Testosterone: It's Role in Men
 "Testosterone: It's Role in Men")
Testosterone is hormone found in all humans with the males producing much higher levels than females. Production of testosterone increases during puberty and starts to decline after the age of 30 by approximately 1% per year. Although testosterone decline is considered a natural result of aging, our bodies continue to benefit greatly from the presence of it within our systems, whether it is produced internally or supplemented.
Although the role of Testosterone has similarities in both men and women, the focus here is how it affects males. It helps to maintain sex drive, sperm production, muscle strength and mass, bone density, fat distribution, and red blood cell production. It also has a significant role in mental health and its decrease can bring about significant physical and emotional changes.
As men age, they can experience several symptoms related to sexual function that may be a result of lowered levels of this hormone. These may include lower sex drive or desire for sex, fewer spontaneous erections or difficulty maintaining erections, and infertility. Erectile dysfunction (ED) may also be due to other medical or emotional factors and therefore testosterone replacement therapy may not be the only intervention.
Physical and mental changes that may occur related to low testosterone include decreased or loss of muscle mass and/or strength, abdominal obesity or body fat, loss of bone density, decreased body hair, swelling/tenderness in breast tissue, hot flashes, fatigue, increased cholesterol, sleep disturbances, memory and concentration issues, irritability, low motivation, and depression.
While each of the symptoms noted above may be a result of lower testosterone levels, they may also be a normal result of aging or related to other health conditions.
Your medical provider should also screen and/or test to rule out the following possible contributors:
· Thyroid disorder
· Testicular injury or illness/infection/cancer
· Infection
· HIV
· Diabetes or insulin resistance
· Pituitary gland issues
· Side effect of medications
· Alcohol or drug use
Regardless of the reason you’re experiencing low testosterone, treatment options are available to increase testosterone or reduce unwanted side effects.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone therapy can be delivered in several ways:
- Testosterone injection into the muscle which may be given 1-2 times per week
- Patches, creams or gels applied to the skin
Testosterone therapy is not recommended for those who have experienced or are at a high risk of prostate cancer.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of low testosterone, ask your medical provider or nurse practitioner to test your levels. A diagnosis can be made with a simple blood test, and there are a variety of treatment options to reduce unwanted side effects of low T.
If you are interested in having your testosterone levels and treatment options reviewed, book a consult with Annabelle Reimer, Nurse Practitioner! I look forward to working with you!
Review the following 2 articles related to testosterone use:
