Testosterone is a male hormone, but it is also present in women; in men it is produced by the testicles, while in women it is secreted by the ovaries, adrenal glands and various body tissues. It is possible at times that both men and women suffer from a deficiency of this hormone; if you are concerned that this is a problem for you, there are ways to tell if you have low testosterone.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Finding Out If You Have Low Testosterone Levels
Step 1. Check if your sexual desire has decreased
It is quite normal for an older man to have fewer erections; however, it is not normal to be unable to have or sustain an erection, just as it is a sign of some disorder to lose interest in sex. Low testosterone can cause sexual symptoms, such as:
- Decreased sexual desire (libido) and other problems of a sexual nature:
- Erectile dysfunction;
- Reduced quantity and quality of erections;
- Decreased sperm count and possible infertility.
Step 2. Look for body changes
As already mentioned, it is quite normal for the testosterone level in men to drop as the years go by, but you shouldn't notice too many abnormal changes. Hypotestosteronemia (low testosterone levels) can actually cause changes in the body, for example, the testicles become smaller and the breasts swell or feel painful.
- Teenagers or young adults who have already completed puberty and who have a reduced level of this hormone may look younger than their peers and lack body or facial hair.
- Men with low testosterone may also experience hot flashes.
- Additionally, they may notice decreased muscle mass leading to limited strength and endurance, as well as osteopenia (decreased bone mineral density) and osteoporosis (more severe decreased bone mass, which can even result in fractures).
- They may also develop changes in blood lipids, such as changes in cholesterol levels.
Step 3. Pay attention to changes in behavior
They represent other symptoms manifested by men who have a reduced concentration of testosterone; affected individuals may experience feelings of tiredness, difficulty sleeping, or a change in sleep patterns; mood changes, such as depression, irritability, and anxiety, may also develop.
Men with hypotestosteronemia also have problems with memory, concentration, or a sudden lack of self-confidence
Step 4. Monitor symptoms in women
As already mentioned, it is a problem that also involves the female sex; in this case, the most common symptoms occur in the period of menopause, making any therapy more complex to treat the symptoms. Hypotestosteronemia in women can result in:
- Reduced sexual desire and functions;
- Muscle weakness
- Reduced vaginal lubrication;
- Infertility.
Step 5. Know how age affects testosterone levels
It is completely normal for this hormone to decrease with age in both sexes; in men it decreases by an average of 1% every year after the age of 30, while women over 40 have a level of testosterone reduced by half compared to when they are 20 years old. This decline is completely normal and does not represent a particular problem.
However, the level can sometimes drop significantly with age; about 40% of men over 45 suffer from hypotestosteronemia; check for symptoms or see your doctor to find out if your hormone levels are decreasing normally or if you are at risk of hypotestosteronemia
Step 6. Pay attention to symptoms if you are overweight
Sometimes, the cause of reduced testosterone production is a dysfunction of the pituitary or hypothalamus. Obesity and type 2 diabetes can put you at risk of suffering from a hormonal decline related to these glands.
Step 7. Evaluate if you have any medical conditions that may be the source of the problem
There are disorders that actually alter its levels, among which the main ones are:
- Injury to the testicles;
- Alcoholism;
- Side effects of drugs;
- Testicular cancer or therapy to cure it
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Other hormonal disorders;
- Infections, such as HIV / AIDS;
- Chronic liver or kidney disease;
- Type 2 diabetes.
Method 2 of 2: Manage Hypotestosteronemia
Step 1. Contact your doctor
You may have primary hypotestosteronemia or the reduced hormone concentration may be secondary to another disorder. To understand the cause of the problem, you need to see a doctor; inform him about your medical history, especially the medications you are taking, as the hormonal decline could be triggered by certain active ingredients.
Step 2. Take a blood test to check hormone levels
To obtain an official diagnosis it is essential first of all to perform a check of the blood values, in addition to a physical examination. You are more likely to be asked to have your blood drawn in the morning when your testosterone levels are highest. If the combination of the symptoms you describe to your doctor and the results of the laboratory tests indicate a low level of this hormone, you are diagnosed with hypotestosteronemia.
Depending on your physical examination, symptoms, and medical history, further tests may be needed, such as those for thyroid function, diabetes, blood pressure, and heart disease
Step 3. Define the treatment
If you have this disorder, hormone therapy may be needed. It is possible to proceed with testosterone replacement therapy by applying a gel or a patch to the skin; Sometimes, injections or tablets are also given to dissolve in the mouth.
Step 4. Know the importance of this hormone
It is responsible for producing key male characteristics and functions, such as a deeper voice, facial hair, larger Adam's apple, denser bones and greater muscle mass. In men, testosterone is also directly related to erectile function, penis size, testicles and sexual desire. It affects the production of red blood cells and sperm, but can decline as the years progress.
- It is also an important hormone in women, as it affects muscle and bone development, sexual desire and regulates the organs of the body.
- Since testosterone levels can vary from one man to another, it can be difficult to tell if they are actually too low.
