What is testosterone and why is it important?

Hormones are naturally produced in the human body by the endocrine glands, like the pituitary, the adrenal and the thyroid gland. The growth hormones are responsible for the development of bones and tissues of an infant and are active during the initial years of human lifecycle. The effects of growth hormones slow down once the human reaches adulthood. The sex hormones become active during the adolescent period and slow down with aging.

Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is associated with sex drive and overall masculine health. With old age, the testosterone levels decrease that result in lower libido, decreased sperm count and several other symptoms. On an average, the testosterone levels peak at the age of 30 to 40 after that it declines with the normal aging process. However, alternatives have also been invented in forms of artificial steroids and supplements that work similar to the natural hormones. Testosterone levels are lower in older men due to natural reasons, but if someone is experiencing the symptoms at a much younger age then artificial steroids come at rescue.

Symptoms of lower Testosterone levels

If you are facing symptoms that are associated with low testosterone levels you must schedule a visit to your doctor. He might be analysing and diagnose the exact reason for the same and recommend you supplements or steroids if needed to treat the condition.

Some of the common symptoms of lower testosterone level (T level) are:

• Impotence or erectile dysfunction
• Decreased number of erections
• Reduced sex drive or libido
• Infertility
• Lower sperm count

Apart from the above symptoms, lower T levels also because several other physical and mental conditions like reduced body muscles and strength, decreased self-confidence, depression etc. A Low T level in a man is similar to lower estrogens levels in women going through menopause that is also associated with aging.

Diagnosis and Cure

The testosterone is secreted by the pituitary gland and if pituitary is not functioning properly it may result in low T levels. It is advised to visit a doctor and get checked for T level. Over-the-counter drugs or self-medication is not advised without knowing the exact reason for lower T level. Doctors may advise you to take supplements, medicines or prescribe therapies to recover and restore the T level. Many individuals feel awkward to discuss with their doctor about the condition and prefer taking medicines without a proper diagnosis and prescription. This may lead to making the condition even worse or they might face unexpected side-effects that might be critical and unrecoverable. We have learnt that T levels are lower in older men as a result of the normal aging process. But in certain ailments and diseases, the pituitary gland residing in the brain might malfunction, resulting in normal Testosterone levels to go down. So, proper identification of the actual reason behind lower T level is extremely important before any treatment and medication.