Testosterone is a male sex hormone produced in the testes. The amount of testosterone produced is determined by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, both found in the brain. This hormone is involved in the development of sex organs before birth, as well as secondary sexual characteristics at the onset of puberty. It is also responsible for the growth of muscle mass and strength, sexual desire (libido), fertility, sperm, and fat distribution. Essentially, it is the hormone that gives men the quality of masculinity.

Testosterone deficiency is the state in which a man’s body fails to produce enough testosterone. Naturally, men’s testosterone levels decrease with age, but they can drop due to other causes. These include genetic and autoimmune disorders, damage to the testicles, infection, obesity, and drug abuse.

A man with testosterone deficiency is likely to experience the following symptoms:

Reduced muscle strength
Low libido
Low semen volume
Increased body fat
Difficulty getting & maintaining an erection
Fatigue
Irritability and depression
Hair loss
Growth of ‘man boobs’
Decreased bone mass
Loss of concentration

Naturally, men start losing testosterone from the age of 30. Testosterone deficiency can be higher in men who are diabetic or obese. It is also high in men who are undergoing chemotherapy, or those suffering from inflammatory and chronic conditions. Men who abuse alcohol and illicit drugs are at a higher risk of lowering their testosterone levels.

When you come to LIVV Natural Health, we will do a series of blood tests to determine what your testosterone levels are. We will also ask questions to understand your overall health and lifestyle. This helps us identify what type of testosterone replacement therapy is ideal for you. Treatment can be in the form of testosterone injections or gels for the most severe cases. We also advise you on how to increase your t levels naturally.

Low testosterone levels can have adverse effects. One effect of testosterone deficiency is decreased bone mass. This can make you more prone to injury. Low testosterone has also been associated with a higher risk of heart disease. Additionally, while not necessarily dangerous, this condition leads to low quality of life.

Testosterone replacement therapy is a form of treatment used to boost low testosterone levels that occur as a result of age or a medical condition. It is also referred to as androgen replacement therapy. There are several methods of treatment that include testosterone injections, gels, patches, creams, testosterone underarm stick, and oral medication.

Testosterone replacement therapy can have some side effects. These may include:

Sleep apnea
Low sperm count
Chest pain
Acne
Increased urination frequency
Breast enlargement
Fluid retention
Increased risk of blood clots
Mood swings

There are various approaches to testosterone replacement therapy, and each is absorbed differently into the body. Topical creams that are applied directly on the skin give positive results within two weeks to a month. Testosterone injections have to be administered periodically, such as every 2-4 weeks, with levels being monitored every three months. Natural methods of increasing testosterone may take longer, depending on one’s health and lifestyle.

Some of the benefits you can expect from testosterone replacement therapy include:

Increased libido
An improvement in erectile dysfunction symptoms
More energy and better moods
Increased sperm count
Increase in muscle mass and bone density
Reduced body fat