Testosterone – We usually think of testosterone as a hormone found exclusively in men. However, women also have this hormone in their bodies in much smaller amounts. This article, for the most part, will focus on this hormone in men. Testosterone is so closely associated with men because it is so crucial in how the body develops. Even before a boy is born, testosterone is being produced in the male genitals.
During puberty, however, the amount of testosterone being produced in the body increases naturally and significantly. It affects the way bones and mass muscle development during this time. Muscle mass starts to bulk up, and men with the right amount of testosterone become much more vital than women—the amount of hair on the male body changes during puberty.
Testosterone also regulates how men store fat in their bodies, creating metabolisms that are the envy of every woman. It affects red blood cell production, as well.
Testosterone is most often thought of as the sex hormone. It plays a vital part in a man’s sex drive and sperm production. The male sex drive naturally peaks in the late teens and early 20s, though. The body starts to act differently.
Elevated Testosterone Levels- Sometimes called T-Levels
There will be a few noticeable effects of slightly higher amounts of T-levels in the body. However, if there is too much testosterone in the body, a teenager may begin puberty early. Increased levels in a grown man may indicate problems in the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland regulates testosterone production. A rare birth condition, called adrenal hyperplasia, might also cause higher T-levels in both men and women. When women have elevated T-levels, they may develop some masculine features.
Low T-Levels- Natural or Not
While it is natural for testosterone production to diminish gradually, other factors can cause the hormone levels to go down. An injury to the testicles could cause the output to go down. Chemotherapy can also negatively affect how much the body makes. Chronic diseases and health conditions can also reduce the amount of testosterone in the body. Kidney disease, alcoholism, cirrhosis are just a few of the diseases that can impact hormone production. Stress and heart disease can also play a part.
Low levels of this hormone can adversely affect a man in several areas of his life.
A man with low T-levels may experience less energy throughout the day. There may be feelings of depression and moodiness. He could start to share less body hair and begin to have thinner bones. Without testosterone regulating the way the body stores fat, a man may begin to see weight gain. He is adding to a decreased sex drive.
When a man experiences decreased hormone production and start to experience these negative things, he can drastically affect how he feels about himself.
There is Hope!
It’s a hard day when low T-levels start to affect how a man lives his life and how he feels about himself. Doctors can test your levels and make therapy suggestions. If low testosterone is interfering with you live your life, then perhaps it is time to call the Happy Valley Clinic at 833-336-6383. They can set up testing and therapy as well. Testosterone replacement therapy can quickly be done orally, by injection. Other options include patches or gel put directly on your skin.
In Closing
It is always good to know what the side effects might be before beginning any medical treatment. Besides increased sex drive, testosterone replacement therapy may also cause oily skin or fluid retention. In some cases, there may be a shrinking of the testicles and decreased sperm production.
A good doctor will help you sort out all the pros and cons of replacement therapy. Call today to make an appointment that will answer all your questions. The staff at Happy Valley Clinic is waiting to help you at 833-336-6383. Or just contact us by clicking here!
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