Testosterone is responsible for a number of functions in the male body, and when it declines, men can experience changes that drastically decrease the quality of life. Every man is unique, and while this can occur at different times, most men begin to experience a drastic decline in hormones during the mid to late forties or early fifties. Ottawa Hormone Replacement Therapy Physicians can replace deficient testosterone with hormones that are identical in structure and function to the ones produced in the human body.
When testosterone declines, it affects all of the other hormones’ functions and levels because they are all interdependent on one another. This can cause a drop in androgens, which are male hormones and bring about the condition known as andropause. During male andropause, important male hormones such as DHEA, human growth hormone, and testosterone decrease, which can cause several health problems or conditions. Some issues that can occur during andropause may include:
Low Libido is one of the first signs of hormone decline, and it is one of the first changes that men may notice with age related testosterone deficiency. Because testosterone governs sexual function and reproductive activities, decreased sexual desire can occur with lower testosterone. Hormone replacement therapy can restore testosterone to same healthy levels that were present during a man’s 20’s and 30’s in order to increase libido.
Erectile Dysfunction can be another effect of unhealthy testosterone levels. While this can happen for many reasons, such as stress, poor emotions, an unhealthy diet, or a lack of exercise, it is mostly temporary and lasts for a short period of time when it occurs due to lifestyle factors. Erectile Dysfunction that occurs on a regular basis is most likely due to a testosterone deficiency. Testosterone directly affects reproductive functions, and if it is balanced, problems such as erectile dysfunction can disappear and sexual functions can be restored.
Decreased Muscle Mass is another sure sign of testosterone insufficiencies. Testosterone helps to build red blood cells, make proteins, and maintain energy. Men experiencing low testosterone typically have less energy to put into workouts, and most men lose around 12-15 pounds of muscle mass during testosterone decline. Not only can testosterone build muscle and maintain energy, it helps men to have an abundant supply of overall energy.
Weight Gain can occur with testosterone decline for a number of reasons. During a man’s 20’s or early 30’s, he can usually eat whatever he wants and gain little to no weight. This is because testosterone helps to increase metabolism, and it helps insulin to regulate blood sugar, which can aid the body in using food for fuel instead of storing it away as fat. However, this all changes with aging and testosterone decline, which can cause men to pack on pounds around the middle. Another reason for weight gain can be due to the loss of muscle. This is because muscle influences the burning of calories, and when muscle is abundant, fat storages are tapped into to sustain energy.
Unhealthy Moods can be due to testosterone fluctuations, which can create outbursts of anger, increased anxiety, or feelings of sadness. This can be due to the role testosterone has in regulating blood sugar, or it can occur because of testosterone’s effect on brain chemistry. Testosterone can also affect memory and concentration, and if it is waning, men may not be able to remember things or have sharp cognitive functions. When testosterone levels are regulated, moods become more calm and balanced, and cognitive functions can be improved.
Fatigue can be caused from the decline of androgens, which are male hormones. Male hormones, such as testosterone do not only affect the ability to have sexual drive and function, but they affect the body’s overall energy and vitality. When these hormones decline, men may notice a lack of motivation, physical or mental exhaust, and a loss of vitality. Hormones also affect the way blood sugar is processed for energy in the body, and when they are in short supply, men may begin to feel lethargic, especially after eating. When hormonal functions are restored, energy and vitality can be returned to optimum levels.
Hair Losss on the scalp, under the arms, or the groin can be further evidence of testosterone decline. Because testosterone is responsible for the maintenance of body and facial hair, men can suffer from hair loss in these areas when testosterone levels decrease. Testosterone also influences hair follicles in the producing of hair on the scalp, and hair follicles receive their instructions to produce hair from testosterone. When testosterone declines, hair cells can die away due to cellular death and dryness. When testosterone is abundant, follicles can produce healthy hair, and hair loss can be slowed down.
Male androgen decline can occur at any time during a man’s life, and aside from aging, many factors can contribute to male hormone decline. Some of these factors include stress, poor nutrition, and a lack of sleep.
While many factors can affect hormone production, hormone replacement therapy can get to the root of numerous health issues by correcting imbalances. Hormone Replacement Therapy can help men to regain vitality and overall wellness.
Hormone Replacement Therapy can transform the way you look & feel. Contact a Ottawa Ontario Hormone Replacement Therapy Doctor today & get back to being you.