Low testosterone levels or hypogonadism – a topic that makes many men feel embarrassed. In fact, in our society where discussing sex, race, and religion is considered taboo, talking about hypogonadism or its consequences is no exception.
But it shouldn’t be like this.
Hypogonadism is a common problem and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. In America alone, around 4 to 5 million men have hypogonadism – it’s more common than you think. And still, 90% of these men fail to seek the right treatment as they feel ashamed to talk about it. But it’s not something that you should try to hide or deal with in secret. It should be treated with the right treatment at the right time.
Facts About Low Testosterone In Men:
According to the Urology Care Foundation:
- A man’s testosterone levels tend to decrease with age and it’s completely normal
- 3 out of 10 men experience low testosterone levels in their 70s and 80s
- 2 out of 10 men start experiencing low testosterone levels after turning 60
- Some men experience low testosterone levels earlier in their lives due to problems like stress, trauma, chronic illness and more.
Low testosterone levels are not only associated with infertility and lack of sex drive but also affect various other body parts, which makes it all the more important to get the treatment.
There are many treatments available to treat hypogonadism but hormone replacement therapy is considered to be the best. Hormone replacement therapy for men can seem a little like the fountain of youth. Of course, it cannot make you travel back in time to your younger self but it does have the potential to restore your body, energy, sexual desire and mood.
What are the signs of low testosterone levels?
Sex Drive Disappearing
Lack of sex drive is perhaps the most common, quickest and best-known effect of hypogonadism according to Philip Werthman, urologist. He further adds that every patient he sees with low testosterone levels complains about low libido or sexual desire. Another urologic surgeon and medical director of Urology Cancer Specialists in Los Angeles, S. Adam Ramin says that brain area which is responsible for increasing sexual desire in men are filled with testosterone receptors. Without the presence of the hormone, you are missing a crucial step in the sexually arousing process. Although low testosterone levels do not have a direct impact on the plumbing associated with getting or staying hard, it still can cause problems with erections.
Muscles Shrink
Your testosterone binds with proteins (that are responsible for lean mass) and helps in muscle-building. When you have low Ts, your body turns catabolic where it starts breaking muscles down rather than building it up. In the beginning, you may notice a slight decrease in your strength at the gym. And after a couple of weeks, you’ll notice a significant muscle mass loss.
You May Experience Slight Decrease In Your Penis Size
Without a steady flow of testosterone hormone, you may also experience a slight decrease in your penis size. This is due to the fact that the tissues in your testicles, scrotum and penis can shrink without the presence of the hormone says Dr. Ramin.
Though hormone replacement therapy cannot restore the testicular volume but it will most likely restore the size of your penis.
Your Bones Weaken
Dr. Ramin says, bone is a living tissue that is continuously broken down and rebuilt. When you have low Ts, your bones break down quicker than your body can rebuild it. Thus, you have higher chances of getting fractures, osteoporosis, bone density and more.
If you suspect your testosterone levels are low, make sure you see a doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may recommend male hormone replacement therapy in Orange County. Just remember ignorance is the worst enemy of any disease and hypogonadism is no different. Not addressing it sooner may cause other major problems such as erectile dysfunction or prostate cancer.