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WHAT MEN
SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LOW TESTOSTERONE
WHAT IS TESTOSTERONE?
In
the male body, testosterone is the most important sex hormone.
Testosterone is responsible for development of male
characteristics such as body and facial hair, muscle growth
and strength, and a deep voice.
Normal levels of testosterone also influence the
production of sperm, promote sexual function and promote sex
drive.
We now know that some men's bodies do not make
enough testosterone. These
men may experience uncomfortable and sometimes distressing
symptoms. The
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that 4 to 5
million American men may suffer from low testosterone, but
only 5 percent are currently treated.
SYMPTOMS OF LOW TESTOSTERONE
As men get older, the ability to produce testosterone
declines. This
decrease in testosterone production is sometimes referred to
as andropause or “male menopause.”
If testosterone levels fall below the
normal range
some typical symptoms may include:
·
Low sex drive
·
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
·
Increased irritability or depression
·
Fatigue
·
Reduced muscle mass and strength
·
Inability to concentrate
·
Decreased bone density; osteoporosis
In addition to age-related low testosterone, there are
certain medical conditions that can cause low testosterone.
These medical conditions can begin in youth or in
adulthood, and can affect testosterone levels throughout a
man’s life. Some
of these conditions are associated with the testicles, pituitary
gland and/or hypothalamus (a part of the brain that
controls many of the body’s glands).
Occasionally, the problem can be genetic.
In younger men, low testosterone production may reduce the
development of body and facial hair.
Muscle mass and genitals may not develop normally, and
younger men’s voices may fail to deepen.
BE SURE TO GET SCREENED
If you experience
symptoms associated with low testosterone, you may want to ask
your doctor about getting your testosterone levels checked.
Your primary care physician can check your
testosterone levels with a simple blood test and treat you
if you have low testosterone.
You might also ask your primary care physician about a
referral to an endocrinologist or urologist who specializes in
treating conditions such as low testosterone.
Regular checkups and
age-appropriate screenings can improve your health and extend
your life. Consider
adding regular screening for low testosterone to other
screenings as part of your checkup.
IF
YOU HAVE LOW TESTOSTERONE
If you do have low testosterone, the good news is
that the condition is treatable.
There
are several FDA-approved testosterone replacement therapies,
including:
- Injections
- Patches
- Clear
gel that you rub on your arm every morning
Talk to your doctor about which option may be best for you.
At Risk?
TAKE
THE QUIZ
To see if you are at risk for low testosterone, answer
“yes” or “no” to the following questions.
If you answer “yes” to question 1 or 7, or at least
three of the other questions, you may have low testosterone. Be
sure to discuss the results of this quiz with your doctor.
Choose the responses below that best describe how
you have been feeling.
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1. Do you have a decrease in libido (sex
drive)?
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Yes
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No
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2. Do you have a lack of energy?
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Yes
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No
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3. Do you have a decrease in strength and/or
endurance?
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Yes
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No
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4. Have you lost height?
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Yes
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No
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5. Have you noticed a decreased “enjoyment of
life?”
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Yes
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No
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6. Are you sad and/or grumpy?
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Yes
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No
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7. Are your erections less strong?
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Yes
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No
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8. Have you noticed a recent deterioration in
your ability to play sports?
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Yes
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No
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9. Are you falling asleep after dinner?
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Yes
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No
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10. Has there been a recent deterioration in
your work performance?
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Yes
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No
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Source: Saint Louis University Androgen
Deficiency in Aging Men (ADAM) Questionnaire. John Morley,
M.D., Saint Louis University School of Medicine, June 1997.
Want to learn more?
For more information on these and
other health problems that affect men, consult with a
physician or contact:
Men’s Health NetworkTM
P.O. Box 75972, Washington, DC 20013
info@menshealthnetwork.org
www.menshealthnetwork.org
Building healthy families, One man at a timeTM
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