What is Testosterone and why it’s so important for your health

What Is Testosterone? Testosterone Functions, Deficiencies, & More

The majority of testosterone in the human body is attached to proteins; however, some testosterone may float freely in the body. If you are taking hormone replacement therapy, regular follow-up appointments with your physician are important. Doctors might also recommend lifestyle adjustments, such as exercising more, losing weight, getting more sleep, reducing stress, and eating a healthy diet, Gittens says. GENERALLY, DOCTORS SAY it’s not necessary to worry about your exact testosterone number—or even know what it is—unless you’re experiencing concerning symptoms, explains Black. Gittens says he sometimes sees patients who are focused on having their testosterone at a certain level—often because of something they’ve read online. “They’re just looking at those numbers, and it can be harmful to patients,” he adds. The Division of Urology is an international leader in providing innovative, high-quality medical care.

Men have higher levels of testosterone in their bodies than women do. In either sex, if testosterone levels become imbalanced, adverse symptoms can occur. Although some men believe they feel younger and more vigorous if they take testosterone medications, there’s little evidence to support the use of testosterone in otherwise healthy men. Hypogonadism hampers the ability to produce normal amounts of testosterone due to a problem with the testicles or with the pituitary gland that controls the testicles. Testosterone replacement therapy, in the form of injections, pellets, patches or gels, can improve the signs and symptoms of low testosterone in these men. As you age, your testosterone level gradually declines — typically about 1% a year after age 30 or 40. For older men, it’s important to determine if a low testosterone level is due to normal aging or if it is due to a disease (hypogonadism).

The American Urology Association considers levels of testosterone below 300 ng/dL in men to be low. With growing testosterone use this article will aim to provide understanding on the ins and outs of this therapy and its potential effects on overall health and well-being. Unlike many low-T clinics, we calculate bioavailable testosterone by measuring levels of two proteins, sex hormone binding globulin and albumin, that typically bind to testosterone. It’s possible to have a normal total testosterone level and experience low-T symptoms if this balance is off. The more testosterone one has in their body, the more masculine their features will be.

Testosterone also doesn’t cure erectile dysfunction, explains Dr. Patel. Low testosterone may be a contributor to ED, but for most men, erectile dysfunction is related to changes in how the body responds, delivers, and maintains adequate blood to the penis. He works as a GP in the NHS and as the Head of Medical at digital men’s health clinic Numan. At Numan, he advises on the development of new products and services, manages the clinical team, and works closely with marketing to develop medical messaging for television advertising and social media. In addition, he regularly contributes expert medical comments to mainstream media publications on behalf of Numan such as The Times, The Independent, The Sun, The Daily Mail, Men’s Health and Vice. In some conditions, an anti-androgenic birth control pill improves symptoms of high testosterone. Symptoms might reappear when the person decides to stop using hormonal contraception.

A total testosterone test measures both bound and free testosterone in a blood sample. This is the most common type of testosterone test, and levels are commonly reported in nanograms per deciliter of blood (ng/dL). Less often, a test may be performed for free testosterone, which is reported in picograms per deciliter of blood (pg/dL). The pituitary gland in your brain controls the amount of testosterone your body makes. It does this by using other signaling hormones such as luteinizing hormone. You can stop, but the symptoms of low testosterone will probably return. One study followed 151 men for 6 months after they stopped testosterone replacement therapy.

When the testosterone is under 300, that’s when we would consider an adult male to have low testosterone. With TRT, a man receives medicine to raise his testosterone levels back to a normal range. Many men find that symptoms like low sex drive and moodiness improve with TRT.

Testosterone therapy may make sense for women who have low testosterone levels and symptoms that might be due to testosterone deficiency. However, the wisdom and effectiveness of testosterone treatment to improve sexual function or cognitive function among postmenopausal women is unclear. Low testosterone can low testosterone cause lack of sleep cause a lot of unpleasant effects, including a low sex drive, muscle loss, a tanking mood, and low energy. If that sounds like you, your doctor will likely rule out potential causes of low T, such as obesity, opioid use, and issues relating to the pituitary gland or testicles. Your doctor will then determine proper course of action, which could be anything from lifestyle style changes to hormone therapy. Some patients have come to us from low-T clinics with testosterone levels as high as 3,000. That’s unnecessary, and so much chemical modification increases the risk of enlarged prostate or increases the risk of prostate cancer.

A healthcare provider will review and approve your test requests; no healthcare provider visit is required. Testosterone levels are checked by drawing a blood sample from a vein in the arm. The sample is usually taken in a doctor’s office, medical clinic, laboratory, or hospital.

Total testosterone is the most commonly used test for diagnostic and monitoring purposes. Once the blood draw is complete, you may be asked to apply pressure around where the needle was inserted using gauze or cotton. You may also be given a cotton swab or bandage to cover the area. An elastic band, called a tourniquet, will be placed around your upper arm so more blood is in the vein. The inside of your elbow will be cleaned with an antiseptic wipe to prevent infection. A needle will be inserted into the vein to fill a small vial with blood.

If you have low T, ask your doctor if this type of therapy might benefit you. Ranges can vary among different labs, so it’s important to speak with your doctor about your results. Testosterone triggers the development of the male internal and external reproductive organs during fetal development.