Low Testosterone

Testosterone is the primary androgenic/anabolic steroid hormone in the body. Although it is often called a “male hormone,” testosterone can be found in both male and female vertebrate species. In human beings, it is produced primarily in the testes of men and in the ovaries in females. For women, however, testosterone levels are normally very low as compared to men. The average testosterone level for a woman aged 20, is around 70 ng/dl. For men of the same age, their natural serum testosterone levels may exceed 1000 ng/dl.

Causes of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone levels is often linked to aging. Symptoms of low testosterone in men usually manifest when they step into middle age or when they reach the fourth or fifth decade of life. As man age, their bodies make less testosterone. This condition is often referred to as “andropause,” or the male counterpart of the female menopause. Due to this condition, many men lose their interest in sex.

Another reason for the decline in testosterone in men is the damaging of cells found in the testes can cause low testosterone. This condition is often a result of physical injuries, history of the inflammation of the testicles that had been neglected, testicular cancer, radiation therapy or chemotherapy used to treat testicular cancer.

Diseases that affect the hypothalamus and the pituitary glands can also be a cause of low testosterone. These include other forms of cancers, inflammation of the hypothalamus, and autoimmune diseases that affect either gland.

Certain drugs can also affect the functionalities of the pituitary glands that cause low testosterone. Examples of which are morphine and anabolic steroids. Certain genetic diseases resulting from abnormalities in chromosomes may be another reason for low testosterone. An example of which is myotonic dystrophy, which can causes testicular failure for men between the ages of 30 and 40.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

When the level of testosterone drops, men often become irritable, lethargic, fatigued and depressed. This is due to certain bodily discomforts arising from existing dysfunctions that are brought about by low testosterone levels. Low testosterone levels are usually manifested with such other physical dysfunctions:

• Erectile dysfunction (problems with erections)
• Loss of libido (low sex drive)
• Loss of muscle size and strength
• Osteoporosis (bone thinning)
• Increased body fat (Obesity)
• Difficulty with concentration and memory loss
• Sleep difficulties (Insomnia)

Some men with low testosterone also experience hot flashes. Men with severely low testosterone may lose body hair and muscle mass. The bones may be more prone to fracture and the testes may become smaller and softer.

Bioidentical Testosterone Treatment

Many anti-aging specialists agree that natural bioidentical testosterone treatment (not to be confused with synthetic drugs) are the best remedy for low testosterone conditions. In 2002, the International Journal of Andrology published a study that examined 207 men, ages 40 to 83, who had all been found to have low or low-normal testosterone levels. Of the 207 men studied, 187 responded favorably to testosterone treatment. These 187 all showed declines in LH production, as well as improvement in every other parameter measured: Their prostate glands all decreased in size, their PSA numbers went lower, and frequency, urgency, dribbling, and getting up at night all improved.

• Short-term testosterone administration enhances cognitive function in healthy older men;
• Beneficial changes in cognition occur in men using testosterone replacement and di-hydrotestosterone [DHT] treatment;
• Decreases the risk of heart disease, including angina, and helps reverse heart disease when present;
• Lowering cholesterol levels;
• Improves muscle mass;
• Improves insulin sensitivity, which results to the improvement of blood sugar control in diabetics and lessens the possibilities of acquiring "metabolic syndrome;"
• Decreases depression;
• Improves libido and sexual function.

Bioidentical testosterone treatments are prescribed in different forms. The most common method for men is intramuscular injection with a syringe. Other delivery methods include transdermal systems (cream, gel, or patch applied to the skin), oral tablets or capsules that are to be swallowed, oral tablets that are to be dissolved in the mouth, or pellets inserted under the skin.

Before prescribing to any kind of low testosterone treatment, always consult with a physician. It is important to understand that in the United States, testosterone medications are considered Schedule III controlled substances, and are not available without a prescription from a doctor.

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