Healthcare providers label hormones as messenger chemicals. These substances carry important instructions to specific bodily cells, tissues, and systems said bodies interpret to execute life-sustaining functions. Testosterone is one such chemical.

Testosterone is a sexual and reproductive hormone. It is the primary reproductive hormone found in men but also plays a vital role in a woman’s body.

Low Testosterone Overview

The body requires sufficient quantities of testosterone to execute crucial responsibilities such as:

• Stimulating the growth and production of reproductive organs
• Building bone and muscle mass
• Producing red blood cells
• Growing hair
• Obtaining and maintaining a healthy libido
• Holding strength and vitality
• Keeping a healthy body weight

In men, the hormone also plays a vital role in sperm strength, health, and motility.

The Reasons One Might Need A Testosterone Test

A healthcare provider might order tests measuring a patient’s testosterone levels if they experience symptoms of a systemic deficiency. Low testosterone might precipitate associated physical manifestations including:

• Diminished sex drive
• The inability to conceive a child
• Erectile dysfunction in men
• General fatigue or tiredness

Stricken individuals might experience other symptoms like weight gain, an increased buildup of body fat, decreased bone mass, mood swings, and diminished confidence.

Additionally, medical professionals may test one’s systemic testosterone levels if they are obese, have been diagnosed or display the symptoms of a testosterone level-impacting ailment, or ingest medications capable of negatively influencing hormonal concentrations.

Conditions Capable Of Causing Low Testosterone

Testosterone levels often diminish as individuals enter their thirties and forties. If this decline is significant enough, afflicted subjects might encounter the initial manifestations.

That said, the problem could result from underlying medical conditions such as:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Testicular injury
• Chronic ingestion of certain drugs
• Alcohol abuse
• Various hormonal disorders

Specific genetic ailments and non-cancerous tumors might also be the cause.

Tests Use To Measure Testosterone Levels

Doctors use blood samples to gauge testosterone levels and employ three specific examinations: the total testosterone test, the free testosterone test, and the bioavailable testosterone test.

Total Testosterone Test

This undertaking determines both the amounts of free testosterone circulating through the body and those concentrations attaching to proteins. This is the most commonly administered testosterone exam.

Free Testosterone Test

This effort measures how much active testosterone is flowing through the recipient’s bloodstream. Healthcare providers often employ this test to identify underlying medical issues.

Bioavailable Testosterone Test

This exam is performed solely to gauge the amount of testosterone binding to a protein known as albumin. This initiative is not performed often but can prove beneficial in diagnosing various illnesses.

Preparation

Typically, testosterone tests do not require significant preparation. However, administrators might require recipients to abstain from eating or drinking in the hours preceding administration. Moreover, patients should disclose the medications they ingest. Certain drugs could skew final results.

How Is The Test Performed?

Usually, healthcare providers will schedule a patient’s exam in the morning hours. Researchers have found that systemic testosterone levels often peak between seven and 10 a.m.

The blood sample needed for investigation is extracted using a needle. This instrument is inserted into a vein inside the recipient’s arm and a small amount of blood is collected and brought to a laboratory for further examination. In most cases, the test takes no longer than five minutes.

What Results Might Mean?

Normal test results likely mean that the patient’s symptoms result from an unrelated medical problem. If outcomes reveal decreasing testosterone levels, the patient might need additional tests to reveal the precipitating cause and treat said ailment appropriately.

Avoiding Low T Levels Naturally

Not all instances of low testosterone can be prevented. However, employing certain natural testosterone-boosting efforts might reduce one’s risk. Specific efforts include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Obtaining enough sleep
• Consuming a nutritious and balanced diet
• Getting sufficient amounts of exercise
• Augmenting one’s diet with vitamin supplements
• Eliminating alcohol or drug use
• Monitoring medications

Above all, individuals should reduce their stress levels. Increased tension is notorious for interrupting hormonal harmony.

Contacting Us

The team of healthcare providers working for Vital Force Therapy and Wellness invites those diagnosed with low testosterone or experiencing its symptoms to contact us. We can perform a thorough evaluation and create the most appropriate individualized treatment plan.

For more information about our facility, its team members, or the many services we provide, please call 205-352-9141.