as the production of sperm. Cardiovascular and Hematologic illnesses are also associated with Low T. Hypertension, Lipidemia, prothrombitic fractures and type 2 diabetes are apart of this group of illnesses. Last the male prostate is affected, which when coupled with Low T means heightened prostate cancer development and growth. Roughly 40% of men with high blood pressure and 40% of mean with high cholesterol will have low testosterone. Additionally, approximately 50% of men with diabetes and 50% of obese men will have low testosterone (Low Testosterone(Hypogonadism). Additionally, Matthew Hoffman, MD says, “Testosterone levels naturally decline with age. Men lose about one percent per year of their testosterone levels after age 40. In the middle age and later, levels can dip below the threshold of what’s considered normal.” (para. 4). What all of this means for the long term is a decreased quality of life and life expectancy.
Before any treatments can be done, a medical interview with one’s doctor is mandatory. This is when the doctor will ask about the symptoms one is having and take a full medical history. A physical examination follows where the doctor will look out for any physical features of Hypogonadism such as body hair, dry skin, body fat and posture. After this has been completed a laboratory test will be ordered, particularly to determine one’s hormone levels. There are many different questions a doctor may ask to determine medical history. One needs to have information about any previous diseases they have encountered, any operations that could influence Testosterone production, the lifestyle one lives, the ability one has to maintain an erection, sexual satisfaction, the amount of ejaculate one produces, and even the frequency of sexual intercourse or masturbation one has. Last the doctor may check one’s body hair pattern, muscle mass and strength, and the hardness and size of the testes. All in all one needs to be prepared to answer these questions and truthfully so that the illness is more easily diagnosed. Speaking with one’s doctor is the only way to find out if increasing Testosterone levels will help reduce symptoms. Since this disease or illness has become so prevalent to the elderly and youth alike, there are any different types of therapy and treatments available that individual's with Low T can receive. These therapies and treatments range from oral formulations, trans-dermal patches and gels, intramuscular injections, to different types of pills and tablets (Tartavoulle & Porche, 2012). Which treatment an individual with low testosterone receives can be determined by many different aspects. Oral formulations are very easy to use, but are not natural or healthy for the body. Trans-dermal patches seem to be the choice for older men, generally because of the convenience and reversible action they can take by removing it. Trans-dermal gels are also a relatively easy choice for most, but one runs the risk of infecting others with the treatment, which can have adverse effects on them. Intramuscular injections are another very easy method. The injections can be done by the patient at home, but they do have some negative side effects tied to them, including increased sexual function, negative effects on attitude, and depression with an overall feeling of low self-esteem. The whole process for injecting Testosterone takes about two minutes with little setup time and one only has to remember to take injections about once a week. Taking pills or tablets for low testosterone can be another easy method for some. Usually, one takes a pill a day and that's it. The downside is that one has to remember on a daily basis to take that pill and stay on a time schedule. Basically, whatever one’s needs are in the form of medication, there are many different types to help fit those personal needs. Not only are there certain niches one has to be aware of with treatment, but also side effects that are associated with starting Testosterone treatment in the beginning. The most common side effect for starting Testosterone therapy is mild acne. The “Testosterone Deficiency” (2010) website says, “Occasionally mild acne occurs at the beginning of Testosterone treatments. Testosterone naturally stimulates activity of the sebaceous glands in the skin. This is almost always a passing phase at the beginning of treatment and usually normalizes by itself.” The website also goes on to say, “In rare cases, frequent or sustained painful erections can occur” and “In very rare cases, men with the appropriate disposition (e.g. obesity or chronic lung disease) may develop sleep apnea.” In these cases, Testosterone treatment dosages must be reduced or discontinued to avoid permanent damage. Needless to say, one’s doctor should regularly monitor the progress of any treatments and continue checking for any side effects throughout the process. Even though this illness mostly reaches men of an older age, many young men can develop it as well. As the population grows each year and the population becomes older, one will continue to see an increase in individual's with Low T. This is why it is so important to gain knowledge and prepare oneself in the event that you develop this illness as a male and know how to fight it. As we can see, low testosterone does not only affect the male sex organ, but his body as a whole and can be a huge impact on his lifestyle. Knowing the symptoms, treatments, and purpose of testosterone is the best way to keep oneself ahead of this illness!
References
Low Testosterone(Hypogonadism). (2013). Retrieved from http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=132
Testosterone congeners; new treatments for low testosterone available at american longevity center. (2012).Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week, 900. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/920260594?accountid=458
Tartavoulle, T.M., & Porche, D.J. (2012 November/December). Low Testosterone. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 8(10), 778-786
Testosterone Deficiency. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.nebido.com/en/patients/low-testosterone/faq/faq-general/index.php
Hoffman, M. (2008). WebMD. Retrieved from http://men.webmd.com/features/low-testosterone-how-to-talk-to-your-doctor?page=1

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