Testosterone is a male hormone that helps with many functions, including sex and muscle mass. Many men, however, struggle with low testosterone, which can lead to many problems, especially in the bedroom. If you would like to know more, keep reading.

What Causes Low Testosterone?

Unfortunately, there are many reasons a man may struggle with low testosterone. In some cases, lifestyle choices affect testosterone levels. For example, people who abuse alcohol are at a higher risk of low testosterone, but they are also at higher risk of cirrhosis of the liver, which can further affect testosterone levels. Similarly, having an unhealthy diet can lead to obesity and/or diabetes type 2. Both can alter testosterone levels.

Some conditions and diseases also lead to low testosterone. These include HIV/AIDS, sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, sarcoidosis, and chronic kidney failure. Certain medications like opioids can also affect testosterone levels, and cancer treatments like hormones and chemotherapy may also reduce testosterone levels in some men.

What Are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?

One of testosterone's main roles is to boost your sex drive, but if you have low testosterone, you'll start to see a drop in your libido. You may have little to no desire to have sex, and if you do want to have sex, you struggle to achieve and maintain an erection. Ejaculation will also have less semen, making it harder to get your partner pregnant.

However, low testosterone doesn't just affect your sex life. Many other symptoms of low testosterone affect other parts of your body, leading to hair loss, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, and decreased bone mass. Some men also experience mood changes and memory issues. This can affect your quality of life.

How Can Low Testosterone Be Treated?

Low testosterone is usually treated by replacing testosterone to fix the levels, and there are many options for getting testosterone into your body. Some patients use gels and patches that administer the testosterone through the skin. Testosterone injections can also be used. Some can be done at home, but others may need to be performed by a provider in the office.

Gum and nasal sprays are also options to consider. Nasal testosterone reduces the risk of exposing anyone else to testosterone by mistake, but it needs to be used frequently. Finally, some patients have testosterone pellets inserted under the skin. These will release testosterone overtime until they need to be replaced.

If you're sick of struggling with low testosterone, you're in luck. There are many treatments for low testosterone, so you can regain control of your life. If you would like to know more about erectile dysfunction, contact a provider in your area today.