Testosterone is a steroid or "male" hormone that belongs to the anabolic androgenic group. Physical strength depends on its level in the blood. The work of many organs is also associated with the content of this hormone and its activity. Even the mental and emotional state is affected by testosterone. Its deficiency has serious consequences. To eliminate the existing deficit, some men have to radically change their lifestyle. Others need to take their doctor's prescription.
What is testosterone?
This is a hormone produced in large quantities by the Leydig cells in the testicles of men. In a small amount, this substance is produced by the adrenal cortex. Among its main functions, doctors note the following:
- regulation of spermatogenesis;
- increased sex drive;
- effect on muscle growth;
- provision of nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism in the body;
- formation of secondary sexual characteristics.
Testosterone is of two types: biologically active and free. Its indicators throughout a person's life change. However, there are certain parameters according to which a full-fledged male he alth is determined at any age. The norm is considered to be fluctuation within 12-22 nmol / l.
Free testosterone has a greater effect on the body. He is responsible only for secondary sexual characteristics and attraction to the opposite sex. Its level also depends on age. In a he althy body in men under 50, the norm is 5-30 nmol / l. After 50 years - 5-19 nmol / l. Low levels of free testosterone in men (less than 5 nmol/l) is a reason to see a doctor.
It is worth noting that these figures may vary depending on external factors and the conditions of the laboratory where the analysis was taken. For example, after intense exercise and before sexual intercourse, the level of testosterone in the blood usually increases. Its decrease sometimes indicates serious he alth problems that cannot be ignored. The reasons for low testosterone levels in men will be discussed below.
Prevalence of pathology
With age, testosterone levels in the body gradually decrease. This condition is known in medical practice as "andropause".
For most of the stronger sex, the so-called physiological decline begins at the age of 30-35 at a rate of 1-3% per year. Thisthe process stops after 50 years. This hormonal imbalance can happen at any age. Doctors today are particularly concerned about the fact that androgen decline is already seen in young men. At the same time, the process speed is up to 5% per year.
The development of andropause occurs gradually. Therefore, the first symptoms of low testosterone levels in men go unnoticed. If at this stage you consult a doctor and tell about the existing disorder, the situation can still be corrected. It is corrected by regular physical activity, proper nutrition and intake of vitamin-mineral complexes.
Reason for deficiency
All causes of andropause development can be divided into three conditional groups: age, hereditary and the influence of external factors.
Aging testosterone decline is considered a natural process. If the failure happened before the age of 30-40, you should look for other reasons for it. Most often they are hidden in violation of the basic functions of the endocrine system.
Pathologies of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, testicular dysfunction - these disorders affect the synthesis of testosterone. Usually they are characterized by congenital etiology. For example, many boys are born with testicular underdevelopment. The organ may be completely absent or have pronounced deviations. Sometimes the testicles are located outside the scrotum, which also causes a malfunction.
Low testosterone levels in men may be due to external factors. Among them deserve special attention:
- Unhe althy lifestyle (alcohol abuse, smoking).
- Low physical activity. Moderate exercise and strength exercises contribute to the synthesis of sex hormones. Excessive activity has the opposite effect.
- Deficiency of proteins, vitamins and minerals in the diet.
- Sexual abstinence, no permanent sexual partner.
- Frequent emotional upheavals. Stress contributes to increased production of adrenaline, which inhibits the production of testosterone.
- Overweight. Excess weight not only suppresses androgen production, but also stimulates the production of female sex hormones.
- Taking certain drugs (analgesics, antidepressants, potency stimulants).
Certain diseases can also contribute to the development of andropause. These include hypertension, kidney pathology, increased bilirubin levels.
What does a man with low testosterone look like?
For the strong half of humanity, this hormone plays an important role in life. It affects the development of the genital organs, the level of libido and sexual performance. Testosterone is able to turn a man into a real superhero who can do anything. Social and physical activity, happy fatherhood, willpower and muscle power - all this depends on the content of this hormone in the blood.
Decrease in his performance always indicates he alth problems. This hormone has a strong external effect on the body, its deficiency always manifests itself very clearly.
Basicsigns of low testosterone in men are:
- Permanent or temporary lack of sexual desire.
- Decrease in the number and quality of erections.
- The appearance of depression, deterioration of mood for no apparent reason.
- Development of gynecomastia, accompanied by abnormal growth of the mammary glands.
- Lack of pleasure from sexual intercourse.
- Increased urination, but the process becomes less pronounced.
- Physical weakness.
- Cognitive impairment (absent-mindedness, memory impairment).
- Insomnia, constant fatigue.
In men, low testosterone has a negative impact on quality of life. Therefore, you should not hesitate to seek medical help. At the first symptoms of the disorder, you should consult a doctor and follow his recommendations.
Diagnostic Methods
If you suspect a hormonal imbalance, you will need to undergo a comprehensive examination. It begins with studying the complaints of a potential patient. A qualified endocrinologist in most cases understands the preliminary diagnosis after studying the clinical picture. However, symptoms alone are not enough to prescribe proper treatment. Therefore, the patient is prescribed blood and urine tests. Additionally, a bone examination may be required, since low testosterone levels in men are often accompanied by osteopathy.
Blood sampling is carried out in the morning. At this time, indicatorshormonal background most correspond to the real picture of general well-being. A day before the examination, it is recommended to abandon excessive physical activity and sexual intercourse.
Treatment at home
Timely detected low testosterone levels in men can be raised naturally. If the changes are minor, it may be enough to follow a diet for a while, limit alcohol consumption and smoking.
It is recommended to diversify the diet with seafood (shrimp, mussels, squid, seaweed). Avoid animal fats. They can be replaced with vegetable. In large quantities, they are found in pistachios, hazelnuts and other types of nuts. In general, such a diet is based on the principles of proper nutrition, when all junk food is banned. Lean varieties of fish, vegetables and fruits, cereals should be present in the diet daily.
You can increase testosterone with moderate sports activity. Some men like running, others prefer to spend their free time in the gym. As for the latter, it is better to work out with a trainer and try not to overload the body.
Medications
Medical treatment for low testosterone levels in men is prescribed by a physician. Medications are usually used when the disorder is advanced. They contain the hormone testosterone itself. Among thesemedicines are characterized by the greatest efficiency: "Nebido", "Androgel", "Andriol", "Omnadren". They are commercially available both in the form of tablets and capsules, and as a solution for injections.
"Vitrix", "Tribulus", "Evo-Test" are also used in the treatment of andropause. However, they do not contain testosterone, but the action is aimed at activating the natural production of the hormone.
The duration of such therapy, as well as the dosage of drugs, is determined by the doctor. Usually, after 2-3 weeks of treatment, the patient is asked to retake tests. Based on their results, one can judge the dynamics of recovery, and, if necessary, adjust the dosage of drugs. In some cases, the medications presented are prescribed for life.
Consequence of hormonal disorders
The symptoms presented just above show how dangerous the consequences of low testosterone levels in men can be. The lack of adequate treatment always leads to a decrease in the quality of human life. Over time, he develops arterial hypertension, osteoporosis is not excluded. Many members of the stronger sex have to hear the diagnosis of "infertility".
When a hormonal disorder begins its development even in the prenatal period, there is an incorrect formation of the genital organs. Some children have female genitalia.
Prevention Methods
To restore hormonal balance, doctors adviserethink your lifestyle. Dosed physical activity, proper nutrition, the absence of addictions - all this allows you to normalize the state of the body. A good night's rest will also help.
