How Does Reduction of Testosterone Levels Affect Men?

Men over 45 years of age may experience what some call male menopause. This is caused by a reduction in the male hormone of testosterone. It can be caused by aging, or also by underlying medical conditions like obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure. You don't have to be aging to experience a drop in testosterone if the testes are damaged. However, testosterone levels will normally reduce gradually as men age. Other times, an illness or condition may accelerate the reduction.

If you end up with damage to the testes due to surgery, radiation, infection, injury, or chemotherapy, you can end up with a drop in testosterone. But even undamaged testes may not produce enough. Production is mediated by two parts of the brain: the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.

When there is damage to either of these areas, regardless of the age of the man, there will be reduction in testosterone production in the testes. They will not send the right signals to encourage the production. The reason a drop in testosterone is a problem is that it causes various conditions and symptoms. Men with low testosterone may also develop osteoporosis. They may complain of reduction in libido or sex drive, erectile dysfunction, depression, fatigue, and muscle weakness.

Most men who have a reduced level of testosterone experience a gradual reduction. This is usually not so much of a problem that it needs treatment. If the drop is significant, they can get hormone replacement therapy. There is an increased risk of prostate cancer with hormone replacement therapy, however, so it is something that needs to be weighed carefully. If you do decide it is the right course of action, you will want to check into your options.

Treatment may be via patch, implant, oral medication, or injection. Most of the time, doctors will medically manage symptoms rather than addressing a gradual or mild drop in testosterone. For one thing, your doctor will likely recommend regular exercise and a healthy diet to avoid obesity, and also for depression you may be given antidepressants.