Male hormones are very important to carry out a host of body functions including a healthy sex life and fertility. For example, hormones like LH and FSH are crucial in producing sperm and making testosterone in the male...
Introduction
Male hormones are very important to carry out a host of body functions including a healthy sex life and fertility. For example, hormones like LH and FSH are crucial in producing sperm and making testosterone in the male body.
Testosterone is responsible for helping in the growth of male sex organs and prevents erectile dysfunction. This hormone also has a sway over the brain and influences the sex drive (libido) in a male.
Hence, any imbalance or change in the levels of male hormones can adversely impact the sex life. It may lead to erectile dysfunction or one may produce inferior-quality sperm, which will reduce the ability to conceive naturally. A low level of testosterone could translate into a complete aversion to having sex, which is termed low libido.
However, there are techniques like hormone replacement therapy, which can bring respite to this malady of male hormonal imbalance. A complete male hormone test can reveal any problems that need to be addressed.
People usually go to a doctor for this problem when they want to start a family, and the treatment is initiated based on it.
How to identify symptoms of testosterone deficiency in men?
The term for testosterone deficiency in men is called hypogonadism. When there is a low level of testosterone in men, it causes significant disruption in general health and jeopardizes the well-being of a person apart from hurting sexuality and fertility.
With age, some men may experience a natural depletion in testosterone levels, which may not be very disturbing. In society, this phenomenon is termed ‘male menopause’. It is important to note that unlike women, where menopause is more rapid and almost abrupt, there is a gradual decline toward menopause in men.
However, when there is a severe and sudden drop in testosterone levels in men, which may occur for some, it is considered uncommon and calls for attention. Some males may be born with this type of deficiency but can be developed by some of them in later life.
Symptoms of testosterone deficiency are:
- Losing muscle mass
- Increase in body fat, primarily bulging waistline
- Irritability or frequent mood swings
- Low sex drive (libido)
- Fatigue and low energy
What are the risk factors for testosterone deficiency?
Although testosterone deficiency is normal for men as they grow old, it may also deplete during young age due to health reasons, lifestyle choices, and other factors. Certain males may be at a higher risk of testosterone deficiency.
Other risk factors leading to low testosterone levels may include:
- Injury or damage to the testes
- High level of stress
- A concerning BMI
- Abusing steroids
- Type 2 diabetes
- Tumors that involve areas making hormones (such as the pituitary gland in the brain)
- Cancer treatment such as chemotherapy
- Inadequate sleep for long, etc
Certain lifestyle habits factors like smoking, excessive drinking, and not doing physical exercises can also lead to testosterone deficiency in men.
In case of a diagnosis of low testosterone levels, the doctor may prescribe Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
It is an intervention technique, which helps to add hormones back into the body while restoring the body’s essential functions. A TRT can be taken through injections, skin gels, or patches or by consuming oral tablets.
Who qualifies for the complete male hormone test?
Although this is a natural progression and males experience a gradual drop in testosterone levels as they grow old, some young people may also experience this and should go for testing.
A male who has symptoms of a hormone imbalance should contemplate taking the complete male hormone test. Moreover, males who have crossed the age of 40 are prone to have low levels of certain hormones because of aging. They should also consider tracking hormone levels to keep a close watch on early signs of hormone imbalance. It can cause other health problems including cardiovascular ailments.
Men aged 65 and older have a high propensity to other health risks triggered by hormone imbalance. For instance, when there is a significant drop in testosterone, it can lead to loss of bone density and thereby increasing the risk of fractures.
Males who are under the age of 40 but have signs of a hormone imbalance should also take this test on the advice of their doctor. It will help in detecting the root cause of the problem, which may have certain underlying health conditions.
Preparing for this test
To take the complete male hormone test one has to fast. Although water is allowed, the patient has to refrain from eating and drinking for nine to 12 hours before the test. The person has to give a blood sample, which will be collected by the technician.
The complete male hormone test includes hormone and vitamin deficiency tests that may be affected by high doses of biotin (vitamin B7). If a person is presently taking biotin supplements or supplements that contain biotin, he must stop taking them for at least 48 hours before the test. Biotin can affect the results with inaccurate findings in certain tests.
If you want to know anything about the complete male hormone test in India, consult the healthcare facility you intend to go to or consult your doctor for this.
Conclusion
So, we now know that the male hormone is responsible for a man’s overall well-being, and it is not about just fertility. Hence, taking the complete male hormone test is imperative to identify what and where dysregulation is occurring. This complete male hormone test in India will evaluate the control hormones, FSH and LH, alongside testosterone and hormones.
FAQs
What is a male hormone panel test?
A male hormone test investigates the levels of the male hormones, including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The test may study males who exhibit hormone-related symptoms, including tiredness and muscle loss.
How do you test for male hormone imbalance?
The most common method to evaluate hormone levels is a blood test. This test can measure testosterone, cortisol, estrogen, and thyroid levels. One should order a test based on gender. Because a women's hormone test will scout for different levels of sex hormones and it is different from that of men.
Which male hormones should be tested?
It is the testosterone total blood test. It is a male-only test. It helps in detecting the testosterone level in the blood. Even in finding an abnormal level or hormonal imbalance it comes handy.
What is considered normal testosterone by age?
To be considered normal, by 15 to 16 years old, the ng/dL should be in the range of 100-1,200. During the late teens, which is anyone between the age of 17 and 18 should have testosterone levels between 300 and 1,200 ng/dL. For adults, a 19-year-old or someone older should have anywhere between 240 and 950 ng/dL.
How can I increase my testosterone for free?
It is through exercise. If you combine aerobic (increase in heart rate) and resistance (weightlifting) training it will lead to an increase in the production of testosterone. This will also help in preventing some of the most common diseases that men are prone to, heart disease and cancer.
What are male hormonal problems?
The most common problem is called hypogonadism, which is “low testosterone” or “low T”. Men who have low testosterone often battle low desire, fatigue, poor mental focus, depression, inability to maintain muscle mass, infertility, gynecomastia (breast growth), and erectile dysfunction.
Can I test my hormone levels myself?
There are many kits in the market that allow people to check their hormone levels at home. The kit comes with a small lancet. This device can prick a small hole in the finger of the individual, allowing the collecting of a small drop of blood for testing. Some kits may also take urine and saliva samples for the test.
How to gain more testosterone?
It is easy to improve your low testosterone naturally. According to experts, one can improve testosterone levels by following healthy habits like maintaining ideal body weight, thwarting or delaying diabetes, exercising, getting adequate sleep, quitting or avoiding tobacco products, avoiding excessive alcohol, quitting or avoiding opioid pain medications, etc.
Do male hormones affect mood?
Research shows that low testosterone level is linked with symptoms such as mood swings, depression, and increased stress. It is said that testosterone has more role to play in the body than simply getting people aroused. This hormone plays a key role in people’s state of mind, including how well the brain functions.
Is increasing testosterone safe?
Testosterone therapy is fraught with numerous risks, including exacerbating sleep apnea, which is a potentially severe sleep disorder. In this, breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Testosterone therapy may cause acne or other skin reactions.
