There appears to be an epidemic of very low testosterone. I have been seeing a lot more plus more male individuals with reduced testosterone levels, a disorder called male hypogonadism. When testosterone levels are low, men can have
symptoms like erectile dysfunction, fatigue, decreased libido, depression as well as hot flashes. Many men, nevertheless, have very subtle symptoms or no symptoms at all. A number of men with lower testosterone feel worn out and depressed but don't have erectile dysfunction, hence they are never checked for low testosterone.
Even in case you've normal erectile function, you can really have hypogonadism. In truth, I have seen that several of the people of mine don't complain of erectile dysfunction, but have deep fatigue or perhaps depression which is attributable to lower testosterone. If they carry testosterone replacement, the signs have a tendency to get much better.
There are plenty of causes for hypogonadism, and discovering the cause is as essential as getting treated. The hypothalamus (part of the brain) as well as the pituitary gland management testosterone production from by the testicles, thus complications with the brain or pituitary gland can be the principle
source of problems.
To be able to get a precise diagnosis, doctors generally perform 2 rounds of testing. The initial test will be to measure your testosterone level, which should be accomplished in the morning. Testosterone levels naturally fall in the afternoon, thus a level that is reported as "low" may in fact be regular if it had been taken in the evening. Pituitary hormones, LH and FSH are measured in the next round of testing to determine if the cause is central (meaning central nervous system, hypothalamus or pituitary gland) and primary (meaning testicular failure). A second morning testosterone level must in addition be taken to confirm the diagnosis. Other tests are also done like the hormone prolactin as well as ferritin, a test for excess iron. Iron overload, a condition referred to as hemochromatosis happens from one in 500 males and it is a common cause of lower testosterone.
obesity and Excess fat is a source of low testosterone and it is one of the primary reasons why there's a growing epidemic. Extra fat produces
hormones like leptin and inflammation chemicals, known as cytokines, which work to lower testosterone levels. Having diabetes is also a possibility for having decreased testosterone, but careful studies have shown that the link is by fat, not through elevated blood sugar. Inflammation chemicals have a suppressive consequence on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, muting the hormones they produce, subsequently lowering testosterone levels. Many males with declining testosterone that are overweight complain of swelling of the breasts, called gynecomastia. The issue is the fact that testosterone treatment can also trigger breast swelling, therefore it will often be a no win situation. Nevertheless, not everybody with hypogonadism from extra weight ought to take testosterone. The truth is, being better and losing a few pounds is able to assist naturally boost testosterone without the demand for hormone replacement therapy.
You will find lots of other triggers of declining testosterone, including testicular failure or any other testicular problems and exposure to toxic substances. Alcohol is a well-known toxin on the testicle. BPA, a substance present in plastic is able to lead to low testosterone since it's an endocrine disruptor that mimics the female hormone estrogen.
In case you've problems of hypogonadism, see your doctor instantly to get tested.