Testosterone is a vital hormone that plays a key role in male development and health. Known as the "male" hormone, testosterone is produced in the testes and regulated by the brain's pituitary gland.
Testosterone has several prominent functions:
- It stimulates the development of male sexual characteristics during puberty, leading to:
- Growth of body and facial hair
- Deepening of the voice
- Increased muscle mass and strength
- Testosterone maintains many male physical attributes and sexual functions later in life, such as:
- Sex drive
- Sperm production
- Muscle mass
- The hormone also facilitates the production of red blood cells, boosts mood, keeps bones strong, and aids cognitive ability.
By the time boys reach puberty, testosterone production rapidly increases about 30 times higher than girls of the same age. This accelerated production peaks in the late teens to early 20s, after which it slowly declines with age.
What causes low testosterone?
Testosterone deficiency can occur due to several reasons:
- Normal aging
- Injury or infection of the testes
- Chemotherapy or radiation treatment
- Obesity
- Medications
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Chronic health conditions
What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
Some common symptoms are:
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Loss of body and facial hair
- Decreased muscle mass
- Mood changes like depression
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your doctor at Vitality Hormone Center . They can check your testosterone levels through a simple blood test and recommend treatment if needed.
What are the treatment options?
If you have abnormally low testosterone, treatment options may include:
- Testosterone replacement therapy
- Making lifestyle changes like eating healthy, exercising, and reducing stress
- Addressing underlying health issues
Restoring normal testosterone levels can help you regain energy, strength, sex drive and overall vitality.