What comes to mind when you listen to or think of testosterone? Strong muscle man? An impatient man who is violent in his personality or always angry and inclined towards Violence? All these types of things are very common whenever we think of testosterone levels in men. But in reality, testosterone is not the only primary factor that is responsible for these types of qualities in men. Besides these myths, testosterone in real life plays a very crucial role in men's bodies. Let us explore all the real facts associated with it here in this article.
Understanding Testosterone
A type of hormone called testosterone is present in humans and other species. In men, testosterone is predominantly produced in the testicles.
The generation of sperm depends heavily on testosterone, which is most frequently linked to sexual urges. It has an impact on men's fat storage patterns, red blood cell formation, muscle and bone mass, and more. Testosterone in men can also impact how they feel or perceive the world.
Major Roles: As testosterone is the male's primary sexual or sex hormone, it performs an array of critical functions that are very necessary for the goodness of men, such as:
Testosterone enables the Erectile Function of the penis and works with the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) to help generate sperm.
The vocal changes men feel after reaching puberty are all because of the arrival and then presence of testosterone, which is responsible for the deepening of their voices.
It helps fuel sexual drive and performance in men.
Muscle strength and sexual drive are directly associated with testosterone levels.
How do I identify low testosterone?
Having low levels of testosterone in the body can show various symptoms in men, which include:
Feeling fatigue while performing mundane tasks.
The standard of self-esteem is low, and there is a feeling of being depressed.
Facial, pubic, and head hair growth is very slow, or fewer hairs are present on the body.
The bones in the body are weakened, and you'll be gaining more fat.
The sexual drive is very low.
The testicles are getting smaller.
Difficulty in performing erectile function.
Causes of Low Testosterone in Men
Hypogonadism is another term used for low testosterone, and there are various causes for it. Some common factors that are responsible for the cause of hypogonadism are as follows:
If men have problems associated with their kidneys and pituitary glands, or if they are suffering from obesity, diabetes, or testicular disorders, they may suffer from Hypogonadism. These conditions often slow down the synthesis of testosterone in the body and lower its level.
Low testosterone can result from hormonal imbalances caused by diseases of the brain, pituitary, or adrenal systems.
Ageing is the most common factor in men that lowers the level of testosterone. As men grow older, the level of testosterone gradually falls.
Any past injuries to the testicles, infection, or surgery can also affect the synthesis of testosterone in men's bodies.
Lastly, but most importantly, a bad lifestyle and unhealthy habits also affect the level of testosterone synthesis. Less sleep, always being stressed, and eating unhealthy processed foods that are very low in nutrients can all affect testosterone synthesis.
Testosterone levels can be determined with a quick blood test. There is a broad spectrum of testosterone levels that are considered appropriate in the bloodstream.
For males who are adults, normal levels of testosterone fall within the range of 280 and 1,100 nanograms per deciliter.
Increasing Testosterone Level And Treatment
Some modifications to lifestyles, such as increasing resistance training and maintaining a healthy weight, could contribute to higher testosterone levels. Physical activity, particularly cardiovascular activities, can aid in losing weight and therefore raise testosterone concentrations.
It's an excellent choice to discuss your worries with a medical professional if you have any concerns regarding your testosterone levels. They can confirm your T-levels and assist in creating a treatment strategy. Below are some of the best and most popular methods for treating testosterone imbalances, particularly when they are low.
You can use relevant herbal supplements available on the market that act as testosterone boosters. However, they are not as effective as they promise because various studies have been done that prove that only a quarter of them are a little bit effective.
Try to include foods that are rich in zinc and also have adequate amounts of Vitamin D to keep your testosterone level in a normal state.
A therapy called HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) can be used for the betterment of the testis so that they can produce normal levels of testosterone.
Another common treatment for a person with low testosterone is TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy). In order to return levels to a normal range, exogenous testosterone is administered. This can be done in various ways, including through injections, transdermal patches, topical gels, and much more.
Treatment of the fundamental issue may help raise testosterone levels if the low testosterone is brought on by a persistent disease, tumor, or hormonal abnormality.
Conclusion
Hypogonadism, or low testosterone levels, can be addressed in a number of ways. A good weight, regular physical activity, and a reduced level of stress are all lifestyle modifications that can help organically raise testosterone levels. Medication measures could be required in more severe situations or when lifestyle changes are ineffective.
Despite what its status might imply, testosterone is a lot more than that. In order to come up with and perform effectively, both men and women require the right quantity of testosterone. But it's far from certain how much testosterone is ideal.
A healthcare professional should be consulted for an exact diagnosis and suitable therapy suggestions. To choose the appropriate course of action, they will take into account the root cause of the problem, the seriousness of the ailment, and each person's demands.
Written by: Ayush Maurya
Edited by: Aniket Joshi