Do You Have Low Testosterone—10 Signs To Watch For!

Many ingredients go into the making of a man, but one in particular is responsible for building and maintaining many of the characteristics that make a man a man. That is, testosterone, a hormone and anabolic steroid largely responsible for the development of the male reproductive system and other male-oriented secondary sex characteristics. These secondary characteristics include muscle mass, strength, bone density, body and facial hair, and a deepening of the voice. After helping a boy grow into a man, testosterone continues to work by stimulating sperm production, maintaining the sex drive, and influences other elements of the body’s systemic functioning, such as maintaining muscle and bone tissue mass.

Unfortunately, some men have low testosterone levels, which the American Urological Association considers less than 300 nanograms (ng) per deciliter (dl). Hormone levels constantly fluctuate and a normal testosterone range for adult men is between 300 and 1,100 ng/dl, however 900 – 1,100 ng/dl is considered optimal. Known as Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TD), some men’s levels tend to drop with age, while an assortment of diseases and medical conditions can also limit testosterone production. Research suggests that about two out of every 100 adult males may have TD, with up to 50% of men over the age of 80 likely testosterone deficient.   

Td Can Cause Numerous Negative Symptoms

If you experience prolonged TD, rather than just a temporary drop, you will likely notice any number of changes that may affect your mind and body. While other diseases and conditions may be responsible, if you notice any of the following 10 signs, you may be dealing with low testosterone: 

• Low Sex Drive—All men may experience some decline in their sex drive as they age, but an extreme drop in sexual desire may indicate TD.
• Inability or Difficulty Achieving an Erection—Numerous conditions, such as diabetes, high-blood pressure, stress, and more, can cause this problem, but testosterone is a crucial stimulating factor, so its absence is definitely a potential cause.
• Loss of Muscle Mass—With its anabolic steroid role, testosterone can help build muscle and maintain muscle mass. TD can result in a noticeable loss of muscle mass
• Loss of Bone Mass—As with muscles, testosterone helps produce new bone tissue and helps maintain bone mass. Lot testosterone levels can impede this role, which in turn can reduce bone mass volumes and make them more prone to breakage.
• Decreased Energy Levels—Men with TD report significant fatigue and loss of energy, even if they get enough sleep.
• Increases in Body Fat—Perhaps partly due to the depressed energy, low testosterone levels tend to lead to an increase in body fat, and some men develop gynecomastia, a condition in men that causes fat-induced enlargement of the breasts.
• Mood Swings and Depression—Men with TD often experience increased irritability and greater levels of depression.
• Hair Loss—Balding and hair loss affect many men as they age, but those with TD may also experience loss of facial and bodily hair.
• Sleep Difficulties—Many men with TD have a hard time falling and staying asleep, and men with low testosterone tend have higher levels of sleep apnea.
• Hot Flashes—Much like women get hot flashes associated with fluctuating estrogen levels, men can experience this symptom as  result of declining testosterone.

Restore Your Hormone Levels With Dr. B

If you or the man in your life is experiencing any of these symptoms in the Naples, Florida area, internal medicine specialist Dr. Diane Brzezinski can easily check testosterone levels to see if TD may be the cause. If testosterone levels are low, it can easily be restored with hormone pellet therapy, which delivers a time-released, consistent amount of the hormone into the bloodstream throughout the day. Carefully inserted under the skin, the all-natural hormones will be released into the body for up to six-months, giving the body the testosterone needed for proper functioning. Along with relieving the symptoms we have described, optimal testosterone levels provide many more benefits for your heart, brain, and bones! Click Here to learn more about the benefits of Bio-identical Testosterone Replacement Therapy.   

To learn more about hormone pellet therapy and boost your testosterone levels, contact Dr. B’s Naples-based Internal Medicine practice today through our easy online form, or by calling (239) 261-9990.