No need to be embarrassed to discuss low testosterone

By Glenn Ellis
Contributing Writer

(George Curry Media) – There are many topics in our society that are considered taboo. Though a fact of life, people just don’t talk about them. One of those topics is low testosterone and its consequences. Many males feel embarrassed about it, but they shouldn’t be.

Let’s start with definitions. Testosterone is a male hormone that is found in higher amounts as a person goes through adolescents and into their early 20s. As a person gets older, they may start to reduce their levels of testosterone. There are small levels of it for females, but their main level of sex hormone is estrogen. In addition, testosterone is a primary element in being able to build muscle. This is one of the prime reasons why men are prone to have more muscle tone than women.

Most of the testosterone in a man’s body is produced in the testicles. It helps maintain reproductive tissues, stimulate sperm production, stimulate and maintain sexual function, increase muscle mass and strength, and to maintain bone strength.

Just like your cholesterol or blood pressure, there is a numerical range of testosterone levels, also known as T levels, that are considered normal. The brain and the testicles work together to keep testosterone in this range. When levels of testosterone are below normal, the brain signals the testicles to make more. When testosterone levels reach a normal level, the brain signals the testicles to make less.

It’s natural for men to produce less testosterone as they age. What’s not a natural part of aging is a medical condition known as hypogonadism that can be caused by Low T. Symptoms include reduced sexual function, depressed mood, and decreased energy. The signs and symptoms of Low T may be difficult to tell from the changes that occur with normal aging. Symptoms are frequently subtle, and are similar to those caused by other medical conditions.

Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, depression, erectile dysfunction, obesity, and high blood pressure have all been linked to testosterone deficiency. Low testosterone isn’t known to cause these health problems, and replacing testosterone isn’t the cure. Still, the associations between low testosterone and other medical conditions are interesting and worth a look. Experts don’t suggest that low testosterone causes these conditions. In fact, it might be the other way around. That is, men with medical problems or who are in poor general health might then develop low testosterone.

A link between diabetes and low testosterone is well established. Men with diabetes are more likely to have low testosterone. And men with low testosterone are more likely to later develop diabetes. Testosterone helps the body’s tissues take up more blood sugar in response to insulin. Men with low testosterone more often have insulin resistance: they need to produce more insulin to keep blood sugar normal.

As a man gets older, it is natural for the amount of testosterone that is produced to be reduced. Testosterone supplements in men with low testosterone can also reduce obesity slightly. There are various testosterone supplements too that can help someone to be able boost their level of testosterone. They are often found in health food stores and online. They seem to offer an all-natural way to increase levels of testosterone. Not all supplements though contain the same ingredients or offer the same overall value. It is very important to follow the directions on how to use them.

There are quite a few different testosterone supplements out there on the market to choose from. They can help to increase the value that someone gets from their diet and workout. These supplements help the muscles to get stronger and to be well defined in less time. They also help with the natural production of testosterone so that the levels don’t get too low.

The signs and symptoms of Low T may be difficult to tell from the changes that occur with normal aging, or may be assumed to be caused by other medical conditions. So if you have symptoms of Low T, talk to your doctor during your routine checkup and ask if you should have a blood test.

DISCLAIMER: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

This article originally published in the May 16, 2016 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.