Testosterone plays a crucial role in men's health. This important hormone is responsible for many essential bodily functions, from building and maintaining muscle mass to keeping bones strong and distributing fat throughout the body. It also promotes the growth of facial and body hair and is involved in sperm production, sex drive and overall energy levels for daily activities.
But what happens when testosterone levels are low? This condition, known as hypogonadism, can impact a man's overall health and well-being. Let's explore what hypogonadism is, its symptoms, and tips on how to maintain healthy testosterone levels.
What is hypogonadism?
Hypogonadism is a condition in men where the body doesn't produce enough testosterone or sperm. Some men are born with this condition, while others develop it later in life. It's quite common, especially as men age. About 35% of men over 45 have hypogonadism, and up to 50% of men with obesity or Type 2 diabetes have hypogonadism.
There are two main types of hypogonadism:
- Primary hypogonadism: This happens when there's a problem with the testes
- Secondary hypogonadism: This happens when there's an issue with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus in the brain
Several factors can cause hypogonadism, including:
- Hormone disorders
- Chronic diseases (e.g., liver disease, kidney disease, obesity, Type 2 diabetes)
- Certain autoimmune conditions
- Some medications
- Genetic disorders
- Testicular injury or infection
Symptoms of hypogonadism in men
Low testosterone levels can cause various symptoms in men. These may include:
- Decreased sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction (trouble getting or keeping an erection)
- Loss of spontaneous erections
- Lower sperm count
- Enlarged or tender breasts
- Reduced energy levels
- Loss of muscle mass
- Shrinking testicles
- Increased irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling depressed
- Hot flashes
If left untreated, low testosterone could potentially lead to more serious issues over time, such as:
- Ongoing erectile dysfunction
- Infertility
- Weakened bones (osteoporosis)
- Significant loss of muscle mass
Testing your testosterone levels
If you're experiencing symptoms or low testosterone or want to improve your overall hormone health, Labcorp OnDemand offers a Comprehensive Testosterone Test that measures:
- Total testosterone: The total amount of testosterone in your blood, including both the active form (which attaches to proteins like albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin) and the unattached form
- Free testosterone: The portion of testosterone that's readily available for your body to use
- Albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG): Proteins associated with testosterone that influence how much testosterone is available for bodily functions
By looking at these biomarkers, you and your healthcare provider can better understand if your symptoms might be related to abnormal testosterone levels.
Understanding your testosterone levels is an important step in maintaining your overall hormone health. If you're experiencing symptoms or simply want to check your hormone levels, consider talking to your healthcare provider or exploring testing options to gain valuable insights into your health.
