Low Testosterone Levels

There are a number of hormones that are produced by the glands in the endocrine system, which perform various vital functions. Testosterone is a male sex hormone, also known as androgen, which is produced in the testes (or the male gonads). The key function of the testosterone hormone is to develop the male reproductive system and also is also responsible for the secondary male characteristics like facial hair, deep voice, and physical development. This hormone is also produced in females, but in small quantities. It also helps regulate the menstrual cycle. Testosterone also plays a key role in boosting the energy levels, growth and development of the bones and muscles. At times, due to age and other health conditions, the testosterone levels suffer a dip, resulting in low testosterone levels. This health condition is also known as hypogonadism.

What Causes a Dip in Testosterone Levels

The normal levels of testosterone in the body can range anywhere between 200 to 1200 ng/dL. There can be many reasons why the body suffers from low testosterone, which is also called testosterone deficiency. Given below are some of the causes of low testosterone.

• As we have seen earlier, age plays a major role in determining the levels of this male sex hormone in the body. As the individual ages, the glands secrete less testosterone as compared when the individual was young. Low levels of testosterone related to aging is a natural causative factor.
• Malformed testicles is also one of the reasons for low testosterone in men. The testicles fail to produce the required amount of this male sex hormone in the body, due to blockage in the ducts. This condition can be a congenital disorder.
• Another causative factor for testosterone deficiency in men is a condition called hemochromatosis, which is a result of high levels of iron in the body. These abnormal levels of iron can lead to disruption in the function of the testicles resulting in less secretion of androgen.
• Radiation and chemotherapy can destroy the cells and damage the function of the testes. Some individuals can also experience infertility as a result of radiation and chemotherapy.
• Obesity is also one of the causes a drop in testosterone levels in women. Since there is an increase in fat cells, it can lead to excess conversion of estrogen, which is the female sex hormone, and resulting in a drop in the levels of testosterone.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

If you are suffering from testosterone deficiency, then your body will exhibit the following signs of low testosterone.

• In males, erectile dysfunction and decreased libido can be observed.
• There is also a noticeable increase in body mass, due to over accumulation of fat in the body, since the body fails to convert fat into muscles.
• Hot flashes and irritability are some of the symptoms of low testosterone in women.
• Other symptoms may include fatigue, high blood pressure, suffering from sleep disorders and difficulty concentrating, etc.

Treating Testosterone Deficiency

Low testosterone levels can be a very distressing condition, since the bodily functions are impaired. The doctor may perform certain diagnostic tests like a blood test to check for the exact levels of the hormone in the body. Once the diagnosis is done, the doctor may administer treatment according to the requirement of the individual. There are injections, patches and gels to increase testosterone levels. Oral pills are also prescribed to boost the levels of testosterone. Modern medicine has found a new method to treat this deficiency. Men who have low levels of testosterone can undergo therapy, where the hormone is replaced through intramuscular injections.There are also some supplements that increase the testosterone in the body. But these supplements must be taken under the guidance of a doctor to avoid side effects. If you want to increase the levels of this hormone in a natural way, then there are certain exercises and foods that boost testosterone.

Now that you know the way to increase testosterone levels naturally, follow these methods religiously to get positive results. Don't opt for artificial techniques and supplements as these may cause side effects and other health problems. Always consult a health care provider if you are suffering from hormone imbalance.