Testosterone is the most vital men sex hormone. It is produced in the tests, which causes males to go through puberty, but its main job does not stop there. However, this article will extensively consider low testosterone treatment in men.
Ladies, too, have Testosterone, and it is vital for their hormone balance and estrogen. Signs of Low T in Men include low energy level, low sex drive, and mood.
How common are Low Testosterone problems in males?
It’s very difficult to know how many men among us have Low Testosterone disorder. However, data suggest that about 2.1 percent (nearly two men in each 100) might have low Testosterone overall. As few as one percent of younger men might have Low Testosterone, while as many as fifty percent of men over 80 years of age have Low Testosterone.
People who study the condition often use various cut-off points for the numbers so that you might hear different numbers mentioned. Low Testosterone is prevalent in men who’ve diabetes or who’re overweight.
According to a study, 30 percent of overweight men hand Low Testosterone compared to only 6.4 percent of those with average weight. This similar research found diabetes to be a significant risk factor for Low Testosterone. In another study, 24.5 percent of men with diabetes had Low Testosterone, compared to 12.6 of those without diabetes.
Causes of Low Testosterone in men
Low Testosterone levels in men include:
- delayed puberty
- aging
- hypothalamic disease
- pituitary disease
- chemotherapy
- testicular damage
- non-cancerous pituitary tumor
- Many genetic issues can also affect Low Testosterone levels, including:
- myotonic dystrophy
- Kallmann syndrome
- Klinefelter Syndrome
Low Testosterone treatment in men
When a particular cause has been detected for Low Testosterone disorder, treatment in men will generally focus on the underlying condition, which could involve medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes. For men who’ve Low Testosterone directly caused by underproduction of sex hormones or Testosterone, the most common cure is TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy).
Testosterone replacement therapy or TRT
TRT is often the 1st line of the Low Testosterone treatment in men when the only cause for Low Testosterone is an issue with Testosterone production in the testes or sexual hormone production in the brain or pituitary gland.
There’s no consensus on appropriate candidates for TRT, the potential advantages, or the possible health issues, so that TRT will depend on the doctor. However, it does boost serum Testosterone levels; TRT doesn’t improve the signs of Low Testosterone.
Medications
Alternatively, medication might help boost Low Testosterone in the body or manage the signs of Low T, such as aromatase inhibitors and estrogen blockers. These medications are rarely used due to minimal efficacy or risk of side effects.
Low T medications
Testosterone
Testosterone products include patches, nasal gel, topical gels, pellets, and intramuscular injections. Testosterone gel and patches are the most commonly used on account of cost, insurance coverage, ease of use, and the ability to keep Testosterone levels more or less balanced.
Testosterone injections are typically administered each 2 weeks. Testosterone un-decanoate, a long-action variant of Testosterone, is injected every 10 weeks. A Testosterone pellet is inserted below the skin and offers continual Testosterone release for 6 months.
Estrogen blockers
Testosterone replacement therapy typically reduces sperm counts and lowers Testosterone
production in our body, which can be an issue for younger males who’d like to start a family. Estrogen, a female hormone, naturally happens in men.
It works in the brain to inhibit Testosterone production. Estrogen blockers prevent this, so the brain gives more hormonal stimulation to Testosterone production. Doctors typically prescribe clomiphene citrate off-label to younger males with Low Testosterone. These medications are also utilized to cure infertility.
Aromatase inhibitors
Men with Low T and excess weight often can produce normal levels of Testosterone. Though, an enzyme in our body fat, called aromatase, convert it to estrogen, a women’s hormone. High estrogen levels, in turn, inhibit Testosterone production.
Aromatase inhibitors are breast cancer medications used off-label to prevent this procedure. It can dramatically boost serum Testosterone and reduce estrogen in males with age-related or fat-related Low T.
Side effects
TRT treatment has several risks. If you’ve TRT, you’ll need frequent blood tests to check your testosterone levels and to monitor potential side effects of Testosterone, including
- acne
- fluid retainment
- reduced fertility
- increased red blood cells
- prostate enlargement
- blood clots
- sleep apnoea
- Side effects might differ based on the type of TRT you use.
Best Home Remedies for Low T
The finest home remedies are lifestyle changes that either aid in boosting Testosterone levels or aid in managing or decreasing the signs by improving sexual function, energy level, muscle strength, mood, and concentration.
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Eat a healthy and balanced diet
– There’s no magic food or supplement that increases Testosterone. Some nutrients, such as Zinc and vitamin D, might help increase total testosterone levels, but not in a clinically effective method—however, both excess malnutrition and weight lower Testosterone levels in our body.
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Lose extra fat
Excess fat cuts Testosterone in our body. An enzyme in fat tissue transfer testosterone into estrogen, a women’s sexual hormone. Estrogen, in turn, inhibits Testosterone production. Fat loss is hands down the first and most efficient home remedy for Low T.
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Lower Stress levels
Stress decreases Testosterone levels in our blood. Our body responds to depression by producing cortisol, a steroid that breaks down fats and proteins into sugar to give more energy. It also inhibits Testosterone production. Avoiding stress is not forever possible, but pressure can be decreased via relaxation activities, good sleep, workout, and avoiding stimulants such as nicotine and caffeine.
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Work out more
Workout increases the body production of testosterone in men. Production of Testosterone goes up once a workout reaches a certain level and continues to boost until the workout stops. Workout also significantly prevents or reverses the effects of Low T. Workout increases muscle strength, boosts energy levels, prevents bone loss, and enhances physical performance.
Take away…
According to AUA (American Urological Association), you’d see a health care provider if you’ve any of the following symptoms of Low T, including:
- reduced erectile function
- reduced sex drive
- reduced lean muscle mass
- fatigue
- symptoms of depression
- irritability
Submitted by: ADE – Naijatipsland
Endocrine disrupting chemicals, microplastics, shitty diet and lifestyle, etc.
Honestly, this is a sad state of affairs. It seems the numbers are increasing. Even if NIH says its a common problem, seems not many people come forward to get help. I guess it’s because of the stigma associated with it.
Very nice and detailed article. And yes, ED and low testosterones is slowly becoming a problem globally. However, the bad thing about it is the stigma around it. No man will be willing to admit that they are going through it. They will choose to suffer alone. That is what leads to most of them getting medication late.
I think it’s something that requires a national discussion here in Nigeria and all over the world.