Testosterone is the male sex hormone that is produced in the testicles. Testosterone hormone levels should be normal for male sexual development and functions. Testosterone helps teenage boys to develop male features like body and facial hair, deeper voice, muscle, and strength. Testosterone is needed by men to make sperm. The levels of testosterone decrease with age, which is the reason why older men tend to have low blood testosterone levels.
Low Testosterone
Some men have a deficiency in the production of testosterone, commonly known as Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TD) or Low Testosterone (Low-T). The body does not have enough of this substance that is needed by the body. A syndrome is a group of symptoms that together suggest a disease or health condition. The American Urology Association identifies a reading of fewer than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) as low blood testosterone.
Symptoms
- Low sex drive
- Fatigue
- Reduced lean muscle mass
- Irritability
- Erectile dysfunction
- Depression
- Congenital conditions
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Use of opioid
Why Testosterone Therapy (TT)
- You may need TT if you have Low-T.
- Both FDA and USDA suggest that you undergo TT to treat conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome.
- You may need TT if you harm or lose your testicles, or if your testicles have been removed because of a sickness such as cancer.
Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency(TD)
- Reduced sex drive
- Reduced erectile function
- Loss of body hair
- Less beard growth
- Loss of lean muscle mass
- Feeling very tired all the time
- Obesity
- Symptoms of depression
Conditions that cause Testosterone Deficiency (TD) by birth:
Klinefelter syndrome
Noonan syndrome
Ambiguous genitalia (not normal).
Other conditions for Low-Testosterone Deficiency(TD):
Damage to testicles by accident
Removal of testicles because of cancer
Chemotherapy or Radiation
Pituitary gland disease leading to hormone deficiency
Autoimmune disease(when the body makes antibodies that attack its own cells)
Many men who develop TD have Low-Testosterone Deficiency(TD) linked to:
Aging
Obesity
Metabolic syndrome(high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol, belly fat )
Use of medications such as antidepressants and narcotic pain medications.
Some men with certain health problems tend to have low testosterone:
- HIV (about 30 out of 100 have LT)
- AIDS (about 50 out of 100 have LT)
Diagnosis
- Testosterone blood test
- The doctor will use specific signs and symptoms to make a diagnosis
- Health history is taken.
Contact 080 28483939 for more information on Ultrasound Imaging at our Specialized Clinic, ReSCUE Urology Hospital in Bangalore, Kengeri.
