What is testosterone? The ultimate guide

What Is Testosterone and Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

But other health issues may also cause low T, such as thyroid problems, long-lasting illness, or problems with the testicles. A testosterone levels test measures the amount of testosterone in a sample of your blood. Testosterone is known as a “male” sex hormone, but females have testosterone in smaller amounts. Some older men with healthy testosterone levels take the supplement to increase strength and energy.

Testosterone plays an important role in maintaining sex drive, sperm production, muscle strength and bone mass. A healthy level of testosterone is also protective against bone disorders such as osteoporosis. As previously mentioned, it’s only normal to think that high testosterone levels in men would cause all the typical ‘male characteristics’ to be heightened such as sex drive, muscle mass, and body hair. However, as you probably know by now, high testosterone levels don’t often occur in men naturally. This is why most of what is known about high testosterone levels and the disadvantages of high T come from athletes that use anabolic steroids or men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy. In adult men, low testosterone may lead to a reduction in muscle bulk, loss of body hair and a wrinkled ‘parchment-like’ appearance of the skin. Current research suggests that this effect occurs in only a minority (about 2%) of ageing men.

Yet the health benefits of testosterone therapy for age-related decline in testosterone aren’t clear. You may be a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy if low T is interfering with your health and quality of life. Artificial testosterone can be administered orally, through injections, or with gels or skin patches. If your testosterone levels are extremely high, your doctor may order other tests to find out the cause. Testosterone therapy may be prescribed for women with low T levels, however, the treatment’s effectiveness on improving sexual function or cognitive function among postmenopausal women is unclear. Women with high testosterone levels, due to either disease or drug use, may experience a decrease in breast size and deepening of the voice, in addition to many of the problems men may have.

After that, your doctor may suggest monitoring your testosterone levels one to two times per year. In men or anyone with a penis, testosterone is produced by the testicles and the adrenal gland, controlling the development of sperm and male sex characteristics. And in women or anyone with ovaries, testosterone is produced by the ovaries, the adrenal gland, and other tissues, and it aids in overall growth and development. If your healthcare provider thinks that you have low or high testosterone, they will first test total testosterone levels. The free testosterone can help give more information when total testosterone is low.

This method provides a long-lasting testosterone release, typically lasting 4-6 months. The implantation is a quick, in-office procedure performed under local anaesthesia. Pellets offer convenience with less frequent treatments but carry risks of extrusion or infection at the implant site. The effect of testosterone on cholesterol levels may vary depending on factors such as age, dosage, and route of administration. Low testosterone can be treated directly by taking hormone replacement therapy. Many of these symptoms could have different causes, which is why it is so important for a man to bring his concerns to a doctor.

Each result on your report has a corresponding reference range. This range shows what the laboratory considers to be an expected total testosterone level for a healthy person. Reference ranges can vary from laboratory to laboratory, so it is important to speak with your doctor about your result and what it means for your health. Testosterone tests can also monitor the health of transgender men who were assigned female at birth but identify as male. Some transgender men may take hormone therapy to change their physical appearance to match their gender identity. Doctors may monitor six star elite series testosterone booster review – https://thehollywoodtrainer.com/wp-content/pgs/?pills_to_boost_testosterone.html, levels in this group of men to ensure testosterone levels are maintained at a certain level.

If you wonder whether testosterone therapy might be right for you, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. Your doctor will likely measure your testosterone levels at least twice before recommending testosterone therapy. In females, a high testosterone level can lead to irregular periods, acne, voice deepening and an excess growth of body hair. A high testosterone level is also found in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition that can cause infertility.

A man’s testosterone declines about 1% every year after age 30. This change is a natural part of the aging process, but testosterone that drops too low or too quickly can trigger some unpleasant symptoms. It’s natural for your testosterone level to fluctuate throughout the day.

The male hormone testosterone plays an important role in the development and maintenance of typical masculine physical characteristics, such as muscle mass and strength, and growth of facial and body hair. Hyperandrogenism also has various clinical presentations, depending on puberty status and gender. Prepubertal boys with hyperandrogenism may present with virilization. Virilization includes penile enlargement, excess hair growth in androgen-dependent areas, and voice deepening. In prepubertal girls, hyperandrogenism may lead to clitoromegaly, acne, and hirsutism.

Your healthcare provider can provide the most suitable guidance based on your situation. Like many aspects of our health, ‘normal’ testosterone levels vary depending on the individual and certain factors such as weight, nutrition, medication, age, and illness. At this time, it is unclear whether TRT increases the risk of prostate cancer or symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.