Testosterone is a steroid or “male” hormone that belongs to the anabolic androgen group. Physical strength depends on its level in the blood. The work of many organs is also associated with the content of this hormone and its activity. Testosterone affects even the mental and emotional state. Its lack entails serious consequences. To eliminate the existing deficit, one man has to radically change his lifestyle. Others need to take medications prescribed by a doctor.
What is testosterone?
This is a hormone that is produced in large quantities by Leydig cells in the testicles of men. In a small amount, this substance is produced by the adrenal cortex. Among its main functions, doctors note the following:
- regulation of spermatogenesis;
- increased sex drive;
- effect on muscle growth;
- providing nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism in the body;
- the formation of secondary sexual characteristics.
Testosterone is of two types: biologically active and free. Its indicators throughout a person’s life are changing. However, there are certain parameters according to which full-fledged men's health is determined at any age. The norm is considered to be fluctuation in the range of 12-22 nmol / l.
Free testosterone has a greater effect on the body. He is responsible only for secondary sexual characteristics and attraction to the opposite sex. Its level also depends on age. In a healthy body in men under 50 years of age, 5-30 nmol / L is considered the norm. After 50 years - 5-19 nmol / L. A low level of free testosterone in men (less than 5 nmol / l) is a reason for seeking medical attention.
It is worth noting that these indicators can vary depending on external factors and the conditions of the laboratory where the analysis was taken. For example, after intense exercise and before intercourse, the content of testosterone in the blood usually increases. Its reduction sometimes indicates serious health problems that cannot be ignored. The reasons for the low levels of testosterone in men will be discussed below.
Pathology prevalence
With age, testosterone levels in the body gradually decrease. This condition is known in medical practice under the name "andropause."
In most representatives of the stronger sex, the so-called physiological decline begins from 30-35 years old at a rate of 1-3% per year. This process stops after 50 years. A similar hormonal disruption can happen at any age. Today, doctors are particularly concerned about the fact that a decrease in androgens is already observed in young men. Moreover, the speed of the process is up to 5% per year.
The development of andropause occurs gradually. Therefore, the first symptoms of low testosterone in men go unnoticed. If at this stage you go to the doctor and talk about the existing disorder, the situation can still be corrected. It is corrected by regular physical activity, proper nutrition and intake of vitamin and mineral complexes.
Reasons for the lack
All the causes of the development of andropause can be divided into three conditional groups: age, hereditary and the influence of external factors.
An age-related decrease in testosterone is considered a natural process. If the failure occurred before 30-40 years, you should look for other reasons. Most often, they hide in a violation of the basic functions of the endocrine system.
Pathologies of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, testicular dysfunction - these disorders affect the synthesis of testosterone. Usually they are characterized by a congenital etiology. For example, many boys are born with testicular maldevelopment. The organ may be completely absent or have pronounced deviations. Sometimes the testes are located outside the scrotum, which also causes a malfunction.
Low testosterone in men may be due to external factors. Among them, deserve special attention:
- Unhealthy lifestyles (alcohol abuse, smoking).
- Low physical activity. Moderate load and strength training contribute to the synthesis of sex hormones. Excessive activity affects the opposite.
- Deficiency of proteins, vitamins and minerals in the diet.
- Abstinence, lack of a permanent sexual partner.
- Frequent emotional upheaval. Stress promotes increased adrenaline production, which inhibits testosterone production.
- Overweight. Excess weight not only suppresses the production of androgens, but also stimulates the production of female sex hormones.
- Taking certain drugs (analgesics, antidepressants, potency stimulants).
Certain diseases can also contribute to the development of andropause. Among them should be attributed hypertension, renal pathology, increased bilirubin levels.
What does a man with low testosterone look like?
For a strong half of humanity, this hormone plays an important role in life. It affects the development of the genitals, the level of libido and sexual capabilities. Testosterone is able to turn a man into a real superhero who can do everything. Social and physical activity, happy fatherhood, willpower and muscle power - all this depends on the content of this hormone in the blood.
A decline in its performance always indicates a health problem. This hormone has a strong external effect on the body, its deficiency is always very pronounced.
The main signs of low testosterone in men are:
- Permanent or temporary lack of sexual desire.
- Decrease in quantity and quality of erections.
- The appearance of depression, mood deterioration for no apparent reason.
- The development of gynecomastia, accompanied by abnormal growth of the mammary glands.
- Lack of pleasure from sexual intercourse.
- Increased urination, but the process itself becomes less pronounced.
- Physical weakness.
- Cognitive impairment (distraction, memory impairment).
- Insomnia, constant fatigue.
In men, low testosterone negatively affects quality of life. Therefore, delaying medical care is not worth it. At the first symptoms of the disorder, you must consult a doctor and follow his recommendations.
Diagnostic Methods
If you suspect a hormonal imbalance, you will need to undergo a comprehensive examination. It begins by examining the complaints of a potential patient. A qualified endocrinologist in most cases understands the preliminary diagnosis after studying the clinical picture. However, only symptoms alone are not enough to prescribe competent treatment. Therefore, the patient is prescribed blood and urine tests. Additionally, a bone test may be required, as low testosterone in men is often accompanied by osteopathy.
Blood sampling is carried out in the morning. At this time, hormonal levels are most consistent with the real picture of overall well-being. The day before the examination, it is recommended to abandon excessive physical activity and sexual contact.
Home treatment
Timely detected low levels of testosterone in men can be raised naturally. If the changes are minor, it is enough to follow a diet for a while, limit alcohol consumption and smoking.
It is recommended to diversify the diet with seafood (shrimp, mussels, squid, seaweed). It is better to refuse animal fats. They can be replaced with vegetable ones. They are found in large quantities in pistachios, hazelnuts and other types of nuts. In general, such a diet is based on the principles of proper nutrition, when all junk food is prohibited. Every day in the diet should be present lean varieties of fish, vegetables and fruits, cereals.
You can increase testosterone with moderate sports activity. Some men like running, others prefer to spend their free time in the gym. As for the latter, it is better to engage with a trainer and try not to overload the body.
Medication
A doctor prescribes a medication for low testosterone in men. The help of drugs is usually resorted to in the advanced form of the disorder. In their composition, the hormone testosterone itself is present directly. Among these medicines, Nebido, Androgel, Andriol, and Omnadren are most effective. They go on sale both in the form of tablets and capsules, and as a solution for injection.
Vitrix, Tribulus, Evo-Test are also used in the treatment of andropause. However, there is no testosterone in their composition, but the action is aimed at enhancing the natural production of the hormone.
The duration of such therapy, as well as the dosage of the drugs, is determined by the doctor. Usually after 2-3 weeks of treatment, the patient is asked to re-take tests. Based on their results, one can judge the dynamics of recovery, and if necessary, adjust the dosage of drugs. In some cases, the medications presented are prescribed for life.
The consequence of hormonal disorders
The symptoms presented just above show how dangerous the consequences of low testosterone in men can be. The lack of adequate treatment always leads to a decrease in the quality of human life. Over time, he develops hypertension, osteoporosis is not ruled out. Many members of the stronger sex have to hear a diagnosis of infertility.
When a hormonal disorder begins its development in the prenatal period, an abnormal formation of the genitals occurs. In some children, genitals are formed according to the female type.
Prevention Methods
To restore hormonal balance, doctors advise you to reconsider your lifestyle. Dosed physical activity, proper nutrition, lack of addictions - all this helps to normalize the state of the body. Full night rest will also benefit.