Everything you need to know about T-Levels

What Do You Know About Testosterone?

You probably think you understand testosterone, as it is one of the most well-known hormones, along with estrogen. It is thought of as a “male” hormone, but in fact, it is found in people of any sex, and is made not only by the testes, but also the adrenal cortex and ovaries. When testosterone levels are normal, they facilitate sexual development, sex drive, healthy muscles and bones, and well-regulated moods. In women, normal testosterone levels promote bone strength, ovarian function, and libido. However, when those levels are off, they can cause issues for both men and women.

What Are Normal Testosterone Levels?

In men, normal testosterone levels run between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), and the ranges can vary slightly, depending on factors like age, health conditions, and medications being taken. As men age, their testosterone production slows. For women, normal testosterone levels are much lower, at 15 to 70 ng/dL. When these levels are too high or low, it can be problematic.

Symptoms of High Testosterone

For men, having too much testosterone isn’t typically a problem. For men who do experience this, though, symptoms include:

• Acne and oily skin
• Irritability and aggression
• Increased strength and muscle mass
• Reduced fertility
• Sleep apnea
• Thinning hair and increased body hair
• Weight gain and fluid retention
• Enlargement of the prostate
• Increased breast tissue
• Liver problems
• High blood pressure

For women, too much testosterone can throw off the delicate balance between testosterone and estrogen, often resulting in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Other symptoms include:

• Deepened voice
• Acne and oily skin
• Excess facial and body hair
• Decreased hair on scalp
• Reduction in breast size
• Mood changes
• Increased muscle mass
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Infertility

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone is more common in men, and more problematic. Symptoms include:

• Reduced sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Low semen volume
• Decreased energy levels, fatigue
• Loss of muscle mass
• Increased body fat
• Increased irritability
• Depression or anxiety
• Lower bone density
• Memory and concentration issues
• Hair loss
• Anemia
• Hot flashes

For women, symptoms of low testosterone include:

• Problems with fertility
• Irregular periods
• Diminished libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Changes in the breast tissue
• Osteoporosis
• Depression or poor concentration

How Do You Know if Your Levels are Off?

If you suspect your testosterone levels are too high or too low, talk to your healthcare provider. There are blood tests that can determine your hormone levels, and measures you can take to adjust them. Your doctor may decide that you are a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) which supplements your body with the testosterone it isn’t making on its own.

Get Help From Center for Vasectomy Reversal

If you are concerned about your testosterone levels, particularly if you feel they are impeding your ability to conceive, talk to a fertility specialist that understands men’s health. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more about the work we do or our discounts for active duty military and veterans, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Everything You Need to Know About Testosterone and Male Fertility

How much do you know about testosterone? You probably associate it with masculine qualities like facial hair, toned muscles, and virility. If testosterone is low, it can interfere with libido and even fertility. So, should you take testosterone to boost your fertility? Fertility doctors say no.

Why can taking a testosterone supplement be a problem? These supplements can sometimes impede the body’s natural ability to produce testosterone, actually undermining a man’s fertility. Worse, many men take it when their testosterone isn’t actually low, thinking this will make it easier for them to conceive a child. Unfortunately, it can have the opposite effect.

It is true that low testosterone can lead to problems with sex drive and fertility. However, it is also true that testosterone levels fluctuate over the course of a day. What’s more, testosterone is not the only hormone involved in fertility. Two important hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), are produced by the pituitary gland. That gland is stimulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is produced by the hypothalamus, located in the brain. When the hypothalamus produces GnRH, it triggers the pituitary gland, prompting it to release LH and FSH. FSH activates the production of sperm cells, and LH stimulates testosterone production.

Taking testosterone can disrupt that chain reaction. Because your brain detects testosterone in your body, it slows down the production of GnRH. Your pituitary gland doesn’t produce the correct levels of your other hormones and decreasing sperm production. The resultant lower sperm count impedes conception.

So, what can you do to boost your fertility? First, understand that there are some lifestyle factors that can lower a man’s testosterone. These include too much exercise, a deficient diet, a sedentary lifestyle, a serious illness, alcoholism, and stress. Improving these areas of your life may be better for your testosterone level than just taking a supplement. All the lifestyle habits that you already know are good for your body are good for testosterone production, too.

When you get enough exercise, eat a nutrient dense diet, avoid cigarettes and illegal drugs, limit alcohol consumption, and manage your stress, you’ll be improving your health and your fertility. There are also studies linking low levels of vitamin D to low testosterone, so focus on making sure you get enough by getting some sun and eating foods like fatty fish and fortified cereal. It’s also helpful to keep your testes from getting too hot, because that can lower your sperm count.

If you’re having trouble conceiving, it’s important to consult an expert who can recommend the right course of action. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we pride ourselves on providing state-of-the-art treatment for men with fertility concerns, including those who need a reversal of their vasectomy. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides optimal surgical results and uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. To learn more, call 941-894-6428 or contact us through our website.

Why your Libido May Be Lower than Normal

Is your libido lacking? Ebb and flow in sexual appetite is normal, but if you notice that your libido remains low for an extended time, it may indicate an underlying health issue. Let’s look at some causes of a low sex drive as well as possible treatments.

• Low testosterone is a common cause of a low sex drive. This makes sense because testosterone is an important male hormone. It’s responsible for building muscles and bone mass, stimulating sperm production, and boosting your libido. Normal testosterone levels vary, but a man is considered to have low testosterone when his level falls below 300 nanograms per deciliter. Talk to your doctor if you think this may be the case, because testosterone replacement therapy can help.
• Certain medications can knock you out of the mood. Blood pressure medications, chemotherapy or radiation, hormones used to treat prostate cancer, antidepressants, opioid pain relievers, corticosteroids, and even some heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) medications can lower libido. If you think something you’re taking may be causing this issue, talk to your doctor about switching medications.
• Sleep problems can lead to libido problems. Restricted sleep, obstructive sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome (RLS) can all play a part in lowering testosterone and, by extension, the sex drive. Research indicates that restricted sleep reduces the testosterone levels the next night. As to RLS, it can lead to erectile dysfunction and even impotency.
• Your mind has an impact on your sex drive. Depression can reduce your interest in sex, and this is further complicated by the fact that certain anti-depressants can also lower libido. Low self-esteem can also lead to anxiety about sexual performance, resulting in issues with ED or reduced sex drive.
• Chronic illnesses can make sex low on your list of priorities. Chronic pain, for instance, can drastically lower your libido. Illnesses like cancer can reduce your sperm production, and other conditions, like diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and chronic heart, kidney, or liver failure can all take a toll. If you’re experiencing intimacy issues because of chronic illness, marriage counseling may help.
• Aging decreases testosterone. Testosterone levels are at their peak when men are in their late teens. The levels decrease as men age, but medication may help.
• Lifestyle habits may impact your libido. Heavy drinking can reduce the sex drive, as can illegal drugs. Even exercise can have a negative effect on your sex drive: too little or too much exercise can reduce libido. Stress, too, can decrease your sexual desire. Healthier lifestyle habits and stress management can help.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we pride ourselves on providing optimal surgical results and uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428 for a free consultation.