According to the UCLA Health System, between 5 and 8 million American men have a deficiency in the male hormone testosterone, which causes various symptoms based on whether the deficiency occurs before, during, or after puberty. Testosterone aids in the development of male sex organs, and a deficiency in this hormone can cause infertility, growth of breast tissue, decreased libido, reduced muscle mass, and even depression.
Tests
If you or your doctor suspects that your testosterone levels are low, you may want to get a testosterone blood test. This test involves taking a sample of blood, usually from the vein located on the inside of the elbow, that is collected in a sterile tube. The tube of blood is then sent to the laboratory for the testosterone levels to be determined. The results are generally expressed as ng of testosterone per dL of blood.
Normal and Deficient Levels
Normal levels of testosterone vary widely, and may be anywhere from 300 ng/dL to 1,200 ng/dL. Harvard Health publications notes that some doctors even consider testosterone levels of 200 ng/dL normal.
Primary and Secondary Hypgonadism
The clinical term for a testosterone deficiency in men is male hypogonadism. Hypogonadism may primary, which means that the problem is associated with the testosterone-producing testes. Alternatively, the underlying cause may be secondary, meaning that the defect is in the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus. This gland and part of the brain, respectively, produce the hormones that induce the production of testosterone by the testes. There are numerous genetic and acquired causes that may be responsible for primary or secondary male hypogonadism, and your doctor may want to conduct tests in addition to a testosterone test to identify the underlying cause.
Mixed Hypogonadism
The underlying cause of hypogonadism may be both primary and secondary. If this is the case, the disorder is called mixed hypogonadism. The possible causes of mixed hypogonadism include alcoholism; drugs, such as corticosteroids; and other diseases, including AIDS, liver failure, and sickle cell disease. Additionally, mixed hypogonadism sometimes occurs as a result of the normal aging process. In fact, approximately 20 percent of men have a testosterone deficiency by the time they are 60 years-of-age, according to Harvard Health Publications.
Treatment
The typical treatment of a testosterone deficiency is testosterone replacement therapy, which has both advantages and risks. The advantages include increased muscle mass, strength, libido, and energy; stronger bones; and improved mood. The risks of testosterone replacement therapy should also be considered: diseases of the prostate, such as enlargement and/or cancer; sleep apnea; and breast swelling. If you or a loved one has a testosterone deficiency, make sure to discuss all of the pros and cons with your doctor prior to starting a hormone regimen.
