The Cause of Low Levels of Testosterone

Low Testosterone Symptoms in a Woman
Unlike men, women have low testosterone levels, as testosterone is a predominantly male hormone. Whereas testosterone is produced in the testicles of the male species, testosterone is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands of women. How important is testosterone levels in men and women? I think it’s safe to assume that since low testosterone levels in women are the norm, it is not a health risk. However, that’s not the case with men. So the question is, how low is too low when it comes to testosterone levels?

Low Testosterone Levels in a Man
A recent study conducted showed that low testosterone levels in men increased their likelihood of early death. In the men that were studied, 33% of them had greater death risk over their next 18 years of life compared with men who had high levels of testosterone. What does this mean? Experts don’t know. So why is this important? I don’t know. What I do know is that testosterone is important for the enjoyment of life. Testosterone is responsible for sex drive, mood elevation, and high energy levels. Male symptom of low testosterone levels would be low sex drive, inability to concentrate, and moodiness among other things. If the testosterone level is too low in a man, he may experience hot flashes, just as a woman would during menopause. In addition, men may lose bone density (development of osteoporosis) erectile dysfunction, fatigue and other bodily changes that they may not necessarily attribute to low levels of testosterone. Whatever the symptoms, some doctors believe there is no reason to get testosterone treatment. So what should they do?
The Cause and Effects of Low Testosterone
Low levels of testosterone can be caused by injury, testicular cancer, birth defect or chemotherapy. Many men feel that the benefits of testosterone treatment outweigh the risks.
Low Testosterone Treatment For a Woman
Although women have less testosterone than men, testosterone levels in women decline also with age, along with two other vital hormones, progesterone and estrogen. Women with low testosterone levels usually experience decreased libido. Along with the hot flashes that come with menopause and other bodily changes, low levels of testosterone levels in women can result in depression and osteoporosis. So is the treatment for women with low testosterone levels the same as for men? Doctors are reluctant to give women testosterone treatment because excessive testosterone can cause problems when they approach menopause. In particular, when women approach menopause, their ovarian functions slow down and they show symptoms of androgen dominance meaning women will start to show male patterns of balding and facial hair. So testosterone therapy my only aggravate the condition. In sum, there needs to be a balance of all three vital hormones in women if doctors are going to provide testosterone therapy for women.