Why Is Testosterone Essential?

When you think of testosterone, you might picture aggression, violence, and road rage. But did you know that the link between testosterone and aggression is mostly a myth? Testosterone plays many vital roles in both men and women. For example, it strengthens bones, increases muscle mass, and is crucial for regular menstrual cycles in women. Testosterone is essential for healthy body functioning. Too much or too little of it can affect your health.

In this article, we will talk about why we need testosterone and what to do if your body doesn’t make enough.

A Multifunctional Hormone

Testosterone is involved in various functions in the body, such as:

• Maintain bone density
  
  
• Increase lean muscle mass
  
  
• Burn fats more effectively

Develop secondary sexual characteristics (deepening of voice, development of penis, appearance of facial hair)

• Sperm production
  
  
• Control libido

Testosterone may also be involved in regulating mood. Its deficiency can make a man anxious and depressed. Similarly, adolescent boys may not develop secondary sexual characteristics if they have testosterone deficiency.

Testosterone is produced by the testes and ovaries when they receive messages from the brain. A feedback loop controls the amount in the blood. When your testosterone levels are too high, your brain gets a message to reduce testosterone production.

Hence, if your brain (particularly the hypothalamus and pituitary gland) and testes are not working usually, you may have too little or too much serum testosterone. Both conditions affect the body differently and may cause severe problems if not treated promptly.

Testosterone Imbalance

Testosterone levels change throughout a man's life. They rise during adolescence and start to drop after age 30.

Testosterone deficiency, also known as hypogonadism, can cause the following side effects in men:

• Low sex drive
  
  
• Low sperm count
  
  
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
  
  
• Increased body fat
  
  
• Low bone density
  
  
• Loss of body hair
  
  
• Low lean muscle mass

If this condition continues, it can lead to osteoporosis, infertility, and depression.

High testosterone levels can make boys start puberty too early. Adults with high testosterone might experience these symptoms:

• High libido
  
  
• Heart and liver problems
  
  
• Mood swings
  
  
• Acne
  
  
• Prostate enlargement
  
  
• Headaches

Women need less testosterone (15 to 70 ng/dL) compared to men (300 to 1,000 ng/dL), but they also have symptoms when their testosterone levels are imbalanced.

High testosterone in women can cause:

• Facial and pubic hair growth
  
  
• Deepening of voice
  
  
• Male pattern baldness

Low testosterone in women can lead to:

• Fatigue
  
  
• Irregular menstrual cycles
  
  
• Loss of muscle and bone strength
  
  
• Infertility
  
  
• Low libido
  
  
• Vaginal dryness

Testosterone imbalance can be caused by a disorder you are born with or one you develop later. To fix your testosterone levels, you first need to find out what is causing the imbalance.

Ageing And Testosterone Levels

A drop in testosterone levels is a normal part of getting older and is known as late-onset hypogonadism.

Studies show that testosterone levels decrease by 1.6% in men after age 40. This is why about 4 out of 10 men have hypogonadism by the time they turn 45. The symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism resemble closely to those of ageing.

How To Recognise Low T Symptoms

To diagnose low T, doctors first check your symptoms. If you have the symptoms mentioned above, your doctor might ask you to take these tests:

• Total Testosterone Test: This test measures all the testosterone in your blood, including free and bound testosterone.
  
  
• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test: FSH is made by the pituitary gland and helps regulate testosterone production. Low levels of FSH indicate a problem with the pituitary gland.
  
  
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Test: LH is also produced by the pituitary gland. Low levels of LH mean your testes are healthy, but there could be an issue with the pituitary gland.

These tests are similar to a regular blood test. Your doctor will take a blood sample and send it to a lab for analysis.

The total testosterone test is usually done in the morning (between 8 and 10 a.m.) because testosterone levels are highest then. You should fast before the test since some foods can lower testosterone levels.

This test is typically repeated at least twice to ensure low T isn't caused by something else.

What Causes Low Testosterone Levels?

People can be born with low testosterone or develop it as they age. Causes of low T in men include:

• Genetic conditions like Klinefelter’s syndrome or Kallman syndrome
  
  
• Testicle damage or disease
  
  
• Pituitary disease
  
  
• Hypothalamic disease
  
  
• Certain medications
  
  
• Low thyroid function

Women can have low T due to:

• Adrenal tumours
  
  
• Chemotherapy
  
  
• Malnutrition
  
  
• Congenital ovarian hyperplasia
  
  
• Ovarian tumours
  
  
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome

After diagnosing low T, your doctor will try to find the cause. If poor lifestyle habits, like drinking too much alcohol or gaining weight, are the cause, they will suggest lifestyle changes to boost your testosterone and improve your quality of life.

For men who cannot increase testosterone naturally, doctors may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

Fighting Back Against Low T With TRT

TRT is used to help adult men with low testosterone, but it's not clear if it works the same for older men.

TRT involves taking man-made testosterone through injections, creams, patches, or pellets. It's done under a doctor's care and needs regular check-ups.

Each type of TRT works differently. Before choosing one, you should talk with your doctor about the pros and cons, how it's given, and the cost.

When you start TRT, your doctor will ask you to come in for regular check-ups to check your testosterone levels. They might change your dose based on how the treatment is working.

What Are The Benefits Of TRT?

Increasing your testosterone levels has many benefits, including:

Increase Muscle Mass And Reduce Fat

Testosterone helps build muscle. When testosterone levels are raised, muscles grow and burn more calories, leading to weight loss. Studies show that men have more muscle and less fat after starting TRT.

Increase Bone Density

Testosterone strengthens bones by increasing their density. Strong bones protect organs, support muscles, and improve athletic performance.

Improve Sexual Health

Men with higher testosterone levels perform better sexually. Increasing testosterone in men with low T can boost their libido and treat erectile dysfunction if low T. Studies cause it show that TRT improves sexual health.

Better Mental Abilities

Higher testosterone levels can help men with low T improve their math skills and memory. It can also speed up processing and enhance spatial memory.

Improve Mood

Men with low T often have mood swings, fatigue, depression, and irritability. Research shows that taking testosterone can lift your mood, increase motivation, improve well-being, and reduce depression.

When Should You Consider Discussing TRT With Your Doctor?

If low testosterone levels are affecting your life, you should see your doctor to talk about treatment options.

TRT can have side effects and may worsen conditions like prostate or breast cancer. Doctors don't recommend it for men with these conditions.

If you're a good candidate for TRT, your doctor will prescribe it. They will do several tests to determine if you should take testosterone.

Side Effects Of TRT

People report the following side effects from TRT:

• Acne
  
  
• Oily skin
  
  
• Low sperm count
  
  
• Increased breast size or breast tenderness
  
  
• Fluid retention
  
  
• Infertility
  
  
• Increased urination

Conclusion

Testosterone is a male sex hormone that helps with red blood cell formation, muscle growth, body fat distribution, and sperm production. Women also need testosterone, but in smaller amounts.

Men with low testosterone should get medical help if their health is getting worse. Talk to your doctor about your medical history and symptoms to find the cause and start treatment. If you need testosterone replacement therapy, we can help. Our specialist doctors provide personalised TRT plans to address your needs and improve your overall well-being. Contact us to get started on your treatment journey.