What is Testosterone Deficiency?

Testosterone Deficiency Background

Testosterone deficiency affects up to 8 million men in the United States – just what is testosterone deficiency you ask. Also known as hypogonadism, this condition can occur at birth or as a result of a disease or an injury to the hypothalamus, pituitary gland or to the testicles. Depending on the age of a male, low testosterone production can lead to underdeveloped muscle and bone, that affects a man's sexual drive and his genitalia actions. Testosterone is androgenic hormone, whose primary function is to provide a normal growth and development of a man's sex and reproductive organs, which includes the testicles, penis, prostate, scrotum, and seminal vesicles. The testosterone hormone also helps in the development of some characteristics of male growth, such as:

• musculature

• bone mass

• fat distribution

• hair patterns

• laryngeal enlargement and

• vocal chord thickening

Testosterone Interaction Chain

The male testes produces testosterone hormone levels that are programmed by signals that begin in the brain cells. This interaction is called the chain of hypothalamic/pituitary/gonadal axis. Testosterone is produced from the testes and it circulates through the blood cell system and it also has an effect in producing protein. Testosterone hormone cells are an anabolic production, which builds up in men and it is very central to the human body. Testosterone deficiency is classified by the location of its hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis cause:

• Primary, disruption in the testicles

• Secondary, disruption in the pituitary

• Tertiary, disruption in the hypothalamus

Symptoms

The complications from not producing enough testosterone, depends on the stage of life that men are in. Puberty age, with lack of testosterone, has a lasting impact on their physical growth, lack of body hair, including penis and testicle dysfunctions. After puberty, complications can include low libido drive, infertility, weakness due to reduce muscle mass, osteoporosis, enlarged male breasts, less hair growth on the entire body, and mood changes. Men over 50 have further reduction of the much needed testosterone hormone. Other symptoms of testosterone deficiency can include depression, lack of energy, fatigue, muscle aches, hot flushes, inability to concentrate on tasks, lack of morning erections, failed erections, high blood pressure, HIV, certain medications, and a decreased volume of ejaculation.

Treatments

Many testosterone deficiency problems are temporary and can be improved with testosterone replacement therapy. Topical gels or patches can be used once a day, as well as injections, that can be used one or twice a month. Another alternative for testosterone deficiency are pellets, which are implanted under the skin, into the soft tissue and delivers testosterone hormones to the body. The pellets are effective for up to three to four months. Pills are not prescribed as part of the testosterone therapy treatment because many medical experts believe that oral use can have negative effects on the liver.

Diagnosing Testosterone Deficiency

The specific medical range in the body consists of a normal range for testosterone, which is between 10-30nmol/L. If a man, is 10nmol/L and lower, they are going to be outside the normal range; that will be a low number, unfortunately, the lower it gets, the worse the symptoms are. Testosterone therapy may be associated with increased risk of serious adverse effects in men with some disorders. Therefore, testosterone deficiency is more accurately diagnosed through a blood test. Doctors will also check a prostate-specific antigen (“PSA”), which is a screening test for prostate cancer. They also use a hematrocrit, which is a red blood cell measurement method. A PSA is checked to make sure that the patient doesn't have prostate cancer and a hematocrit is checked because men receiving testosterone hormone treatments can experience an increase in their bed blood cells.

Conclusion

There are many myths, misconceptions, fears, and a common lack of knowledge about testosterone deficiency. This is not good for men because this conditions is easily treated. Research shows that testosterone deficiency affects 20% of men over the age of 50, as well as a lower percentage of younger males. For an adult male, the normal range for testosterone is between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). Male testosterone levels will vary depending on the time of day you have your blood drawn. Testosterone levels are highest in the morning with other factors involving illness or if you've not been eating properly. Testosterone treatment is effective and can reverse many of the symptoms of low testosterone. Men should see their physicians for treatment and not take over the counter or alternative testosterone treatments to increase their strength, prevent aging, or improve their sexual performance.