Testosterone is men’s most important sex hormone, the amount of which affects overall health and well-being.
Testosterone is a hormone that helps develop male characteristics. For example, testosterone affects facial hair and muscle growth. A decrease in testosterone secretion can cause low libido and impotence.
If testosterone levels are low, they can be influenced by healthy habits.
Testosterone production occurs in tthe testicles in men, and in the ovaries and adrenal cortex in women. Testosterone production is regulated by the pituitary luteinising hormone (LH).
Before puberty, boys and girls have the same amount of testosterone. During puberty, the secretion of testosterone in men increases significantly, and testosterone is secreted from the testicles throughout a man’s life.
Among other things, testosterone has an effect on the development of typical male characteristics during puberty, sperm production, and sex drive. It also affects bone and muscle mass, fat stores in men and red blood cell production. Testosterone levels also affect our mood.
Low testosterone levels can cause sexual disorders, such as erectile dysfunction and lack of sexual desire. Sexual desire or low libido are also affected by various other hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain.
The most common cause of low testosterone is excess weight. Abdominal obesity, to which men are particularly susceptible, lowers testosterone levels. Testosterone deficiency can occur in men of all ages.
Other causes of testosterone deficiency can be congenital causes, diseases, or the use of anabolic steroids. Excessive consumption of alcohol also reduces the amount of testosterone.
A decrease in testosterone production is normally associated with ageing.
Decrease in testosterone production is normally associated with ageing. Decrease of testosterone levels starts at about 45 years of age.
Many long-term diseases lower the amount of testosterone in the blood. Treatment of diseases often restores testosterone levels.
Low testosterone is also possible in younger men. Decreased testosterone levels are most often associated with excess weight and lifestyle but there may be other causes as well. If testosterone levels are low, they can be influenced by healthy habits.
Low testosterone can also be related to a disease. Especially in younger men, it is necessary to investigate the causes of low testosterone during a doctor’s appointment.
Testosterone levels are measured through a laboratory test (blood test).
It’s always important to discuss the significance of testosterone levels and potential follow-up actions with a doctor. Interpreting the results of a laboratory test is not always simple. The doctor assesses the possible testosterone deficiency based on symptoms and measured testosterone levels.
A single low testosterone level alone is not enough to determine whether there is a testosterone deficiency that requires treatment other than lifestyle changes.
To determine the cause and significance of testosterone deficiency, additional laboratory tests are also needed.
For women, the need for testosterone tests is always assessed by a doctor.
In women, testosterone levels can be measured when overproduction of testosterone is suspected, such as to study hirsutism (excess body hair), virilism (characteristics associated with male hormones), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
In addition, testosterone tests can be used to examine deficiencies in the hormone production of the adrenal gland and hormonally active tumours.
Reference values for S-Testo are different for women and men.
Reference levels may vary depending on the laboratory and the test analysis method.
Decreased testosterone levels are most often associated with excess weight and lifestyle but there may be other causes as well.
Testosterone deficiency can be linked to various general symptoms, such as fatigue, troubles in sleeping, low mood, depressive symptoms, and decreased libido. If you suspect a disease or have symptoms, seek medical advice. These symptoms may also be related to another condition or disease.
Symptoms of reduced testosterone in men depend on age.
In men who have passed puberty, low testosterone level alone does not necessarily mean a harmful condition.
However, if there are symptoms associated with low testosterone level, such as erectile dysfunction, depression, loss of interest in life, sadness, fatigue, and reduced sexual desire, treatment is considered. Excess weight should be lost, and if necessary, testosterone replacement therapy may be considered.
Deficiencies in male hormone can occur as a result of certain genetic disorders or illnesses. However, the most common cause of deficiency is lifestyle and obesity.
Causes of low testosterone can include:
Testosterone is a hormone whose production you can effectively influence with healthy choices. The following measures can help to increase testosterone levels:
Testosterone levels can be high, and women also sometimes suffer from excessive testosterone levels. In men, elevated testosterone levels usually have a clear cause (such as hyperthyroidism).
In men, high testosterone levels can be caused by hyperthyroidism, an adrenal tumour or, in younger boys, early puberty.
Women sometimes experience overproduction of testosterone, which can lead to menstrual disorders and increased hair growth.
Causes of high testosterone production can include polycystic ovaries, tumours that produce male hormones in the ovaries and adrenal glands, as well as some medications, such as anabolic steroids.
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Article updated:
27 March 2024
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