Low testosterone can lead to a variety of symptoms, both physical and emotional. Since testosterone is tied to sexual arousal, the most obvious symptoms for men with low testosterone are a low sex drive and erectile dysfunction, also known as ED. Men with ED have trouble getting or maintaining an erection suitable for sex.
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone that is produced by the testicles. It is responsible for the proper development of male sexual characteristics. It is also important for maintaining muscle bulk, adequate levels of red blood cells, bone growth, a sense of well-being and sexual function.
As a man ages, the amount of testosterone in his body naturally begins to gradually decline. The decline starts at about thirty years of age and progresses throughout life. Stress, medications, alcoholism and obesity are among the causes for low testosterone levels.
There are many symptoms of low testosterone. In some cases, a man may lose his sex drive. He may experience erectile dysfunction, he may feel depressed, and he may have difficulty concentrating. Low testosterone can also cause physical changes in the body. These changes may include a decreased muscle mass with increased body fat, changes in cholesterol levels, decreases in hemoglobin, osteoporosis, or a decrease in body hair.
To determine if you do indeed have low testosterone levels, your doctor will need to measure the amount of testosterone in your blood. If you do have low testosterone levels, you can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy. Trying to have sex with ED can cause physical and emotional challenges, but ED related to low testosterone is highly treatable.
Erectile Dysfunction Has Many Causes
Low testosterone is not the only cause of erectile dysfunction. There are other common causes of ED such as:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Hardening of the arteries
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Chronic back pain
- Medications
With so many different causes of ED, it is sometimes difficult to determine if low testosterone is causing the problem or if it has another cause. It can be helpful to determine if the patient has other symptoms of low testosterone such as anxiety or irritability, a low sex drive, difficulty concentrating or depression. The best way to determine if your ED is the result of low testosterone is to see a knowledgeable doctor.
To learn more about testosterone replacement therapy, contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. Doctors Best Wellness Center is located in Weston, Florida, serving residents of Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Pembroke Pines and surrounding areas in Florida.
Follow us