What Happens If Testosterone Is Low In Men?

The normal testosterone level in the body should be 300-1000 ng/dl. The test should be done at two different times on blood samples taken before noon/1100 h.

Testosterone levels are lower later in the day. Testosterone level less than 300 ng/dl is identified as low and as hypogonadism according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If you are sick, you should wait until you are well to do the test, if not it can give false results.

Testosterone production decrease with age. According to American Urological Association about 2 out of 10 men older than 60 years have low testosterone levels. This increases slightly when the age comes up to 70 and 80, to 3 out of 10 men.

Testosterone is the key hormone that is responsible for sperm production, masculine figure and helps in the body growth as well. When body testosterone levels are low it can affect many functions of the body.

Low Sex Drive. Sex drive which is also called libido is low when the testosterone levels are low. Usually the libido decrease with age as the testosterone levels decrease with age. But when the testosterone levels are low you will lose the interest to have sexual activity in situations where a normal person would be highly interested. Low testosterone levels affect the interest to have sexual intercourse and masturbation. This can have a serious impact on the quality of your personal life and family life. This can affect your relationships and marriage life.

Erectile Dysfunction. Testosterone helps stimulate man’s libido, it also helps in getting an erection and maintain it until orgasm. It is not only testosterone which causes an erection; so many other factors contribute to it. Testosterone stimulate the brain receptors to produce nitric oxide which is the molecule that stimulate a series of chemical reactions necessary for an erection to occur. With low testosterone levels you may find it difficult to get an erection and maintain it, also spontaneous erections which happen while sleeping might not occur as well.

If this happens you should not jump into a conclusion this because of low testosterone levels. There are so many other reasons for erectile dysfunction as well.

Low Semen Volume. Semen is the medium or the fluid that helps the sperms to move. It also provide the nutrition and energy required for the sperms to swim. Low testosterone levels decrease the semen volume and this might lead to subfertility in couples.

Fatigue And Reduced Energy Levels. Men with low testosterone levels feels extremely tired and decrease in energy levels. Even with adequate rest and sleep still if you feel very tired and reduced energy level this can be due to low testosterone levels.

Body Hair Loss. Testosterone plays a major role in the hair production. Men with low testosterone experience baldness, loss of body and facial hair as well.

Loss Of Muscle Mass. Testosterone plays a role in the development of muscle mass. Men with low testosterone will experience a decrease in muscle mass.

Decrease Bone Mass. This can cause bone fractures and osteoporosis.

Mood Changes. Like estrogen, testosterone also has an effect on the psychological aspect of the brain. It is associated with the confidence, mood and general quality of life. Men with low testosterone experience mood swings, anxiety, irritability and depression. Many studies done on men who are on testosterone replacement therapy has shown that replacement therapy improve the mood, reduce anxiety, irritability, anger, negative thoughts and depression. So sudden mood swings and depression can be due to low testosterone levels.

Summary

The normal testosterone level in the body should be 300-1000 ng/dl. The test should be done at two different times on blood samples taken before noon/1100 h.

Testosterone level less than 300 ng/dl is identified as low and as hypogonadism according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Testosterone is an essential hormone, low levels can cause low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, low semen volume, fatigue and reduce energy levels, loss of muscle mass, decreased bone mass, hair loss and mood swings. As you see low testosterone levels have a serious impact on the quality of your personal life and family life.

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What Happens If Testosterone Is Low In Men?