When it comes to deteriorating sex drive or erectile dysfunction the odds are greater for older men because they have low testosterone levels. To keep you on top of things here are some frequently asked questions.
QUESTION: Low testosterone, what is it?
ANSWER: The underproduction of testosterone by your body can result in hypogonadism or low testosterone. The level of testosterone naturally drops as you get older anyway. You’ve hit low testosterone or “Low T” when it drops below a threshold value.
QUESTION: What causes it?
ANSWER: The causes vary. It could be due to chemical and hormonal changes in your body resulting in diminished testicular function. Or it could be due to congenital problems leading to decrease in male hormones. It could also be a result of unhealthy diet, smoking, excessive drinking, lack of exercise, chronic illness, stress, or cancer. Damage to the pituitary gland, hypothalamus can also cause it. But there is no one cause if that’s what you were looking for.
QUESTION: Are my symptoms definitely from low testosterone or could they be caused by some other problems?
ANSWER: Among other things low testosterone can cause erectile dysfunction, poor libido, brittle bones, fatigue and hot flashes. Symptoms like irritability, depression and fatigue may be from other causes. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by prostate problems.
QUESTION: Are there possible benefits from testosterone supplements?
ANSWER: There are supplements that can help you rebuild strong muscles and bones as well as boost your libido. These come in the form of patches, gels and implants. Such solutions can also improve your mood and energy levels. QUESTION: Testosterone replacement therapy, what are the side effects and risks involved?
QUESTION: What are the risks and side effects of testosterone replacement therapy?
ANSWER: There are long term risks associated with treatment supplements. You may be at increased risk of prostate cancer, stroke and possible liver damage. You may also notice hair loss, acne and problems like testicular atrophy.
QUESTION: For how long does testosterone replacement therapy last?
ANSWER: Discussing the pros and cons with your doctor will help you better understand testosterone therapy and the risks involved. Take the testosterone cream for example. For 8 weeks it should be applied once a day and it is required to take a break after that. There’s also the testosterone injection which is given every other week. This can cause testosterone levels in the blood to wildly rise and fall however. To better address the duration issue talking to your doctor would be best.
QUESTION: Can I try other lifestyle changes such as exercise or diets before going all in with testosterone treatment?
ANSWER: Glad you asked. Start with a diet that’s heavy in fruits and vegetables. See to it you get more zinc in your diet, good fats like Omega 3 fatty acids and enough Vitamin A, B, and E. That can really help. Getting a good night’s sleep every night can also help in normalizing testosterone level. Work up a sweat at least 4-5 times a week. Doing aerobics is a good way to accomplish that.
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