Testosterone is a hormone that occurs in humans. Men have higher testosterone levels as compared to women. Production of this hormone rises during puberty, and after the age of 30, it starts to decrease. After the maturity of 30, the testosterone level reduces by around 1% per year. It is a natural process. There are several vital functions in men that this hormone regulates. This includes:
- Sperm production
- Sex drive
- Fat distribution
- Bone density
- Production of RBC
- Muscle strength/mass
Abnormal testosterone levels can cause several issues because it controls several important bodily functions.
Sexual function:
Testosterone controls high libidos and sex drives in men. Low testosterone levels cause a decrease in libido. With aging, men face several issues related to sexual function that are associated with this hormone. It includes infertility, erectile dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, etc. Hormone replacement therapy can work along with ED drugs to solve this issue.
Physical changes:
Abnormal testosterone levels can also cause many physical changes. This hormone is responsible for increased muscle mass, body hair, and masculine build. Low level of testosterone can lead to several physical changes, such as:
- Reduction in body fat
- Low muscle mass/strength
- Decreased hair on the body
- Fragile bones
- Tenderness or swelling of the breast tissue
- Increased fatigue
- Hot flashes
- Effects on cholesterol metabolism
Sleep disturbances:
It can also lower your energy levels, thereby leading to insomnia or significant changes in your sleep patterns. Those that have undergone testosterone replacement therapy might face the issue of sleep apnea. It is a severe condition wherein the person experiences stop and start of your breath repeatedly when you sleep. This can increase a person’s risk for other medical conditions such as stroke and hypertension. Even if you do not experience sleep apnea, still low levels of this hormone will reduce the number of hours that you sleep.
Emotional changes:
There are several emotional changes that one may experience as a result of abnormal levels of testosterone. This includes getting a feeling of depression or sadness. Some people may face issues with their memory and concentration too. Having a low level of self-confidence or motivation is also quite common.
Testosterone is a hormone that is associated with emotional regulation. As a result of this, its lower levels can cause irritability, fatigue, lower sex drive, etc.
What can cause abnormal levels of testosterone?
Many symptoms can result in a low testosterone level, but various side effects can happen due to aging. Other reasons which can be experienced are as below:
- Injury to the testicles
- Cancer to testis
- A bad condition of thyroid
- HIV
- Infection
- Side effects of the medications
- Type 2 diabetes
- Abnormalities to the genes which are affecting the testicles
- Use of alcohol
- Problems to the pituitary gland