As men age, testosterone production typically decreases.
Low Sex Drive
Libido (sex drive) in men and women is affected by low testosterone. Low Testosterone will typically cause a more drastic decline in the sex drive of men. Low Testosterone in women will also cause a decline in sex drive, as well as other hormonal and mood changes.
Erectile Dysfunction
Testosterone stimulates a man’s sex drive and aids in achieving an erection. Low Testosterone may lead to difficulty in achieving and/or maintaining an erection.
Reduced Sperm Count
Testosterone plays a role in the production of semen. Low Testosterone may cause a noticeable decrease in the volume of semen during ejaculation. It should be noted that testosterone replacement therapy will cause a decrease in sperm production. Thus testosterone replacement therapy is not recommended for young men seeking to have a family.
Hair Loss
Testosterone aids in the production of hair. While balding is a natural part of the aging process in many men, low testosterone may lead to a loss of body and facial hair. During hormone replacement therapy, it is important to maintain proper hormonal balance evidenced with periodic lab testing to avoid possible facial hair growth and/or hair loss in women during hormonal replacement therapy.
Fatigue, Tiredness or Loss of Energy
Many men and women experience extreme fatigue and a noticeable lack of energy with low testosterone.
Decreased Muscle Mass
Testosterone plays a role in the building and strengthening of muscle. Low Testosterone may cause a decrease in both muscle mass and strength. Even with weight training, low testosterone may make it difficult to build or maintain muscle mass. Low testosterone results in increased recovery times after a workout or other strenuous activity.
Increase in Body Fat
Low Testosterone may lead to an increase in body fat. Low Testosterone, may cause men and women to develop body fat around the mid body area. Increased body fat may contribute to higher serum estrogen levels in men and contribute to male breast enlargement.
Osteoporosis
Testosterone aids in the strengthening of bones. Low testosterone contributes to osteoporosis, the thinning of bone mass, which potentially causes fractures and breaks. Thus a proper hormonal balance in women and men contributes to long-term bone health.
Depression, Irritability or Mood Changes
Just as women experience mood changes during menopause, men can also experience similar symptoms with low testosterone typically brought on during andropause. Andropause, also known as male menopause, is said to be the result of a gradual drop in testosterone, which is an androgen. Andropause is considered to be a deficiency state in which the hormone testosterone goes below the normal range for an aging male. Testosterone affects many processes in the human body, including mood and mental capacity. Low Testosterone in men and women may lead to depression, irritability and/or a lack of focus.
Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy for Men
