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A muscular physique, a baritone voice, a toned figure—all these traits are closely tied to one particular hormone in the body, testosterone.
And for the most part, this association holds some merit. Testosterone is responsible for the growth of many masculine characteristics that separates the boys from the men.
But don’t be fooled: testosterone does more than just give men their rugged, manly features.
It’s also involved in a plethora of bodily functions, such as ramping up sperm production, maintaining bone density, and driving up one’s libido.
That said, over time or through the onset of certain health conditions, it’s possible to come face to face with hormonal imbalances, testosterone problems included.
And if your testosterone levels go out of whack, you’re prone to experiencing a range of uncomfortable symptoms that can adversely affect your health.
This is the case in both testosterone deficiency and high testosterone—with each condition having its own distinct list of symptoms and side effects.
Let’s go under the lens and understand what sets varying swings of this male sex hormone apart, as well as ways to restore your free testosterone both clinically and naturally.
What Is Low Testosterone?
Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, is a condition in which a man has abnormal levels of total testosterone. Most medical guidelines indicate that low testosterone in men is reached when testosterone levels in the body fall below 300 ng/dL.
While it can affect anyone, this condition is especially prevalent among older men. According to the American Urological Association, around 40% of men over 45 years are diagnosed with low testosterone.
Hypogonadism can be caused by a variety of factors including aging, injury to the testicles, cancer, and genetic disorders.
However, the most common cause of testosterone deficiency is the natural aging process, particularly when a man reaches his 30s as this is the time when testosterone production starts to slow down.
To treat low testosterone, testosterone replacement therapy is often prescribed by most doctors. This remedy, typically in the form of either bioidentical or traditional TRT, extraneously puts testosterone in the body through a combination of gels, patches, injections, and pellets.
If you’re afflicted by symptoms of this condition, consult a local Low T doctor for more information about testosterone replacement therapy.
Low Testosterone Signs
While intuition would lead us to believe that low testosterone symptoms are equivalent to a simple reversal of its general functions, the truth is low testosterone can present itself differently from person to person.
It’s possible to experience physical and cognitive symptoms due to low testosterone levels in men, while others could be completely asymptomatic even if their blood test shows signs of a deficiency in this male hormone.
The best way to truly know your sexual health is by visiting a urologist and getting a testosterone test to measure the blood level of this hormone in your body.
That said, if your case is symptomatic, here are some common signs to watch out for:
- Decreased sex drive: Severely low testosterone levels can lead to a noticeable decrease in libido.
- Erectile dysfunction: Testosterone can impact your sex drive and make it harder for you to get a hard-on.
- Loss of muscle mass: Testosterone binds with androgen receptors in the muscles, and not having enough T can cause muscle fibers to wear out and cause a decrease in muscle mass.
- Fatigue: Testosterone helps regulate muscle growth in the body, and a slowdown in that can naturally make you tire more easily.
- Depressed mood: Healthy testosterone levels are linked to serotonin uptake, and having too low of this hormone can lead to an increased risk of depression and other mood disorders.
- Decreased bone density: Testosterone helps to maintain bone density, so low levels can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures.
- Decreased body hair: Testosterone helps regulate the growth of body hair.
What Is High Testosterone?
High testosterone or testosterone excess, is when a man’s testosterone levels are higher than the recommended level of testosterone. Generally, people with testosterone levels above 916 ng/dL are considered to have high testosterone.
High testosterone has two major causes: tumor growth near the adrenal glands and prostate glands and the unprescribed use of anabolic steroids.
According to recent statistics, high testosterone affects about 5% of men, with the highest prevalence among men in their 40s and 50s.
While high testosterone may seem like a dream come true for some men, it’s unnatural and potentially debilitating due to the many side effects associated with it.
High testosterone treatment typically involves periodic ingestion of medications like glucocorticosteroids and oral contraceptives. Men would also be advised to cut their steroid usage.
If you’re even slightly concerned about your health status, consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate course of treatment for any testosterone-related condition.
High Testosterone Signs
From aggression and acne to an enlarged prostate and fertility problems, high testosterone can have a significant impact on a man’s health and well-being.
Here are a few signs to look out for if you suspect you have high testosterone.
- Breast enlargement: High testosterone levels are converted to the female hormone estrogen in your body, subsequently leading to breast enlargement.
- Acne: Testosterone can stimulate the production of oil in the skin, causing the formation of acne.
- Enlarged prostate: High testosterone levels may lead to an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- Male-pattern baldness: High testosterone levels may lead to male-pattern baldness.
- Infertility: In severe cases, high testosterone levels can lead to fertility problems.
- Increased aggression: Men may be more irritable and aggressive due to high T levels.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, consult with a testosterone specialist in Atlanta to determine the cause and the best testosterone therapy to help you restore normal testosterone levels.
Natural Ways to Balance Testosterone
Ignoring symptoms of testosterone problems is a surefire way of worsening your condition over time.
Besides medically-prescribed treatment plans, there are also several natural ways to keep your testosterone levels in check.
- Exercise regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity, especially weightlifting and resistance exercises, can help you increase testosterone levels.
- Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and vegetables can support the production of healthy testosterone levels.
- Get enough sleep: Testosterone production is highest during sleep, so getting quality sleep is necessary for maintaining healthy testosterone levels.
- Reduce stress: Chronic stress can increase cortisol levels while simultaneously decreasing testosterone levels, so finding ways to manage stress, such as meditation or yoga, can be helpful.
- Avoid recreational vices: Both tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption have been linked to lower testosterone levels, among other sexual dysfunctions like erectile dysfunction increasingly due to vices such as vaping.
By incorporating these natural strategies into your daily routine, you can keep your body healthy and agile well into your 80s.
Atlanta’s Leading Male Health Clinic Can Help Men Regain Sexual Vitality Long Term
Balance is key to living a healthy life free from worrisome symptoms.
Hypogonadism and high testosterone are conditions caused by an imbalance of testosterone. However, their symptoms and characteristics manifest in different ways.
That said, you can manage both conditions with a comprehensive care solution with your doctor and by adopting positive lifestyle changes.
If you are suffering from testosterone imbalance and need help, contact Atlanta male clinic Priority Men’s Medical Center now to schedule an appointment to have a consultation with their experienced and specially trained medical staff. We are one of Georgia’s leading men’s clinics providing ED therapy, PE therapy, Low Testosterone therapy, RestoreWave therapy, hormone therapy, and much more.
