What happens when Testosterone is too low or too high?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Le Thi Minh Huong - Emergency Medicine Doctor - Department of Resuscitation - Emergency - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.
Testosterone measurement helps to determine whether your body's testosterone levels are too low or too high. Is such an increase or decrease in Testosterone a pathology and how does it affect health?
Testosterone measurement helps to assess fertility. Just like every other hormone in the body, low testosterone is definitely not good, but too high can also be a health problem.

1. What is the normal amount of Testosterone in men?

In general, the normal range for Testosterone levels in men ranges between 270 - 1070 ng/dL, with a mean of 679 ng/dL. This number varies with age, normally peaking around age 20, and then slowly decreasing. Testosterone levels that are above or below average are considered unbalanced. In addition, some researchers suggest that the healthiest men have quantifiable testosterone levels in the 400-600 ng/dL range.

2. What does low testosterone cause?

Men with low Testosterone levels are likely to face the following range of symptoms:

2.1. Reduced sex drive

Testosterone plays an important role in the formation of desire in men. That's why as we age, testosterone declines, and men lose sex drive.

2.2. Difficulty getting an erection

In addition to stimulating a man's libido, Testosterone is also an indispensable ingredient in achieving and maintaining an erection. Testosterone doesn't directly cause an erection, but it does stimulate receptors in the brain that produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a molecule that helps trigger a series of chemical reactions necessary for an erection to occur. When testosterone levels are too low, men can have difficulty getting an erection, both during sexual intercourse and during spontaneous erections (eg, during or after sleep). However, Testosterone is just one of many factors that help men achieve an erection. A study on the role of Testosterone replacement in the treatment of erectile dysfunction showed just that. Specifically, when looking at the benefits of Testosterone for men who had difficulty getting an erection, nearly half of the testers experienced no improvement when treated with Testosterone. In fact, many other health problems also play a role in erectile dysfunction, including:
Diabetes Thyroid problems High blood pressure High cholesterol Smoking habits Alcoholism Depression Stress, stress Constantly worried.

2.3. Reduce semen volume

Testosterone is an integral part of the production of semen, a milky white liquid that aids sperm movement and fertilization. People with low testosterone often notice a decrease in semen volume during ejaculation.

2.4. Low testosterone causes hair loss

Testosterone is also an important factor in hair and hair production. Baldness is a natural response of aging or genetics, or it can also be caused by low testosterone levels. Besides, the absence of this hormone also causes body hair to gradually fall out (leg hair, genital hair ..)

2.5. Tired

Low testosterone is a cause of reduced energy, making men feel extremely tired, lose motivation to work. Even if you try to sleep a lot to compensate, but as a result, fatigue is always permanent, over time you can be exhausted, seriously affecting your health, work and family.

2.6. Muscle loss due to low Testosterone

Testosterone is also involved in muscle building. As a result, men with low testosterone levels may notice a gradual loss of muscle mass. Studies have shown that Testosterone affects muscle mass, but is not directly related to muscle strength or function.

2.7. Increase body fat

Men with low testosterone often experience excess body fat. In particular, some cases appear gynecomastia in men, or enlarged breast tissue. This phenomenon is thought to be caused by an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen in men.

2.8. Reduced bone mass

Osteoporosis, bone loss, decreased bone mass or thinning of the bones, are conditions that are most common in women. However, men are also subject to the symptoms mentioned above. Because Testosterone also contributes to the production and strengthening of bones. Therefore, men with low testosterone, especially older men, have lower bone mass and are more prone to fractures.

2.9. Mood change

Just like women, men are inherently strong, but sometimes there are mood swings, especially when testosterone levels drop low. Because this hormone has certain effects on mood and mental state. Research shows that when men have low testosterone, they are more likely to face depression, irritability or loss of concentration.

3. Consequences When Testosterone Levels Are Too High

High testosterone has a number of benefits for men's health. However, too much Testosterone can cause a few consequences, such as:
Tends to use alcoholic beverages more often. Increased risk of smoking. Increased chance of injury. According to some studies, the higher testosterone levels, the more likely a man is to engage in risky behaviors (related to sex, trauma, and even criminal behavior).

If you have undergone a Testosterone test, get low Testosterone results and find that the above-mentioned symptoms are adversely affecting your daily life, you should frankly discuss with your doctor and proceed with treatment by Testosterone supplements. However, not all cases of low Testosterone require treatment. The doctor will weigh the treatment based on the risks as well as the potential benefits of each patient's treatment.

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Reference source: Healthline.com; Medicinenet.com