Low Testosterone, High Testosterone: What It Is and Isn’t Doing to Men’s Health
Posted: June 24, 2019
Did you know that a man’s testosterone levels, high or low, can affect his blood pressure, his weight and his mental health? On the other hand, contrary to what some people imagine, high testosterone is unlikely to be responsible for a man’s violent behavior. However, high testosterone, though rare, can cause a number of other health problems, and so can the much more common condition of having low testosterone.
What Is Testosterone?
Produced in the testes, testosterone is a hormone that causes men to have body hair and lower voices. It builds muscle and bones and regulates sex drive. As men age, their testosterone levels drop, but they may not necessarily experience any symptoms from this until they are 60 or older. However, since testosterone peaks when men are about 20 and begins dropping after that, the effects of testosterone deficiency may be noticed at an earlier age.
Men may want to consult their doctors about how often they should have their testosterone levels checked. Every few years may be sufficient as long as there are no significant symptoms, but monitoring may be more frequent if the doctor is attempting to adjust the testosterone level or if men have symptoms that suggest high or low levels of testosterone. The range of what is considered a “normal” level of testosterone can vary widely.
High Testosterone
High testosterone rarely occurs naturally and is usually the result of steroid use. Symptoms or complications of high testosterone may include liver disease, high blood pressure, acne, insomnia and many other conditions. Perhaps surprisingly, high testosterone may also cause impotence, infertility and low sperm count.
Low Testosterone
Symptoms like low sperm count and impotence are more likely to be caused by Low T. Men who have a testosterone deficiency may also suffer from fatigue, weight gain, brittle bones, reduced muscle mass and irritability among other symptoms. Testosterone may drop in some men because of infections, medications, autoimmune disorders or for other reasons.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Treatment for men with low testosterone involves replacing the hormone. However, not all men are candidates for replacement therapy. Those who have breast or prostate cancer or who already have conditions related to the liver, kidneys or heart may not be able to receive additional testosterone. Testosterone may be administered by injection, patch or other means.
For more information on testosterone replacement therapy and treatment for other conditions, such as sleep apnea treatment, book an appointment online with Low T Center today.
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Disclaimer: This article is made available for general, entertainment and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Low T Center. You should always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.