There seems to be an epidemic of low testosterone. I’ve been seeing more plus more male patients with reduced testosterone levels, an ailment known as male hypogonadism. When testosterone levels are low, males can have indicators such as erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, fatigue, hot flashes and depression.
Many men, however, have very no symptoms or subtle symptoms at all. Many males with lower testosterone feel worn out and depressed but do not have erectile dysfunction, for this reason they are never checked for low testosterone.
Even in case you’ve normal erectile function, you can still have hypogonadism. In reality, I have noticed that several of the people of mine do not complain of erectile dysfunction, but have deep fatigue or perhaps depression which can be the result of lower testosterone. Whenever they bring testosterone replacement, the signs tend to get better.
There’s a lot of reasons for hypogonadism, and locating the cause is as essential as getting treated. The hypothalamus (part of the brain) and the pituitary gland management testosterone production from by the testicles, therefore complications with the brain or pituitary gland may be the principle source of problems.
In order to get a precise diagnosis, doctors usually perform two rounds of testing. The first test is going to be to measure your testosterone level, which should be performed in the early morning. Testosterone levels of course fall in the evening, hence a degree that is reported as “low” may in reality be normal if it was taken in the afternoon. Pituitary hormones, FSH and LH are measured in the second round of testing to decide if the cause is central (meaning central nervous system, pituitary gland) or hypothalamus or primary (meaning testicular failure). A next morning testosterone level will need to additionally be brought to confirm the diagnosis. Some other tests are also done like the hormone prolactin and ferritin, a test for extra iron. Iron overload, a disorder known as hemochromatosis occurs in just one in 500 males and is a typical cause of lower testosterone.
Excess fat and obesity is a cause of low testosterone and is among the main reasons why there is a growing epidemic. Unwanted weight produces hormones like leptin and inflammation chemicals, called cytokines, which work to lower testosterone levels. Having diabetes is also a threat for having low testosterone, but careful studies have shown the link is by fat, not through elevated blood sugar. Inflammation chemical substances have a suppressive impact on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, muting the hormones they produce, consequently lowering testosterone levels. Many men with declining testosterone that are obese complain of swelling of the breasts, called gynecomastia. The issue is that testosterone treatment is able to additionally cause breast swelling, therefore it can sometimes be a no win scenario. But, not everybody with hypogonadism from excess fat should take testosterone. In reality, being healthier and losing a few pounds is able to help naturally boost testosterone without the need for hormone replacement therapy.
You will find lots of additional triggers of declining testosterone, including testicular disaster or other testicular issues as well as contact with toxic substances. Alcohol is a well-known toxin on the testicle. BPA, a compound present in plastic can cause reduced testosterone since it’s an endocrine disruptor that imitates the female hormone estrogen.
In case you have signs of hypogonadism, see the doctor of yours right away to get tested.