Testosterone is the primary sex hormone produced by the testicles through the stimulation of the pituitary gland located near the base of the brain, and it plays an important role in the physical development of men. Testosterone, which is of great importance for men's health, contributes to the growth of the penis and testicles, deepening of the voice, and strengthening of muscle and bone structure, as well as sexual drive and sperm production.
Testosterone deficiency, on the other hand, can lead to various health problems in men such as decreased sexual desire, erection problems, a drop in sperm count, sleep irregularities, and depression. In addition to the use of medication to increase this hormone level; it is recommended to pay attention to lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced and healthy diet, maintaining ideal body weight, creating a quality sleep routine, quitting smoking, and managing stress.
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is considered the primary sex hormone in men and is responsible for the development of many physical characteristics specific to men. Although it is also found in women, it is produced at much lower levels. Testosterone, which is in the group of androgen hormones, is produced in the testicles with the stimulation of the pituitary gland located near the base of the brain, and a small part of it is secreted from the adrenal glands. In addition, testosterone is effective in the formation of sexual desire by sending signals to the testicles in men and the ovaries in women.
What Does Testosterone Do?
Testosterone plays a critical role in gaining sexual maturity and developing reproductive ability, especially during the puberty period. The main changes that occur in the body during this process are as follows:
-Growth of the penis and testicles
-Development of facial, pubic, and body hair
-Deepening of the voice
-Strengthening of muscle and bone structure
-Growth in height
-Development of reproductive functions
After the puberty period, testosterone contributes to the regulation of many important functions in the body:
-Supporting the production of red blood cells
-Maintaining bone density
-Balancing body fat distribution
-Increasing muscle strength and muscle mass
-Maintaining the growth of facial and body hair
-Continuation of sperm production
-Regulation of sexual desire (libido)
How to Increase Testosterone?
In addition to the drug treatments used in case of testosterone deficiency, it is possible to maintain and increase testosterone levels with natural methods. Especially in diabetic patients, the risk of low testosterone is approximately twice as high as in the general population. Therefore, it is important for individuals with diabetes to pay more attention to their lifestyle habits. The methods that help increase the testosterone hormone are as follows:
-Exercising regularly
-Eating a balanced and healthy diet
-Reaching ideal body weight and maintaining this weight
-Acquiring sufficient and regular sleep habits
-Quitting smoking
-Keeping the stress level under control
-Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
What is Testosterone Deficiency?
Testosterone is an important hormone for the healthy continuation of muscle mass, bone strength, hair growth, and sexual functions. Having low testosterone levels can lead to various symptoms such as low energy, poor concentration, depression, decreased sexual desire, and erectile dysfunction. Testosterone deficiency is the condition where these symptoms are seen along with low testosterone levels in the blood. According to evaluations, testosterone deficiency affects approximately 7% of men in their 50s, and the rate of occurrence increases as age progresses.
What are the Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency?
-Decreased sexual desire
-Erection problems
-Drop in sperm count
-Disruptions in sleep patterns
-Decrease in muscle mass and muscle strength
-Decrease in bone density
-Increase in body fat ratio
-Depressive mood
-Difficulty in focusing and concentration
How is Testosterone Deficiency Treated?
In order to evaluate the testosterone level, a blood test must be performed first. In addition, it is important for a detailed examination to be carried out by a doctor to understand whether the emerging symptoms are caused by different health problems. In this evaluation process, conditions such as drug side effects, thyroid diseases, depression, and diabetes are also taken into consideration.
When low testosterone is detected, hormone therapy can be applied in suitable patients. The medications used within this treatment contain synthetically produced testosterone, and this method is called testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). TRT can be applied in different forms such as tablets, gels, transdermal patches, intramuscular injections, or implants. Due to the ease of application, 3-month or 6-month depot testosterone injections are among the most frequently preferred methods.
Does Testosterone Deficiency Cause Erection Problems?
Testosterone is an important hormone that is effective on sexual desire (libido), and the formation and maintenance of an erection. However, erection problems (erectile dysfunction) do not occur solely depending on the testosterone level; multiple factors play a role in the development of this condition.
Although there is a certain relationship between testosterone level and erection problems, this effect usually depends on how low the hormone level is. Unless the testosterone level is very low, significant sexual function changes may not be seen in most men. Some men can experience healthy erections even though they have testosterone levels well below the normal range.
