Low testosterone levels can leave a man broken and feeling like an
empty shell of what used to be an all round functioning "Alpha" bursting
with masculine energy. Testosterone, commonly referred to as the "man"
hormone, is an androgen produced in the adrenal glands and testes to
help give men their "manly" attributes which include but not limited to
general physical appearance, behavior and attitude, mental ability and
the most important, sexual and reproductive function. This hormone is
responsible for the smooth and complete "normal" male growth and
transitioning from boyhood to manhood during puberty.
The Hypothalamus produces a hormone that triggers the release of two important gonadotropins LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) from the Pituitary gland. These two hormones stimulate the testes to synthesize testosterone which then is the key ingredient for successful Spermatogenesis among other major bio-processes.
There are several reasons why a man may experience problems with insufficient serum testosterone levels. Contrary to a misinformed popular belief, low testosterone conditions are not only for the aged and feeble; teenagers (or even slightly younger males) and middle aged men can suffer this unfortunate condition as well. As a matter of fact, low T can cause problems for the male child even before birth! It is however important to note that "low T" cases are prevalent in males older than 45 years but not all aging men develop this problem. The Harvard University Medical department carried out extensive research and discovered that only 5% of low T cases are treated; the other 95% is either embarrassed to open up about their emasculating problem or ignorant of the symptoms associated with serious androgen deficiency.
Here are some of the common causes of male testosterone hypoandrogenism as documented in most credible and scientifically backed medical studies related to the effects of this unwelcome deficiency of the all important male sex hormone.
a) Although considered a short-term effect, radiation from chemotherapy and other forms of cancer treatments are a major cause of low testosterone and sperm count in men.
b) Conditions like Klinefelter Syndrome which affect the normal distribution of XY sex chromosomes can cause congenital problems such as underdeveloped testicles in male babies. This can later be a reason for low T. More similar conditions include Turner syndrome and Noonan syndrome.
c) An abnormal amount of iron in the blood has been known to affect the functioning of the pituitary gland and cause testicular dysfunction which in turn affects the production of testosterone. This condition is known as Hemochromatosis.
d) Other defects at birth like testicles not fully descended from the abdomen to the scrotum can cause the testicles to malfunction and thus reduce the production of testosterone.
e) Direct injury to the normal developed testicles either by accident or otherwise can lead to testosterone deficiency when the testes stop functioning optimally.
f) In addition to the saliva glands, Mumps Orchitis infections also affect the testes thus causing abnormal production of testosterone and general functioning of the gonads.
a) Aging is one of the widely known secondary causes of low T. There is no clear explanation for this completely natural and gradual process that reduces androgen production. It's most likely a way for the body to protect itself from "unnecessary" excitement and conserving energy expended during sexual acts for other body functions like mobility.
b) The hypothalamus may also not develop normally due to a condition known as the Kallmann Syndrome. This affects hormone secretion functions of the pituitary gland and thus, leads to incomplete processing of testosterone in the testicles. Other effects associated with this type of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism including blindness to green-red colors or lacking the sense of smell.
c) Being overweight can lead to low T regardless of age. Diabetes Mellitus which is closely associated with obesity is also a key factor that has been linked to androgen deficiency.
d) Tuberculosis and other inflammatory diseases such as histiocytosis or sarcoidosis can affect the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in ways that inhibit the proper or sufficient synthesis of testosterone.
e) Drugs induced low T can be as a result of prolonged use of certain medication containing fentanyl, codeine, morphine and methadone among others.
f) Tumors in or near the testes or pituitary gland may severely affect the production and synthesis of LH and FSH which are necessary for the successful production of testosterone. Treatment of brain tumors using radiation therapy is also another known way to cause disorders in the pituitary gland.
g) Stress from repeated illnesses as well as terminal illnesses such as HIV/AIDS can also cause testosterone deficiencies.
1. If this disaster strikes during fetal development, then it's more likely that the baby will be born with abnormal or underdeveloped genitalia.
2. Low T before and during puberty can lead to unproportional or stunted growth of different body parts such as arms, trunk and legs. It may also cause lack of body hair especially facial hair for men (beards) as well as trigger the growth of "man breasts". Lastly, testosterone deficiency results to abnormal development of the testicles and penis. Further testosterone deficiency damage can see the teen not developing a deeper voice or muscular mass.
3. Low testosterone during adulthood poses danger to fertility due to low sperm production and erectile dysfunction. Low libido is another result of low T in adult men and this quickly turns to disinterest in sex. Men can also experience thinning of body hair and loss of muscle mass as well as osteoporosis (weak bones) and diminishing testicles. The body suddenly begins to experience a lot of fatigue and some men may have hot flashes or suffer deep depression.
In summary, testosterone deficiency negatively affects your quality of life in the following 5 domains:
Most low T can be remedied by lifestyle changes such as exercising and dietary changes, patches, deep tissue hormone booster injections, gels, and creams. Regular testing for low testosterone is advised because catching this problem early is not easy, but it can increase the chances of quickly treating the underlying causes.
It's also important to talk to a medical professional or your doctor before starting on any treatment to ensure that all side effects are covered and alleviated where possible.
Hypogonadism
(reduced testosterone production activity) is a condition in men that
describes the lack of activity or chemical imbalances affecting the
gonads (testes) which hinder the biosynthesis of testosterone thus
leading to hypoandrogenism. Here is the simple process from the brain to
the gonads:
The Hypothalamus produces a hormone that triggers the release of two important gonadotropins LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) from the Pituitary gland. These two hormones stimulate the testes to synthesize testosterone which then is the key ingredient for successful Spermatogenesis among other major bio-processes.
There are several reasons why a man may experience problems with insufficient serum testosterone levels. Contrary to a misinformed popular belief, low testosterone conditions are not only for the aged and feeble; teenagers (or even slightly younger males) and middle aged men can suffer this unfortunate condition as well. As a matter of fact, low T can cause problems for the male child even before birth! It is however important to note that "low T" cases are prevalent in males older than 45 years but not all aging men develop this problem. The Harvard University Medical department carried out extensive research and discovered that only 5% of low T cases are treated; the other 95% is either embarrassed to open up about their emasculating problem or ignorant of the symptoms associated with serious androgen deficiency.
Here are some of the common causes of male testosterone hypoandrogenism as documented in most credible and scientifically backed medical studies related to the effects of this unwelcome deficiency of the all important male sex hormone.
Reasons for Testosterone Deficiency Directly Related to the Testes (Primary Causes)
a) Although considered a short-term effect, radiation from chemotherapy and other forms of cancer treatments are a major cause of low testosterone and sperm count in men.
b) Conditions like Klinefelter Syndrome which affect the normal distribution of XY sex chromosomes can cause congenital problems such as underdeveloped testicles in male babies. This can later be a reason for low T. More similar conditions include Turner syndrome and Noonan syndrome.
c) An abnormal amount of iron in the blood has been known to affect the functioning of the pituitary gland and cause testicular dysfunction which in turn affects the production of testosterone. This condition is known as Hemochromatosis.
d) Other defects at birth like testicles not fully descended from the abdomen to the scrotum can cause the testicles to malfunction and thus reduce the production of testosterone.
e) Direct injury to the normal developed testicles either by accident or otherwise can lead to testosterone deficiency when the testes stop functioning optimally.
f) In addition to the saliva glands, Mumps Orchitis infections also affect the testes thus causing abnormal production of testosterone and general functioning of the gonads.
Reasons for Testosterone Deficiency Related to Other Factors (Secondary Causes)
Please note: in most cases, the testes are in perfect working order but other factors may cause chemical imbalances that lead to low testosterone production.
a) Aging is one of the widely known secondary causes of low T. There is no clear explanation for this completely natural and gradual process that reduces androgen production. It's most likely a way for the body to protect itself from "unnecessary" excitement and conserving energy expended during sexual acts for other body functions like mobility.
b) The hypothalamus may also not develop normally due to a condition known as the Kallmann Syndrome. This affects hormone secretion functions of the pituitary gland and thus, leads to incomplete processing of testosterone in the testicles. Other effects associated with this type of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism including blindness to green-red colors or lacking the sense of smell.
c) Being overweight can lead to low T regardless of age. Diabetes Mellitus which is closely associated with obesity is also a key factor that has been linked to androgen deficiency.
d) Tuberculosis and other inflammatory diseases such as histiocytosis or sarcoidosis can affect the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in ways that inhibit the proper or sufficient synthesis of testosterone.
e) Drugs induced low T can be as a result of prolonged use of certain medication containing fentanyl, codeine, morphine and methadone among others.
f) Tumors in or near the testes or pituitary gland may severely affect the production and synthesis of LH and FSH which are necessary for the successful production of testosterone. Treatment of brain tumors using radiation therapy is also another known way to cause disorders in the pituitary gland.
g) Stress from repeated illnesses as well as terminal illnesses such as HIV/AIDS can also cause testosterone deficiencies.
How Does Low Testosterone Affect Your Body?
This hormone malfunction can occur and result to different dysfunctions in your body depending on the individual's developmental stage (fetal and all ages after birth...).
1. If this disaster strikes during fetal development, then it's more likely that the baby will be born with abnormal or underdeveloped genitalia.
2. Low T before and during puberty can lead to unproportional or stunted growth of different body parts such as arms, trunk and legs. It may also cause lack of body hair especially facial hair for men (beards) as well as trigger the growth of "man breasts". Lastly, testosterone deficiency results to abnormal development of the testicles and penis. Further testosterone deficiency damage can see the teen not developing a deeper voice or muscular mass.
3. Low testosterone during adulthood poses danger to fertility due to low sperm production and erectile dysfunction. Low libido is another result of low T in adult men and this quickly turns to disinterest in sex. Men can also experience thinning of body hair and loss of muscle mass as well as osteoporosis (weak bones) and diminishing testicles. The body suddenly begins to experience a lot of fatigue and some men may have hot flashes or suffer deep depression.
How Does Low Testosterone Affect Your Quality of Life?
- Children born with genital defects may suffer seriously from identity crisis and related cases. This can later lead to self imposed total seclusion which can deter an individual from forming any meaningful relations with peers and society as a whole.
- Young males and teens may also be affected psychologically when they do not develop normally through the puberty stage into young adulthood. Serious cases of depression may involve the services of a therapist to get the individuals through this confusing period. With lack of manly characteristics, comes troubled ego issues (that may develop to anger problems...) and lack of self-confidence. Low testosterone further makes the individual increasingly irritable.
- Adults may have a bigger bone to chew when it comes to dealing with low T. In addition to depression and embarrassment coupled with feelings of inadequacy and self pity, you also carry the pain and frustrations of a sexually deprived partner. Low testosterone can lead to marital problems such as divorce or even worse, a cheating spouse.
- Men suffering from low T also find that they lose more than sexual interest; this lack of interest can extend your work, favorite sport or pass time activity, as well as making new connections or maintaining old ones.
- Low Testosterone may also lead to poor sleeping habits which may further trigger more sleep deprivation related complications. Treating underlying problems causing low T can also be quite costly (in terms of finances and time) and emotionally tasking.
- Although cases of stigmatization for men who lose their "manliness" are unheard of, individuals who suffer from sexual deficiencies caused by low T may find it hard to relate to society in the same way. A few people may also not look up to you with the same "Alpha male" regard as before.
In summary, testosterone deficiency negatively affects your quality of life in the following 5 domains:
- Functioning physically
- Sexual functions
- Functioning emotionally
- Mental functions
- Functioning socially
Can Low Testosterone Be Treated?
Yes, however this will largely depend on the level or extent of damage at the time of diagnosis. It is also easier to treat low T cases that develop later in life since most of them are caused by treatable disorders in other body organs and reversible health problems like poor hormone secretion due to induced bio-chemical changes or simply aging.
Most low T can be remedied by lifestyle changes such as exercising and dietary changes, patches, deep tissue hormone booster injections, gels, and creams. Regular testing for low testosterone is advised because catching this problem early is not easy, but it can increase the chances of quickly treating the underlying causes.
It's also important to talk to a medical professional or your doctor before starting on any treatment to ensure that all side effects are covered and alleviated where possible.
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