Testosterone is an important hormone that plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of masculine physical and functional traits. Testosterone is mainly produced in the testes in men and the ovaries and adrenal glands in women.
Some key functions of testosterone include:
- Muscle growth and strength: Testosterone helps build muscle mass and strength, especially when combined with strength training. It stimulates protein synthesis and supports muscle recovery.
- Bone density: Testosterone promotes optimal bone mineral density and strength in men. Low levels can lead to osteoporosis.
- Fat distribution: Testosterone helps support lean body mass and influences where men store fat in the body.
- Sex drive and function: The hormone is crucial for libido and sexual function in both men and women.
- Mood and cognition: Testosterone plays a role in confidence, motivation, ability to focus and concentrate. Low levels may negatively impact mood and cognition.
Some
common symptoms of low testosterone in men include low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, depressed mood, fatigue, loss of muscle mass and bone density, weight gain and others.
If struggling with such symptoms, getting tested at a
men’s health clinic like Elite Hormone Therapy is advised. They specialize in the safe and effective treatment of low testosterone through
hormone optimization protocols utilizing bioidentical testosterone therapy, nutrition plans, fitness guidance and more.
Diagnosing low testosterone typically involves both a physical exam and
blood test to accurately measure total and free testosterone levels in the body. Normal reference ranges differ slightly between labs but generally total testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL and free testosterone levels below 50 pg/mL are considered low.
There are several options for
treatment if testosterone levels come back low from testing:
- Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): Bioidentical testosterone medication prescribed to restore levels. Available as injections, gels, patches, pellets.
- Lifestyle changes: Improving sleep, fitness, nutrition and managing stress.
- HCG therapy: Human chorionic gonadotropin stimulates natural production.
The goal is to optimize testosterone levels safely to alleviate low T symptoms and promote better overall men’s health.