Do you feel like your male energy is decreasing? Everything about Low Testosterone

Have you been feeling tired, lethargic, and especially lacking interest in sex lately? Sometimes we think that these things are due to the busyness of everyday life, but perhaps the reason for this is something different than you think. Today we are talking about a topic that is very important for men, but many people are a little reluctant to talk about. That is the decrease in the level of the male hormone testosterone in the body, medically called `(Male Hypogonadism)`.

Simply put, what is testosterone?

Think of testosterone as the "engine oil" in a man's body. This hormone is the main factor that controls a man's masculine characteristics. It is mainly produced in the testicles.

Let's look at some of the main things that testosterone hormone does to our bodies:

• Maintaining the development and function of male sexual organs.
• Developing and keeping the body's muscles strong.
• Maintaining bone density.
• Essential for sperm production (spermatogenesis).
• Creating and maintaining sexual desire (`sex drive`).
• Helps maintain the proper level of red blood cells in the body.
• Helping to feel mentally well and happy (`sense of well-being`).

Normally, our body controls this testosterone level well. This hormone level is highest in the morning, and it gradually decreases as the day goes on. This entire process is controlled by two parts of our brain called the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. This is a very complex control system. If there is a slight error anywhere in this system, testosterone levels can decrease.

What are the symptoms of low testosterone?

The symptoms of this condition can vary greatly from person to person. These symptoms change, especially with age. There are some symptoms that should raise suspicion when you see them.

How does this situation affect young children?

If a boy's testosterone levels decrease before or during puberty, the following symptoms may be seen:

• Slowing of the rate of height gain.
• Reduced hair growth in private areas.
• Decreased development of sexual organs.
• Delayed deepening of the voice.
• Lack of strength appropriate for age.

Why are these testosterone levels decreasing?

There could be several reasons for this. Simply put, we can divide these reasons into two main categories. Think of testosterone as a product that is made in a factory (in the testicles). Orders are given to it from the 'head office' (the control centers in the brain).

1. Primary Hypogonadism: Here the problem lies directly in the "factory" that makes testosterone, that is, in the testicles . No matter how many signals come from the brain, the testicles cannot produce the hormone in the required amount.

2. Secondary Hypogonadism: Here, there is no problem with the testicles. The problem is in the "head office." That is, due to a malfunction in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland in the brain , the signals needed to make hormones are not going through properly.

Now let's look at the reasons related to each of these types in some detail.

1. Testicular problems (Primary Hypogonadism)

• Congenital conditions:
• Klinefelter's syndrome: This is a chromosomal abnormality.
• The testicles are absent from birth (anorchia) or do not descend from the abdomen (undescended testicles).
• Subsequent situations:
• Accidents to the testicles or surgical removal of them.
• Swelling of the testicles (orchitis) due to viral infections such as mumps .
• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer.
• The use of certain anabolic steroids for bodybuilding.

2. Problems related to the brain's control centers (Secondary Hypogonadism)

• Congenital conditions:
• Kallmann syndrome: This is a rare genetic condition.
• Prader-Willi syndrome.
• Subsequent situations:
• Tumors or damage to the pituitary gland.
• Infections such as HIV/AIDS .
• Chronic diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver or kidney failure.
• Uncontrolled diabetes (Type 2 Diabetes) .
• Obesity .
• Obstructive sleep apnea (a condition of sleep apnea associated with snoring).
• Excessive alcohol consumption .
• Certain medications , especially opioids, painkillers and hormonal drugs for cancer.

Testosterone levels naturally decrease slightly as men age. This is called `Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH).` This condition is more common in people who are overweight or have diabetes.

How do you know exactly if you have this condition?

If you have these symptoms, your doctor will first examine you, ask about your medical history, and ask about any medications you take. Then, they will do several tests, mainly blood tests , to confirm the condition.

1. Total Testosterone Level: This is the most important test. This should usually be done between 8 and 10 am , as that is when testosterone levels are highest. It is best to do this test on two different days.

2. Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels: This hormone comes from the pituitary gland. Looking at its levels, you can get an idea of ​​whether the problem is in the testicles or in the control centers in the brain.

3. Prolactin levels: If this hormone is elevated, it may be a sign of a problem with the pituitary gland.

What are the treatments for this?

If low testosterone levels are confirmed, the main treatment is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) . That is, the body is given the testosterone hormone externally. There are several methods for this.

• Skin gels: Gels that are applied to the skin. They should be applied daily to clean, dry skin. After applying these, care should be taken to avoid contact with the skin of others, especially women and young children.
• Injections: Injections given into a muscle every 1-2 weeks or more frequently.
• Patches: Patches that are applied to the skin daily.
• Pellets: A small pellet-like substance is implanted under the skin. It releases hormones for 3-6 months.
• Oral testosterone: Pills that are only recommended for certain specific medical conditions.

Your doctor will choose the treatment method that is most suitable for you from these treatments.

Can everyone have this treatment?

No. Testosterone therapy is not suitable for some people, especially if they have the following conditions:

• Prostate cancer.
• Breast cancer.
• Uncontrolled heart conditions (`Heart failure`).
• Untreated obstructive sleep apnea.

Therefore, your doctor will carefully examine this before starting treatment.

Are there any side effects of the treatment?

Yes. Like any treatment, this one can have some side effects.

• Acne or oily skin.
• Ankle swelling.
• Some difficulty urinating.
• Breast enlargement or pain.
• Small testicles.
• Reduced sperm production (this is important for young men who are hoping to have children).
• Increased number of red blood cells in the blood.

Therefore, it is essential to see your doctor regularly and undergo the necessary tests while undergoing treatment. He will be constantly monitoring these side effects.

What can be done to survive this situation?

While we can't prevent things like genetic factors, we can help maintain healthy testosterone levels by adjusting our lifestyle.

• Healthy diet: It is important to eat a balanced diet.
• Exercise: Weight lifting and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be especially beneficial.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a major factor that lowers testosterone levels.
• Adequate sleep: It is essential to get 7-8 hours of good sleep daily.
• Reducing stress: Excessive stress can increase the hormone cortisol and decrease testosterone levels.
• Limiting alcohol and drug use.

These things are very good for your overall health.

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