Testosterone is a hormone produced by both men and women. For men, this hormone is responsible for their physical appearance as well as sexual development. For instance, it stimulates building their muscles, deepening the voice, boosting the size of the penis, and producing sperm. Another critical role of testosterone is to stimulate the penile tissues to erect. If you have low testosterone, the following information may be helpful to know.
Definition of Low Testosterone
Low testosterone means deficiency or an abnormally low level of testosterone hormone. The normal range of testosterone should be 320-1070 ng/dl. Any amount below 300 ng/dl is considered to be low and may result in a man being unable to get an erection, or having other issues.
Causes of Low Testosterone
The causes of low testosterone can be classified into two groups that include primary and secondary causes. The primary cause involves injury or interference with a body part that produces the hormone, which is testes in male and ovaries in women. For instance, treatments such as chemotherapy, surgical removal or scrotal injuries can hinder the production of the hormone thus resulting in low testosterone. The secondary cause includes a decreased flow of blood to the gland, gland inflammation associated with infections such as tuberculosis and sarcoidosis, and chemotherapy performed in nearby tumors. Other causes are highly associated with a person’s lifestyle. They include smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, high blood pressure, and a high level of cholesterol.
Signs and Symptoms of Low Testosterone Levels
Erectile dysfunction – As mentioned earlier, testosterone hormone is a major element in helping a man to have sex drive, achieve and maintain an erection. However, it is important to note that testosterone alone cannot cause an erection. It mainly helps to stimulate the penile tissues to produce nitric oxide, which initiates several bodies reactions that result in an erection. Therefore, when testosterone is abnormally low, an individual may find it difficult to get erect or even maintain an erection for a long time.
Loss of Hair – Hair loss is usually caused by old age. In other cases, baldness comes as an inherited component in one’s genetics. However, testosterone hormone has several roles in the body including the production of hair, hence its deficiency can cause loss of both body and facial hair.
Other Symptoms – If you think you have a low level of testosterone, the symptoms mentioned above may be the first observable. However, other symptoms that may not necessarily be caused by low testosterone include:
- Fatigue
- Mood swing
- Increased level of body fat
- Decrease in energy
When to Seek Medical Attention
You may not know that your testosterone is abnormally low if you don’t go for regular physical examination of your body. However, you can see a doctor if you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation! Boston Vitality is conveniently located in Stoneham, MA.
