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Testosterone deficiency? 10 things you should know about testosterone

testosteroni

Testosterone is related to more than just sexuality; these are things you might not know about testosterone.

Did you know these things about testosterone?

1. Testosterone levels decrease for everyone

Testosterone levels are highest in men in their twenties and begin to decline around the ages of 25-30. The rate at which levels decrease is highly individual. The decline in testosterone levels is a natural phenomenon and does not require intervention unless the level drops so low that deficiency symptoms occur.

2. The cause is rarely a disease

Low testosterone levels can sometimes be due to an underlying disease, such as cardiovascular disease, thyroid or liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or diabetes.

However, testosterone deficiency is very rarely caused by a disease. Most often, it is due to a dysfunction in the pituitary gland that regulates the testes or age-related partial testosterone deficiency. Talking about “male menopause” is usually misleading. Although low testosterone levels can cause symptoms typical of female menopause in men, not all men experience these symptoms.

3. Even young men can have testosterone deficiency

Testosterone deficiency becomes more common with age, but the prevalence among 40-50-year-olds is estimated to be 10-20 percent. The true prevalence is unknown because the deficiency does not cause symptoms in all men, and even symptomatic men often go undiagnosed.

4. Lifestyle affects male hormone production

Testosterone deficiency can result from an accumulation of stressful factors in one’s lifestyle, leading to dysfunction. The most significant single cause is obesity. Testosterone production can also be weakened by constant mental stress, sleep disorders, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and physical overexertion. When poor lifestyle habits accumulate, the body may struggle to maintain normal, healthy testosterone production.

5. The complexity of symptoms makes diagnosing testosterone deficiency difficult

When life and lifestyle management are neglected, one’s well-being often reflects that. An overweight, irregularly living, unhealthy eating, inactive, and constantly stressed smoker likely perceives his health as poorer than a man with healthy lifestyle habits and controlled life. He sleeps worse, is more prone to depression, is more tense, irritable, tired, and less motivated.

On the other hand, too low testosterone levels also cause similar symptoms. Typical symptoms of testosterone deficiency include muscle weakness, mood changes such as depression or irritability, reduced body hair, sweating, weight gain, decreased muscle mass, fatigue, and reduced overall performance.

Perhaps the most typical reason for seeking examination is a problem with sexual functions, such as erectile dysfunction or ejaculation issues.

Almost all symptoms of testosterone deficiency closely resemble symptoms of many other conditions. Sleep apnea, diabetes, depression, or burnout can manifest similarly, as can side effects of certain medications.

Quite often, the role of testosterone deficiency is overlooked in men with fatigue symptoms and even those suffering from erectile dysfunction. A simple blood test can help determine if the symptom complex is related to a deficiency in male hormone production.

Asymptomatic testosterone deficiency does not require intervention. However, a deficiency detected in laboratory tests may indicate that it might be a good time to focus on lifestyle and personal well-being to prevent symptoms.

6. Often losing weight helps

Testosterone deficiency is often not irreversible, and lifestyle changes can help revive production. The first step is to consider weight management, as weight above normal ranges poses a significant problem for testosterone production. This is due to an enzyme produced by fat tissue that disrupts male sex hormones and can cause abnormal increases in estrogen levels.

Normal weight helps maintain normal testosterone levels, often creating a positive cycle, as normal testosterone levels support normal metabolism.

7. You can also tackle the issue under the sheets

An active sex life increases testosterone levels and maintains normal concentrations. Intimacy, affection, and comprehensive consideration of sexual needs are gifts to a man’s overall health—important care that a partner can also participate in. If testosterone deficiency is associated with erectile dysfunction, using erectile medication can be one way to address the accumulation of problems.

8. Hormone therapy is not a magic bullet

Hormone problems are often complex, making it difficult to determine cause and effect. When suspecting testosterone deficiency, it is crucial to rule out other possible explanations for symptoms, such as thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, and sleep apnea. Addressing the situation requires a comprehensive review of a man’s health and well-being.

For this reason, testosterone therapy is not the first-line treatment for male hormone deficiency; instead, lifestyle changes should be the first step. Increasing physical activity, adopting a healthy diet, managing stress, and controlling weight gradually revive testosterone production.

Testosterone therapy is considered appropriate when deficiency symptoms are particularly severe and testosterone deficiency is confirmed by at least two blood tests. The treatment is highly effective for symptoms but has side effects: it suppresses the testes’ own testosterone production and sperm production. A doctor always assesses the need for treatment individually.

9. Free testosterone measurement S-Testo-VL can be used to assess testosterone levels

Free testosterone indicates the amount of biologically active testosterone.

10. Access testing through Puhti – Measure other important factors at the same time

Through Puhti, you can test your testosterone levels without a doctor’s visit or referral. You usually receive the test results the next day. At the same time, it’s good to measure several factors related to well-being and endurance, such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and vitamin D levels! If needed, you can separately order advice from a Mehiläinen doctor after the tests.

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