HOW DOES LOW TESTOSTERONE AFFECT YOUR LIFE?
Low testosterone is defined as less than 300 nanograms per deciliter of blood. The symptoms of low testosterone include low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, mood problems, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Of all men with below-normal testosterone levels, about one-half to two-thirds report symptoms.
Unlike a woman’s menopause, when estrogen levels plummet over months to very low levels, men’s “andropause” is a gradual decline of testosterone levels over years. The effects of low testosterone can be insidious, even go unnoticed.
Some men with low testosterone levels have symptoms without recognizing them. “They may still have a sex drive, but not realize how much it’s declined,”. Men with symptoms of low testosterone can have significant impairment in quality of life. Current medical thinking is “these men should be treated with testosterone replacement therpy,”.
SYMPTOMS RELATED TO LOW TESTOSTERONE
Perhaps you’re feeling less energetic, putting on a little extra weight around the middle, or just noticing your libido isn’t what it used to be. Now you’re suspecting andropause, the lowering of testosterone that goes with aging, might be the cause. How can we know exactly what our testosterone levels are? This is useful data to have, either to find if we’re low to begin with, or monitor the level of change as time goes by. There are a number of medical tests which your doctor can use to determine your testosterone levels. Often times these are covered by insurance, or require only a small co-pay. Even better, they tend to be quick and simple tests. However, because of the evolving nature of these tests, many doctors are unaware of the proper test to use to determine. It’s to consult with a doctor who specializes in hormone replacement therapy that knows what type of test to request.
TESTING FOR LOW TESTOSTERONE
A testosterone test is used to check the level of male hormone (androgen) in your body. If you are worried that your testosterone level is abnormal, you can check your level of testosterone at home with a saliva test. You also can have your doctor perform a blood test.
Testosterone
Adequate testosterone is important for both men and women. It affects the health of muscles, bones, the brain, vascular system and genitals, and it improves sexual function, distribution of fat and energy level. Small amounts of testosterone are made in both men and women by the adrenal glands. In men, large amounts of testosterone are made by the testicles; in women, testosterone is produced by the ovaries.
Normal testosterone levels
A normal testosterone level for men is 30 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter. For women it's 20 to 80 nanograms per deciliter. You should discuss the results with your doctor to determine if you need testosterone replacement therapy.
Why testosterone tests are done?
Testosterone tests are done to check for infertility due to low sperm count, for erectile dysfunction, to check for early signs of puberty in boys, to check decreased sex drive in women, to determine why a woman is developing male features such as a low voice or excess body or facial hair, to diagnose the cause of irregular menstrual periods, to determine if testosterone-lowering medicines are working for treatment of prostate cancer or to find the reason for osteoporosis in a man.
Saliva testosterone test
The saliva testosterone test is an accurate and easy way check testosterone levels. It can be used in the privacy of your home, or you can ask your doctor to perform the test. Saliva test kits can be purchased on the Internet or from medical supply stores. To do the test at home, simply collect saliva in the tubes provided in the kit a few times a day, as directed in the instructions. Then fill out the form included in the kit and mail it back with the tubes according to the directions. Your results should be available in a week to two weeks.
Testosterone blood test
Your doctor may advise that you get a testosterone blood test in his office. A "total" testosterone level checks the testosterone in your body; this is the most commonly used test. A "free" testosterone level checks the testosterone flowing in your bloodstream. Your doctor may choose to do this test as well.
When you get a testosterone blood test, your doctor, nurse or lab technician will simply draw a vial of blood from your arm and send it to a laboratory. Tests usually are done in the morning, when your testosterone levels are highest. Your doctor should have the test results back in about a week. |
