June is Men's Health Month

Quince Orchard Medical Center celebrates Men’s Health Month by highlighting how men’s health can be impacted in a multitude of ways by testosterone deficiency. As a man ages, testosterone levels normally fall off as the testes produce less testosterone. In some cases, hypogonadism, a disorder in which the testes do not produce enough testosterone even adjusted for age, is a contributing factor that must be accounted for when addressing hormone health.

It’s normal for hormone levels to change throughout a person’s life. Testosterone is constantly in flux depending on your body’s specific needs. After age 30, it is fairly common for testosterone levels to decrease in men. These levels can sometimes fall too low which triggers unpleasant symptoms that can increase over time as testosterone levels continue to fall. 

What does Testosterone do?

Testosterone is key in regulating the male sex drive, supports the development of sperm, and developing primary and secondary male sex characteristics. This is largely widespread knowledge. Lesser known, however, is the integral role testosterone plays in all major organs, including the heart, brain, liver, kidney, bones, skin, and interactions with other hormone producing organs.

What Causes Testosterone Deficiency?

Abnormal testosterone deficiency, that is a deficiency not caused by normal aging, may be caused by:

• Delayed puberty
• Testicular damage (either via trauma, alcoholism, or mumps)
• Hypothalamic disease
• Pituitary disease
• Non-Cancerous pituitary tumor
• Genetic diseases (Klinefelter syndrome, Kallmann syndrome, or myotonic dystrophy)

What are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?

Warning signs that you may have low testosterone may include:

• Decreased energy
• Depressed mood
• Decreased enjoyment of life
• Feeling sad or grumpy
• Loss of muscle mass and strength
• Decreased facial and body hair
• Difficulty maintaining erection
• Loss of sex drive
• Diminished work performance
• Anemia

Even if low testosterone levels are caused by normal aging, these symptoms can be unpleasant at least and life altering at worst. QOMC advocates for every man to get their testosterone levels checked with a simple blood test and then work with Kara Kelly, NP, to determine what your optimal hormone levels could be. 

For more information about men’s health and how QOMC can help you attain testosterone in the zone give us a call today! 301-762-6686.