Testosterone
Low Testosterone: A Hidden Issue for 40% of Men - What You Need to Know
November 12, 2023
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Drained of energy, lacking drive, losing motivation? As we age it’s common for men to experience a decline in their overall well being. While ageing often takes the rap, a condition that affects over 40% of men may be the real puppeteer behind these symptoms...
Low testosterone, often referred to as low T, marks a decrease in the body's production of the pivotal hormone, testosterone. This shift can prompt a profound downslide in a man's vitality, energy, mood, mental health and body composition.
In this article, we'll discuss the symptoms and impact of low testosterone, how to see if you have low testosterone and how you can get tested for this condition in Australia.
Often seen merely as a muscle-building hormone, testosterone plays a far more critical role in men's mental and physical health than previously thought. These are some of the common symptoms of low testosterone:
If you suspect your symptoms are attributed to low testosterone levels, it's important to get the necessary bloodwork done to see exactly where your levels are. A telehealth clinic like Enhanced Men's Clinic can perform in-depth blood work to understand your condition better and identify if and why you have low testosterone, and help you gain access to the treatment you might need.
Low testosterone is a common condition that affects about 40% of men ages 45 years and older. The older you get, the more likely you are to experience it. That's because your testosterone levels will naturally begin to wane as you advance in age.
There are various reasons why your body may not produce enough testosterone. Apart from ageing, the following factors can lead to low T:
Smoking and chronic alcohol use can also affect your testosterone levels.
In the long run, low testosterone levels can lead to different health concerns. Since testosterone plays a vital role in maintaining bone mineral density in men, low testosterone levels can increase your risk of osteoporosis and fractures in the long run.
Additionally, scientists have found that a lack of testosterone can increase the risk of anemia in older men since this male sex hormone also plays a role in the production of red blood cells.
Apart from this, research has found that low testosterone levels are a risk factor for developing metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes in men.
Metabolic syndrome refers to a cluster of conditions that together raise your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other health issues. Essentially, low T can negatively impact your metabolic and heart health.
The impact of low testosterone goes beyond your physical wellness. Researchers have also discovered that this condition is linked to fatigue, mood disturbances, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. In the long haul, these effects on your mood and emotional wellness may interfere with your work, social life, and relationships.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a type of hormone replacement therapy that helps restore healthy testosterone levels in men with low T. This can help with symptom relief and reduce the risk of health issues.
TRT can be given through various methods. The most effective way to deliver testosterone into the body is via a self-administered injection, which is often painless.
Testosterone gels and creams can also be part of the treatment plan, but they do not lead to a consistent level of testosterone into the body. This can cause fluctuations in testosterone levels, making your symptoms return whenever these levels fall below the optimal range.
There are various evidence-backed benefits of this form of therapy. TRT may bring about the following benefits:
If you have symptoms you think are caused by low testosterone levels, it's best to get your bloodwork done. This is the most accurate way to tell whether your symptoms are due to low testosterone levels. It may also help to identify the reason behind those low levels. At Enhanced Men's Clinic, this process is straightforward and convenient. You'll typically receive your results within 24-48 hours, and then speak with a patient care coordinator to discuss the results during a telehealth consultation.
In Australia, TRT is only made available to men diagnosed with hypogonadism, a condition characterised by low testosterone levels.
For this diagnosis to be made, your doctor will look for indications of low total or low free testosterone levels on two separate occasions and also take into account other biomarkers.
After the necessary bloodwork is done, you can book an initial Telehealth consultation to learn about your results and find out if you're eligible for TRT. This telehealth consultation is free through Enhanced Men’s Clinic. During this session, a patient care coordinator will speak to you over the phone to learn more about your medical history and symptoms. If you are eligible for TRT, treatment will be arranged with their Australian Doctor.
Low testosterone can lead to immediate and long-term effects on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. While dwindling testosterone levels are a natural result of ageing, this does not mean you have to live with the symptoms of low testosterone. Treatment can improve your sexual health, body composition, mood, energy and bone strength, ultimately enhancing your quality of life.
The first step to getting proper treatment is to get your blood work done through a clinic to assess the levels of testosterone in your body. Enhanced Men's Clinic offers this preliminary testing service, as well as a free telehealth consultation to go over the blood test results with you. Their private clinic also offers treatment services for eligible patients.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, exercise, medication regimen, or any other health-related behaviors. Your personal health situation should always be overseen by a healthcare provider who can provide you with tailored health advice.
