If the free testosterone level in the blood is below 9 ng/dL and the total testosterone level is below 240 ng/dL, it can be said that testosterone is low. Symptoms of Low Testosterone Low testosterone can cause various complaints such as decreased sexual desire, decreased erection quality, decreased sperm quality and breast enlargement in the …
If the free testosterone level in the blood is below 9 ng/dL and the total testosterone level is below 240 ng/dL, it can be said that testosterone is low.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Low testosterone can cause various complaints such as decreased sexual desire, decreased erection quality, decreased sperm quality and breast enlargement in the short term. Over time, symptoms such as hair loss, decreased muscle density, weakness and increased fat content can be added to these symptoms. When low testosterone becomes chronic and progressive, osteoporosis, mood changes, decreased energy and shrinkage in the testicles can occur.
Causes of Low Testosterone
There are many different causes of low testosterone;
Advancing age (a gradual decline in testosterone levels occurs starting at age 30)
Trauma to the testicles, infections affecting the testicles
Undescended testicles
Exposure to radiation and/or chemotherapy as part of cancer treatment
Long-term use of certain medications
Health problems affecting hormones
Type 2 diabetes, kidney and liver diseases
Genetic diseases such as Klinefelter syndrome and Kallman syndrome
Obesity or excessive thinness
Sexually transmitted diseases
Stress
Smoking
Low Testosterone Can Cause Serious Problems
A lower than normal testosterone level can cause decreased bone density, male-related infertility, depression, obesity, impotence and loss of muscle mass. Systemic disorders such as heart disease and diabetes may occur in men due to increased body fat.
Low testosterone can negatively affect men’s health and quality of life. Therefore, if symptoms of low testosterone are experienced, it is necessary to be examined, to reveal the causes of this problem and to proceed with the treatment processes planned specifically for the person. At this point, it should not be forgotten that the level of this hormone can have different results both if it is lower than ideal and if it is higher than ideal.
Excess Testosterone Can Also Affect Men
Excess testosterone is the situation where the total testosterone level is more than 950 ng/dL and the free testosterone level is more than 30 ng/dL. Excess testosterone can lead to symptoms such as acne formation, irritability, early puberty, increased body hair, high blood pressure, increased sexual drive and again male-related infertility.
The causes of excess testosterone are as diverse as low testosterone. The presence of a tumor in the testicles, the use of anabolic steroids and testosterone supplements can cause men to experience symptoms of excess testosterone.
