Testosterone, the male sex hormone, plays a role in the overall health of the individual—from helping maintain energy levels to building muscle mass and ensuring a good mood. In males, testosterone levels are said to be normal if they lie between 300 and 1,000 ng/dL.
Some people may experience low testosterone levels, which can result in various physical and emotional challenges. The good news, however, is that there are several ways to address this condition.
Let’s learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatment for low testosterone, including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which offers lasting results.
What causes Low Testosterone?
Testosterone levels gradually dip between age 30 and 40, occurring naturally. This is the age-related decline of testosterone.
The causes of low testosterone can be classified as:
Eating an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise or physical activity, chronic stress, and inadequate or poor quality sleep can contribute to low testosterone levels.
Chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, hormonal imbalances and side effects of certain medications can lead to low testosterone levels.
Some individuals tend to have low testosterone levels due to their genetic makeup or heredity.
Other causes of low testosterone levels include:
- Testicular injury
- Testicular cancer
- Infections
- Ongoing treatments
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
The symptoms of low testosterone vary by age.
Symptoms that suggest low testosterone in adults assigned male at birth (AMAB) include:
- Reduced sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of armpit or pubic hair
- Shrinking testicles
- Hot flashes
- Low or zero sperm count (azoospermia), resulting in male infertility
Other symptoms may include:
- Mood changes
- Depression
- Difficulty in concentrating on tasks
- Poor memory
- Increased body fat
- Enlarged breast tissue in males (gynecomastia)
- Decreased muscle mass and strength
- Decreased endurance
The symptoms of low testosterone levels in children assigned male at birth (AMAB) before or during puberty include:
- Slow growth in height while their arms and legs continue to grow out of proportion compared to the rest of the body
- Reduced development of pubic hair
- Reduced growth of penis size and testicles
- Less deepening of voice
- Lower-than-average muscle strength and endurance
How to boost testosterone levels naturally?
Here are a few ways to boost testosterone levels naturally:
Follow your doctor’s after-care instructions during the recovery period. Maintain follow-ups with your doctor to enable them to monitor the treated area.
Strength and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to increase testosterone production. Including them in your daily workout routine can help increase your testosterone level.
To ensure optimum testosterone levels, it is essential to maintain your body weight within the normal range. As belly fat increases, the aromatase enzyme, which converts testosterone to oestrogen, increases, reducing testosterone levels. Obesity is a known contributing factor to declining total testosterone in ageing males.
Incorporate healthy fats, lean proteins, and zinc-rich foods like nuts, seeds, and seafood into your meals. At the same time, avoid excessive sugar, caffeine, red meat, excessive dairy products, food dyes and processed foods.
To optimise testosterone production, get at least 7–9 hours of good quality sleep each night.
Adopt stress-busting practices such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation to lower cortisol, which can inhibit testosterone levels.
Reduce alcohol consumption and use of tobacco, as both these substances can reduce the body’s testosterone production.
Natural supplements containing ashwagandha and fenugreek are known to boost testosterone levels and help keep it within normal limits.
Medical treatments for Low Testosterone
If natural methods do not give effective results, your doctor may recommend you undergo medical treatments. The most popular medical treatments to improve low testosterone levels include:
This therapy involves applying a patch, gel, or injection of the hormone testosterone to help restore its levels in the body. Testosterone is produced by the testes in males and is responsible for developing sex organs and masculine traits.
While it is difficult to predict how testosterone therapy will help an individual, here are a few reported benefits of this treatment:
- Boosts energy
- Improves sex drive
- Improves quality of erections
- Increases bone density and muscle mass
- Improves insulin sensitivity in some men
Several non-testosterone-containing alternatives help the body produce testosterone without directly introducing the hormone into the system. These medications, such as dehydroepiandrosterone, are usually customised to individuals, depending on their overall health and goals.
<br><br>If you are undergoing treatment for low testosterone levels, your doctor will most likely advise regular blood tests and keep you under medical supervision to ensure the treatment is safe and effective for you.
Choosing the right treatment for you
Are your symptoms indicative of low testosterone levels? We highly recommend visiting a healthcare professional who will assess your signs and symptoms and suggest the best possible approach for your condition.
At Hortman Clinics, Dubai, our experts usually recommend medical treatments for low testosterone, followed up with home remedies to achieve the best possible results.
Conclusion
Low testosterone levels are not concerning and do not have to limit your quality of life. Several natural ways, medical treatments, or a combination of both can help increase testosterone levels and boost overall well-being.
Don’t hesitate to consult a specialist. Take the first step towards a healthier, more energetic you with Hortman Clinics, Dubai. Book an appointment today!
We are here for you. Always.
Everything we do is tailored to your needs, this is why we take our time to take care of you and answer all your questions.