Guide About High and Low Testosterone Level in Men
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men that is responsible for the development of several physical characteristics.
Some physical characteristics where testosterone plays a vital role include hair growth, deep voice, bone density, etc.
Remember, testosterone is part of a hormone class, androgens, produced by testicles after arousal from the pituitary gland.
You need to know that the pituitary gland is located near the base of your brain, sending the signal to the male’s testicles.
This further helps men to attain feelings of sexual desire from time to time.
Being a man, as you grow old, the testosterone level in your body also starts decreasing slowly.
As a result, this starts causing numerous changes in your body, like decreased sexual drive.
Although lower testosterone levels can be concerning, it is also a natural part of aging.
Normal amounts of testosterone are often considered essential for health.
High testosterone levels in men often lead to serious health issues like certain types of cancer and infertility.
Signs of high testosterone levels
When it comes to normal testosterone levels in men, they range between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per decilitre.
Almost 40% of men above 45 have levels below this range.
If the levels are higher, it is considered high or abnormal testosterone levels.
- Men suffering from high testosterone levels usually suffer from:
- Headache
- Acne
- Excessive body hair
- Increased appetite
- Aggressive or risk-taking behavior
- Heart or liver problems
- High sexual drive (libido)
- Infertility
- High blood pressure
- Mood swings
- Unexplained weight gain
- Insomnia
- Low sperm count
- Swelling of the legs and feet
- The prostate enlargement makes it difficult for you to pass urine.
Cause of high testosterone levels in men
You must know that it is uncommon for high baseline testosterone levels in a man to take place naturally.
Males often suffer from high testosterone levels due to the consumption of anabolic steroids.
Athletes and bodybuilders usually consume these drugs to enhance their performance and build muscle mass.
Supplementation with testosterone or the use of drugs without consulting the doctor can also lead to high testosterone levels.
Signs and symptoms of low testosterone levels
A testosterone test is conducted to measure the level of hormones in the blood.
Some men are already born with conditions that lead to low testosterone levels.
Even if you have an illness that causes damage to your testicles, you can suffer from lower testosterone levels.
The testosterone levels might also drop if you grow older.
Low testosterone levels can also contribute to changes in sexual function, including:
- Impotence
- Decreased sexual desire or low libido
- Infertility
- Few spontaneous erections
- Erectile dysfunction
- However, some other signs of low testosterone levels are:
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Lack of motivation
- Fatigue
- Decreased muscle bulk and strength
- Depression
- Decreased bone density
- Large breasts in men
If you experience these low testosterone symptoms, then meet your doctor and immediately get a test done.
Causes of Low Testosterone
Testosterone levels may start to decrease at around 30 to 40, and it's natural. But it's always compulsory that age leads to a decrease in the levels of testosterone. There are specific causes that may cause low testosterone, for example-
- Testicle injury or cancer
- Side effects of medications, especially when you undergo chemotherapy
- Low thyroid function
- Problems with glands in the brain(pituitary and hypothalamus) these glands control the production of hormones.
- Obesity(Too much body fat): Ask your doctor for a test called free testosterone.
- Other disorders, chronic diseases, or infections may lead to low testosterone.
What is the normal testosterone level in men?
Typically, the normal range in males is contemplated 270-1070 ng/dL with an average level of 679 ng/dL.
You must know that an average male testosterone level increases from age 20 to declining.
Doctors often consider testosterone levels above or below the normal range out of balance.
However, doctors believe that testosterone levels for healthy men range between 400-600 ng/dL.
Diagnosing high testosterone
Following procedures may help to diagnose high testosterone in males-
A physical examination
A healthcare provider may check for signs and symptoms that high testosterone may induce in the body. They may check for acne and increase muscle mass with physical examination. Also, you might be asked about your libido and mood.
Blood tests
A doctor can ask for blood tests to check the testosterone hormone levels in your body. Glucose and cholesterol levels are also checked, as testosterone levels may affect them. Testosterone secretion is usually high in the morning, and the doctor often advises having a blood test.
Treatment for High testosterone levels-
Depending on the underlying cause of the imbalance, a doctor may determine the treatment for high testosterone-
These are some changes and treatments that may help in lowering high testosterone levels in males-
Stopping steroid or medication use
Anabolic steroids and testosterone supplementation may result in high testosterone levels. Stopping the use of these substances can help resolve this issue.
Treatment for tumors
In some rare cases, tumors may also cause risk by increasing the production of sex hormones. They may also result in increasing the levels of testosterone in the body. So, if a tumor contributes to high testosterone levels, you may need surgery to remove that tumor. But if the tumor is cancerous, a person must seek other treatments that may include-
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
Medication
Certain medications may also help lower the high testosterone levels in people with underlying conditions. This medication can be
Alpha reductase inhibitors, for example, Finasteride(Proscar), to treat Benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)
Steroid synthesis inhibitors like ketoconazole(Nizoral can help treat Cushing's disease.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) analogs, such as degarelix (Firmagon) to lower testosterone levels in prostate cancer patients.
Please talk to your doctor if you have symptoms while using testosterone replacement therapy. Patients on testosterone replacement therapy typically have regular check-ups. You may need progress monitoring because sometimes a person may cross the normal range of testosterone levels.
Duration of low testosterone
During and after treatment, you must check routinely to ensure the levels stay normal.
If you respond correctly to testosterone treatment, levels should be checked every 6 to 12 months.
Depending upon your doctor’s recommendation, the check-up needs to be done.
Diagnosing low testosterone
A doctor may perform a physical examination if you have signs and symptoms of low testosterone. They may ask you about your medical history, medications you take, whether you smoke, or current symptoms. Also, take my order for blood tests. Doctors look at your signs, symptoms, and blood test results to diagnose you.
Tests that can be done to diagnose low testosterone include-
Total testosterone level blood test-
This test collects two samples between 8 am and 10 am when a person's testosterone levels are at their highest. Before under a test, inform your doctor if you are sick or have recently been sick as an acute illness may affect the test results.
Prolactin blood test-
Having a high prolactin level may indicate pituitary gland issues or tumors. And having this problem may likely affect your testosterone levels.
Luteinizing hormone(LH) blood test-
This blood test may help determine if the cause of low testosterone is an issue due to your pituitary gland.
Treatment for low testosterone
The most common treatment for low testosterone is Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). After determining your symptoms of low testosterone and blood test results, a doctor may advise for TRT. There are several methods through which TRT a patient can get this Testosterone replacement therapy. It may include
- Skin patches
- Oral tablets that dissolve in the mouth
- Gels
- Injections
- Surgically implanted pellets that release the hormone in the body
Most people with this mode of therapy can notice relief from the symptoms within 4-6 weeks after starting TRT.
How do you manage the symptoms of High testosterone levels?
Combining generic medications and lifestyle changes may help manage the symptoms of high testosterone levels.
Weight management
You must attain and maintain a moderate body weight to help hormonal balance. Maintaining an ideal weight according to your height will assist in improving symptoms and decreasing high testosterone levels.
Dietary changes
Low starch and a low-dairy diet are necessary to reduce high testosterone levels.
Limit alcohol consumption
Intake of alcohol might convert testosterone to estrogen, making you suffer from high testosterone levels.
Eat healthy fats
To maintain normal testosterone levels, adding fats to your diet is vital.
Healthy fats are often found in olive oil, nuts, and avocado. Therefore, to save yourself from severe testosterone conditions, it is better to consult a doctor beforehand.
How do you manage symptoms of Low testosterone?
Improve your diet and lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle and being physically active may help boost testosterone levels naturally. Also, you must know that males typically lose testosterone as they age. So, the potential benefits of lifestyle changes also decrease over time.
However, exercise has often shown more significant results in younger people. Thus, weight loss, regular exercise, and a healthy diet are appropriate ways to boost testosterone levels.
Eating too much-saturated fat in the diet can lower testosterone, But zinc, omega-3s, and antioxidants can support testosterone production. So, eating a healthy diet with whole foods and less saturated fats can boost testosterone levels.
Get plenty of sleep
Sleep well each night to maintain good health and promote healthy testosterone levels.
Take steps to reduce stress
When you take too much stress, your body releases a hormone known as cortisol. These hormones help you deal with this stress, and your body goes normal. But when you get stressed more often, it may cause prolonged exposure to cortisol. And when cortisol circulates in the bloodstream, it may reduce the free testosterone level. Thus, taking steps to reduce stress may help improve testosterone levels in your body.
Get the treatment for the underlying medical condition affecting your testosterone levels.
Some of the conditions known to lower your testosterone levels are-
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Type 2 diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
Also, some other conditions may lower your testosterone levels. Work with a doctor on the underlying causes and take treatments for them to improve hormonal levels.
Summary
Men with high or low testosterone can face a variety of symptoms. They can have symptoms based on the conditions and may lead to many sexual and physical issues. Seek medical attention if you suspect any signs and symptoms due to abnormal testosterone levels in your body. A doctor may discover the cause of your symptoms and their underlying conditions. With a proper diagnosis and treatment, you can resolve the problem of abnormal levels of testosterone.
