7 Surprising Things That Are Harming Your Hormones
Hormones are chemical messengers responsible for many body functions, from metabolism to sleep and mood. They help ...
Testosterone plays a vital role in our bodily processes. Most people know that it controls sex drive and sperm production, but it can also influence muscle mass, energy levels, and behavior. If your testosterone isn't at the right levels, you may notice a reduced sex drive, among other symptoms. So, what is a normal testosterone level?
Testosterone is one of the most well-known hormones, but it's not always clear exactly what it is or how it works in the body. Testosterone is produced by the adrenal cortex and the testes in men and the ovaries in women. Testosterone plays a role in the development of male sexual organs, the deepening of the voice, pubic hair growth, bone growth, and sperm production. During puberty, it can also play a role in increasing height. Testosterone also plays a role in signaling your body to make new red blood cells.
The pituitary gland and hypothalamus are in control of the levels of testosterone your body produces and releases. The hypothalamus releases GnRh, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which signals the pituitary gland to release LH, luteinizing hormone. LH travels to the testes and stimulates testosterone production and release into the body. Then, as the level of testosterone increases in your blood, GnRh production is suppressed to help maintain normal testosterone levels. If any of the organs involved in this process aren't functioning normally, you may end up with abnormal levels of testosterone.
The normal ranges of testosterone can vary, but in general, these are the levels of testosterone that are considered within the normal range based on age.
Males can have low testosterone levels due to a medical condition or damage to the testicles, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland. However, many men notice a decline in testosterone as they age. While some decline in testosterone levels is normal with age, if levels get below average, it can cause a variety of issues. Two of the most well-known signs of low testosterone are a low sex drive and/or erectile dysfunction, however, low testosterone can also lead to a loss of muscle mass, increase in body fat, decline in athletic performance, loss of body hair, osteoporosis, feeling depressed, poor sleep, and difficulty with memory or concentration. Some men may be suffering from a variety of these symptoms and not realize it is due to low testosterone.
If you think you may have low testosterone, you can easily have your levels checked to see if they are within a healthy, normal range. The only way to measure testosterone levels is via a blood test. This type of test is quick and easy and will allow you to take the next steps in resolving the unwanted symptoms of low testosterone and feeling like yourself again.
It's important not to just write off the symptoms of low testosterone as "aging" or getting old. Even if you've been tested and told your testosterone levels are within a normal range, but you still feel several of the symptoms of low testosterone, you can get a second opinion. At Blokes, we offer hormone tests for men to determine what level is optimal for you. You will be able to do a convenient virtual visit with one of our board-certified clinicians to discuss your concerns, get a personalized treatment plan, and have regularly scheduled blood draws to ensure both optimal treatment and your safety. Schedule a consultation with Blokes today to get started.
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