Testosterone is the male hormone that encourages the development of male sex characteristics and stimulates the activity of the male secondary sex characteristics. High levels of testosterone are found to promote good health in men such as lowering the risk of heart attack. However, high levels of testosterone positively correlate with aggressiveness and smoking.
Other Functions of Testosterone
Aside from the production of sperm cells, testosterone regulates a number of functions as indicated below:
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Sex drive
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Bone mass
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Distribution of fat
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Muscle size and strength
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Red blood cell (RBC) reproduction
Testosterone Levels Drop with Aging
The testosterone levels of men when they undergo aging drop. This is just a normal. After the age of 40, men’s testosterone levels decrease by about 1.6 percent every year for most men. However, the gradual lowering of testosterone in men as they age may lead to late on-set hypogonadism.
Here are the symptoms of late – onset hypogonadism:
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Erectile Dysfunction
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Increased in abdominal fat mass
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Inability to kneel, bend, and stoop
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Sadness, fatigue, and loss of energy
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Inability to engage in vigorous activity
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Decreased bone mass/mineral density
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Decreased frequency of sexual thoughts
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Decreased frequency of morning erection
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Reduced intellectual and cognitive function
Testosterone Supplements
Low testosterone hurts a man’s sense of himself. Fortunately, there are a number of testosterone supplements that are available for men with low testosterone level. Most of these supplements claim that they are natural and risk – free. Some of these supplements also boast of the presence of D – aspartic acid, which is known to boost testosterone levels. However, studies revealed that there is little evidence that these supplements have an effect on testosterone levels. These supplements may even risk these hurting men’s health.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Many men reported improved energy levels and sex drive after undergoing testosterone treatment. Why can’t any man with low levels of testosterone ask for his testosterone to be replaced?
Testosterone replacement therapy is not the go – to remedy for doctors when they have patients with low testosterone. Only men diagnosed with low testosterone and blood levels should consider testosterone replacement therapy. Only doctors can tell if they can.
There are several forms of testosterone replacement therapy. These include:
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Skin patch
A skin patch is worn on the arm or upper body is applied once a day.
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Gel
Testosterone gel is absorbed directly into the skin and is applied once a day.
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Mouth patch
This takes the form of a tablet that sticks to the upper gums and is applied twice a day.
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Injections
Testosterone is administered via injection. The body absorbs testosterone into the bloodstream.
It is believed that testosterone levels provide tangible ways where it serves as the measure of a man. Men with low testosterone levels on the other hand should not be affected by it. True men stand for what they think is right for them. If they found out that they have low testosterone levels, they have to accept it. They should be man enough whether to just accept it as it is, entertain the idea of using supplements, or undergoing replacement therapy.