Testosterone is often what makes a man feel like a man. Not only is it a sex hormone for men, but it is essential for a variety of functions in the body. Healthy bone and muscle mass, a strong libido, energy levels, and good mental health are all thanks to having balanced testosterone. Men can suffer from low or high testosterone levels which can greatly affect the body and mind. If you suffer from either, know that treatment is completely personalized and available at Revived Medical.
Testosterone in the Body
Testosterone is a sex hormone that begins to rapidly increase during puberty and peak in the later teen years or early 20s. As men age—typically starting around 30 years old— it’s common for testosterone to naturally decline each year. In men, testosterone is created in the testicles when the pituitary gland signals production.
Testosterone is essential for the transition for boys to become men. When boys reach puberty, testosterone helps to:
- Deepen Their Voices
- Produce Sperm
- Cause Hair Growth on the Chest and Face
- Trigger a Growth Spurt
- Adolescents typically find themselves getting taller, broader and thicker (with muscle) during this growth spurt.
- Increase Libido
- Gain Muscle
- Increase Penis and Testicles in Size
After puberty, testosterone is important to maintain these traits above. Testosterone also has a big impact on a man’s mental health. If levels aren’t within a normal range, men may find themselves depressed or experience physical changes. Abnormal levels of T can be cause for concern but can be addressed and corrected.
Abnormal Testosterone Levels
Men may find themselves suffering from abnormally high or abnormally low testosterone levels. Either one can impact a man’s physical and mental health and can lead to further problems if not addressed. You know your body best. If you’re experiencing a sudden change physically or mentally, it’s important to advocate for yourself and seek professional help.
High Testosterone
High testosterone is typically not caused by its own accord. Misuse of anabolic steroids, or tumors in the testicles or adrenal glands are common (but not sole) reasons you may notice an increase in this hormone. Once the cause for high T is determined, a treatment can be determined. Signs of high testosterone may include:
- Increased Body Hair
- Acne (After Puberty)
- Mood Swings or Aggressive Behavior
Low Testosterone
As men age, testosterone levels are bound to decrease. However, there may be other factors that contribute to having low levels. Eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting or avoiding tobacco can lessen your chance of suffering from low testosterone. Testosterone helps men to feel youthful, energized, and physically and mentally healthy which is why abnormally low testosterone levels should be addressed. Signs you may be suffering from low testosterone include but are not limited to:
- Decreased Libido
- Suffering From Erectile Dysfunction
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Muscle Weakness or Decreased Muscle Mass
- Moody and Irritable
- Forgetfulness or Inability to Concentrate
Treatment for Imbalanced Testosterone
If you suffer from low or high testosterone, there are solutions available to you. To start, the team at Revived Medical will order lab work. Drawing blood will provide an accurate overview of your hormone levels so the best course of treatment can be customized for your individual needs. If you find yourself suffering from only one or two of the symptoms, there may be a more targeted solution available to you.
- Hormone or Testosterone Replacement Therapy
- Hormone and testosterone therapy is administered via injection into the fatty muscle tissue. Depending on how severe the hormone imbalance is will determine the frequency of repeated injections.
- Lifestyle Changes
- Quitting tobacco, losing weight, and exercising can all help to improve your physical and mental well-being. Making these lifestyle changes can also lower your risk of suffering from low testosterone.
- Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
- Erectile Dysfunction is typically linked to having low testosterone, however, it can also be caused due to poor blood flow the penis. If you find yourself experiencing ED without the other symptoms of low testosterone, then oral medication or Acoustic Wave Therapy may be offered.
- Oral medication is a simple fix that when taken typically 30 minutes prior to intercourse, will allow you to get and maintain an erection for 24-36 hours.
- Acoustic Wave Therapy is a solution with long-term effects. The pulses in the acoustic sound waves will stimulate the blood vessels in the penis to revitalize and regrow. This allows for greater blood flow to the penis and results in getting and maintaining an erection on demand.
- Erectile Dysfunction is typically linked to having low testosterone, however, it can also be caused due to poor blood flow the penis. If you find yourself experiencing ED without the other symptoms of low testosterone, then oral medication or Acoustic Wave Therapy may be offered.
Testosterone not only helps men feel young, energized, and full of life, but it is essential for the body to function optimally. Levels that are too low or too high can contribute to personality, mood, and physical changes. To ensure you are functioning at your very best, it’s always recommended to get your hormone levels checked and a customized treatment plan created.
