Harry Redknapp launches campaign to tackle testosterone deficiency
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Affecting almost 40 percent of men aged 45 and older, according to the Cleveland Clinic, low testosterone is more common than one might first think. The male sex hormone is said to start declining from the age of 30. One of the telling signs of low testosterone is an increase in body fat; another is the enlargement of breast tissue – known as gynecomastia. Declining testosterone levels may also lead to moodiness and irritability; this may be accompanied by depressed mood, a decreased sense of well-being, and fatigue.
Feelings of fatigue could be due to a decrease in haemoglobin and mild anaemia, caused by low testosterone levels.
Signs of anaemia:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling cold
- Dizziness or weakness
- Headache
- Sore tongue
- Pale skin, dry skin, or easily bruised skin
- Restless leg syndrome
- Fast heartbeat.
Low testosterone can also lead to a low sex drive and erectile dysfunction (the inability to get or maintain an erection).
One other possible sign of low testosterone is a decrease in body hair.
Signs of low testosterone:
- Increase in body fat
- Enlargement of breast tissue
- Mood changes, such as moodiness, irritability and depressed mood
- Fatigue due to anaemia
- Low sex drive and erectile dysfunction
- Decrease in body hair.
Other signs of low testosterone might include: infertility, thinning of the bones, loss of muscular strength, and difficulties with concentration and memory.
A blood test – usually taken in the mornings when testosterone levels are supposed to be the highest – can determine testosterone levels.
Treatment for low testosterone can include testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
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TRT can be injected every two weeks, or a daily patch can be worn to raise testosterone levels.
Topical gels are another option, which can be applied to the skin of the upper back or arms.
The benefits of TRT include:
- Loss of fat
- Increased bone density
- Protection against osteoporosis
- Improved mood and sense of well-being
- Improved sexual function
- Improved mental sharpness
- Greater muscle strength
- Greater physical performance.
However, as with any type of medication, side effects are a real risk of taking TRT.
Side effects of TRT
- Acne or oily skin
- Swelling in the ankles caused by mild fluid retention
- Stimulation of the prostate, which can cause urination symptoms such as difficulty urinating
- Breast enlargement or tenderness
- Worsening of sleep apnea
- Smaller testicles
- Skin irritation.
Men in the early stages of prostate cancer are advised against taking TRT.
This is because there is concern in the medical field that TRT can stimulate the cancer’s growth.
Can low testosterone be prevented?
At present, there is no known way to help prevent low testosterone levels, except for a healthy lifestyle.
A healthy lifestyle involves good nutrition, plenty of exercise, managing your weight, and avoiding the excessive use of alcohol.
Harvard Health pointed out that testosterone is also produced in the ovaries in women.
Testosterone plays a part in ovarian function, bone strength, and libido in females.
If women have too much testosterone it can lead to the condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
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