A decrease in testosterone begins after age 25-30 where testosterone production decrease about 1% each year. There are several problems that are common to men who have a low testosterone level. This article will discuss some of those problems that can impact men with low levels of testosterone.
Infertility
A small percentage of infertility cases are caused by male menopause, but when it happens it can be hard to treat. Infertility can be further intensified by excessive exercise, alcohol, medications, stress, and poor diet. While healthy testosterone levels are vital in order to avoid infertility issues, so many other factors have to be considered. Approximately a third of infertility problems are due to male infertility and another third are due to female infertility. The other one-third of infertility cases are caused by both partners or the cause of the infertility is unclear.
Erectile dysfunction (Impotence)
It is estimated that about 30 million men around the world suffer from erectile dysfunction. Just how many of those erectile dysfunction cases are due to low testosterone use in unknown; however, we do know that only about 40% of those diagnosed with erectile dysfunction are over the age of 40. There has been growing research in recent years to suggest that low testosterone can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Many men are uncomfortable talking to their doctors about their sexual problems especially erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction could be a warning sign of diabetes, hypertension or heart disease.
Over 20 million men in North America between the ages of 35 and 55 have symptoms of low testosterone. Aside from infertility and erectile dysfunction concerns, low testosterone levels can have an impact on other aspects of a man’s health, including: bone density, fat distribution, muscle strength and mass, and red blood cell production.
There is treatment available for low testosterone. For example, hormone replacement therapy is available through absorbance pellet implants, injections, topical ointments or gels.
Weight training, eliminating fat from your diet, avoiding drugs that impair liver function, and managing stress are a few examples of things you can do to keep your testosterone levels high. Your family doctor, a certified nutritionist, or naturopath can provide you with anti-aging tips as well.
Signs of low testosterone levels in men
Testosterone is the hormone required for male development and sexual function. It also plays a role in the building of muscle and bone mass as well as in the production of sperm. A low level of testosterone in men is about 300 nanograms (ng) per deciliter (dL), and the upper limit is 1000–1200ng/dL. Men with low testosterone levels may present with the following signs:
Changes in sleep pattern
Reduced sex drive
Sexual dysfunction
Infertility
Emotional changes
Decreased strength
Weight gain
Diagnosis and treatment of male menopause
Males usually find out they have low testosterone levels when they see a doctor for unexplained symptoms. Physicians will often obtain a blood test to make sure your testosterone levels are within range and provide treatment options if an abnormality is observed.
Treatment with testosterone replacement therapy is usually very effective and will reduce the symptoms of low testosterone. Men who receive testosterone replacement need a regular PSA test- to test blood count to be certain that the red blood cell count does not increase significantly. If it does, this easily treated by men donating a unit of blood to a blood bank on a regular basis.