Testosterone has Libido enhancing actions, supports hair growth and maintains vaginal lubrication. It is responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues. It also plays a role in preventing breast cancer and heart disease in menopausal women due to its action in increasing estrogen in women. Testosterone levels in men are highest between the ages of 20 and 30 years. As men age there is a small, gradual drop in testosterone levels; they may drop by up to one third between 30 and 80 years of age.

With high testosterone rule out pregnancy, tumours of the adrenals, ovary or testes, pituitary dysfunction, Cushing’s disease, hirsutism PCOS, and hypertension.

The causes of low testosterone include, Addison’s disease, hypopituitarism (a deficiency of hormones in the pituitary gland), bilateral oophorectomy (the surgical removal of a woman’s ovaries) can result in severe androgen deficiency. Natural menopause may also lead to androgen deficiency. Stress, Aging, Aromatase activity too high, high estrogens (oral contraceptive HRT), Smoking, Alcohol, Diabetes, Aromatase issues.

The symptoms of low testosterone are

  • Inexplicable tiredness
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Low motivation levels
  • Low self esteem
  • Complete lack of sexual desire (libido).
  • Reduced bone density that can predispose to osteoporosis.
  • hot flashes
  • sweating
  • insomnia
  • nervousness
  • irritability
  • tiredness
  • loss of motivation
  • short-term memory problem
  • declining self-esteem
  • depression
  • decreased energy levels
  • diminished muscle strength
  • reduced orgasmic quality
  • reduced volume of semen
  • diminished muscle mass
  • hair loss
  • abdominal obesity
  • a reduction in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
  • an increase in total body fat
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • If sexual desire exists but function does not, the problem does not stem from low testosterone levels and testosterone replacement is not indicated as a therapy. Other effective therapies apply.
  • mood swings
  • poor concentration

High levels of testosterone can be caused by the supplementation of testosterone or DHEA, Low SHBG (hypothyroid and insulin resistance) and adrenal, ovarian testes or tumours.

The symptoms of high testosterone can be:

  • PCOS
  • Insulin resistance
  • Hirsutism
  • Acne
  • General and sexual aggression
  • Muscle mass,
  • Increased facial/body hair
  • Reduction of fat deposition
  • Scalp hair loss
  • Acne
  • Irritability
  • Oily Skin
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