As men age their hormone levels change, estrogen rises while DHEA and testosterone decline. It is a gradual process that begins at the age of 30 when they lose about 1% of their testosterone per year. However, some men may experience loss at an earlier age or a more rapid loss of testosterone.
Hypogonadism is a reduction or absence of hormone secretion from the sex organs, testes in men and ovaries in women. Primary hypogonadism is caused by an inherited trait or can be acquired by an accident or illness. Secondary hypogonadism is caused by damage to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus which control hormone production. You may be affected by primary, secondary or a mixed hypogonadism.
For men under 50, a significant drop in testosterone can be caused by:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other lung conditions
- Pituitary disease
- Klinefelter syndrome
- Kallmann syndrome
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- Hemochromatosis (the body stores too much iron)
- Severe injury
- Steroid use
- Tumors
- HIV
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Cancer
- Shock
- Tuberculosis
- Obesity
- Structural abnormality
- Anabolic steroids
Testosterone develops and maintains male sex organs and secondary sex characteristics such a hair and muscle growth and deepening of the voice. It is required for sexual function and libido. Testosterone affects a man’s appearance, sex drive, sperm production and muscle and bone mass. Symptoms of low testosterone include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low sex drive
- Fatigue
- Reduced muscle mass
- Infertility
- Hair loss
- Osteoporosis
- Depression
- Mental fogginess
At the Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic we know that low levels of testosterone are strongly associated with many age-related disorders including: metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. At the Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic we use medically supervised bio-identical hormone replacement therapy to slow the aging process and rejuvenate our male clients. Restoring your level of testosterone can result in improved insulin levels, reduced cholesterol, reduced body fat, increased muscle mass, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased energy, improved cognitive function, increased libido and a reduced risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Contact the Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic today and let us help you optimize your hormone levels.