Most people have an idea of what testosterone does in the male body.  It is common knowledge  that testosterone is the fuel of male virility and crucial for the ability to build muscle and burn fat.  For example, men who have enough testosterone are usually more muscular and more energetic. Low testosterone in men can lead to problems with the defining features of male virility, muscularity and overall well-being. 

Unfortunately, this is why few of us want to talk about things like low testosterone in men. It is an unpleasant topic for many people because so much of our ego is tied up in popular ideas of what it means to have adequate testosterone levels. 

Low testosterone in men is not necessarily a problem and more common than we think.  The aging process naturally reduces testosterone levels in men, and there are many things we can do about this decline in testosterone that are completely natural and healthy. However, low testosterone in men can also be a sign of some serious issues and we need to take the subject seriously and address the problems associated with low testosterone in men. 

What is testosterone? What are the causes of low testosterone in men? What are the symptoms of low testosterone? And how can you treat low testosterone in men? This guide will give the information you need to understand low testosterone in men. 

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is the hormone that directly determines male sexual characteristics. Things like increased muscle mass, the production of sperm, and increased body hair are all caused by the production of testosterone in the male body.  

Females produce small amounts of testosterone, but not enough to cause the kinds of changes that occur in the male body. Testosterone is produced in the testicles in cells called Leydig cells. 

In addition to male sex characteristics, testosterone is also responsible for:

• Sex drive
• Bone mass
• Fat distribution
• Muscle size and strength
• Red blood cell production

These features produced by the presence of testosterone are the same in women. 

Without adequate testosterone, men can become infertile since the lack of testosterone will not allow for the production of sperm cells. 

Causes of Low Testosterone in Men

It is normal to produce less testosterone as we age. Generally, men begin to slow down testosterone production over the age of 30. When testosterone levels drop significantly, or when loss of testosterone comes at an early age, this can be a sign of other issues. 

Low testosterone production, or hypogonadism, is a condition in which the testicles produce abnormally low testosterone. This can occur at any age. Low testosterone can be a sign of the following conditions: 

• testicular injury or infection. Certain types of infections can damage the part of the testicles that produce testosterone. Sometimes this is treatable, but other times the damage is permanent.  
• chemotherapy or radiation cancer treatments. These kinds of treatments are extremely invasive. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments can damage large parts of the body, including that which produces testosterone. 
• pituitary gland disease or other hormone disorders. These kinds of disorders are rare, but one of the major effects of organs that are directly involved with the production of hormones is reduced testosterone levels. 
• medications, such as corticosteroids and opiate pain relief. These are pharmaceuticals that mimic or are derived from human hormones. One side effect of these drugs is reduced testosterone levels. 
• genetic conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome. Klinefelter syndrome is a rare genetic disorder in which a male is born with an extra X chromosome. Genetically male children have an X and a Y chromosome. Children born with an extra X chromosome are genetically male, but the genetic disorder can have the effect of reducing the production of testosterone.  
• alcohol and drug abuse. Substance abuse disorders cause damage to the entire body. One of the effects of substance abuse disorders is reduced testosterone levels. 

Low testosterone as a result of any of these conditions can be quite serious. In addition to things such as a loss of sexual interest and low muscle mass, men with low testosterone are at risk for other serious medical issues. 

Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Men

Both low testosterone and high testosterone levels can cause serious problems. These problems differ according to high or low testosterone levels. Testosterone imbalances will express specific symptoms. 

Low Testosterone in Men

Reduced muscle mass

Testosterone plays a crucial role in the development of muscle mass. When testosterone levels drop, this has an immediate impact on muscles in the form of reduced muscle mass. However, reduced muscle mass does not necessarily lead to a decrease in the strength and function of muscles. 

Loss of bone mass

Testosterone is responsible for maintaining bone mass. With lower levels of testosterone, men may lose muscle mass and muscle density. This can make bones more fragile and brittle and can lead to an increased risk of fractures. 

Decrease in sex drive

Low testosterone levels are frequently the cause of decreased sex drive. While a decreased sex drive is a natural fact of aging, people with low testosterone levels will have less interest in sex and may find that their sexual performance is not as satisfying. The most noticeable symptom is a general lack of interest in sex. 

Lower energy levels

Low testosterone can lead to lower energy levels and even fatigue. Low even and fatigue even after adequate rest can be a sign of low testosterone. This can also be manifested as a lack of interest in physical activity like exercise. 

Increased body fat

 Low testosterone can lead to weight gain and increased body fat. If this is accompanied by a deficiency of the hormone gynecomastia, this can lead to enlargement of the breasts. 

Testosterone replacement therapy

Medical interventions for low testosterone are called Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). Also called androgen replacement therapy, testosterone replacement therapy can sometimes provide the boost people need for their low testosterone levels. 

Men undergo testosterone replacement therapy for many reasons. For some men, sexual dysfunction can be the reason they seek testosterone replacement therapy. For others, testosterone replacement therapy may be the only way they can produce healthy levels of testosterone because of injuries or rare medical disorders that stop the production of testosterone. In these cases, a person’s health may depend on testosterone replacement therapy since things like bone density and healthy levels of red blood cells require sufficient levels of testosterone. 

Methods of Testosterone Replacement Therapy include:

Injections

There are two drugs used in testosterone replacement injections. Testosterone cypionate (Depo-testosterone) and testosterone enanthate can be injected into a muscle or under the skin. These can be injected by yourself at home. Another form, testosterone undecanoate (Aveed), is given in a deep intramuscular injection every 10 weeks. This must be done under the supervision of a doctor, and testosterone undecanoate has been shown to produce some serious side effects. 

Buccal (cheek)

Another form of testosterone replacement therapy uses a small putty-like substance that can be placed in the depression between where your gum meets your upper lip. This buccal, or gum and cheek version enters the bloodstream after it is absorbed in the mouth. It can cause some gum irritation. The buccal or cheek, testosterone replacement therapy is taken three times a day. 

Pellets

Implantable pellets containing the chemical Testopel are surgically implanted under the skin every three months. This requires a medical procedure and an incision. 

Nasal gel

The nasal gel Natesto is pumped into the nostril to provide testosterone replacement therapy. This reduces the risk of skin contact with the testosterone of another person. Nasal gel testosterone is taken twice in each nostril, three times a day. This can be inconvenient, but it is effective. 

There are several potential side effects of testosterone replacement therapy. These can range from mild side effects to some that are quite serious. The side effects of testosterone replacement therapy may include:

• chest pain
• difficulty breathing
• speech difficulties
• low sperm count
• polycythemia vera ( a rare blood cancer in which your body produces too many red blood cells).
• lowered HDL (“good”) cholesterol
• heart attack
• swelling in the hands or legs
• stroke
• benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
• sleep apnea
• acne or similar skin breakouts
• deep vein thrombosis
• pulmonary embolism

You shouldn’t undergo TRT if you’re already at risk for any of the conditions listed above.

Natural ways to help improve and increase testosterone

Exercise

Working out helps stimulate pituitary function,  squats and deadlifts in particular help with increasing blood flow to the testicular area

Diet

Consuming more healthy fats (fish, Flaxseeds, nuts) can help improve testosterone production

Supplements that help with testosterone production

Zinc

Testofen® Fenugreek

• Clinically proven to improve free testosterone

KSM-66® Ashwagandha

• Helps improve mood and testosterone production

Tribulus Terrestris

Horny Goad Weed

How can NF Sports PrimeXD help?

The NF Sports PrimeXD is the best example of a testosterone booster available. We combine the most essential natural testosterone boosters to make a powerful supplement that can help you build lean muscle mass, increase your energy levels, increase heart health, and even increase sexual potency. NF Sports PrimeXD contains the best natural ingredients to boost testosterone production. 

The ingredients in the NF Sports PrimeXD include Testofen®, Ksm-66 Ashwagandha, Tribulus Terrestris, Horny goat weed, and Black Maca. NF Sports PrimeXD contains these ingredients in the highest concentrations allowable for maximum effect and maximum safety. NF Sports PrimeXD can help build muscle and strength and restore health. 

It is important to keep in mind that NF Sports PrimeXD is not a medical intervention and does not require medical supervision. It is not of the same order as testosterone replacement therapy and therefore does not pose the same risks. Since NF Sports PrimeXD is made from all-natural ingredients that naturally boost testosterone production, it remains a safe and effective alternative to more invasive treatments. 

Low testosterone in Men FAQS

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is the hormone that directly determines male sexual characteristics. Things like increased muscle mass, the production of sperm, and increased body hair are all caused by the production of testosterone in the male body.  

What does testosterone do?

Testosterone makes possible male sexual characteristics and helps boost sex drive, helping sustain bone mass and fat distribution. Testosterone also builds muscle size and strength, and it is essential for red blood cell production. 

What are the symptoms of low testosterone in men?

Low testosterone in men can lead to reduced muscle mass, loss of bone mass, decrease in sex drive, lower energy levels, and increased body fat.  

What are the different types of testosterone replacement therapy?

Testosterone replacement therapy can be done with injections, buccal, pellets, and nasal gel. 

Conclusion

It could be argued that testosterone is the hormone that makes males what they are biologically. It is testosterone that induces the body to produce muscles, grow hair, and maintain a healthy sex drive. While women produce testosterone, they produce this hormone in levels that are far less than men. 

Decreased testosterone is a natural part of aging. As we grow old, our bodies produce less testosterone. However, low testosterone levels in younger men, or drastically low levels in older men, is a sign of a medical issue. Thankfully, there are options available to restore healthy testosterone levels no matter the cause. 

Testosterone replacement therapy offers several methods by which you can increase testosterone levels in your body. From injections to nasal sprays, there are ways of restoring testosterone levels in your body back to normal. 

Testosterone replacement therapy is a medical procedure. To undergo some form of testosterone replacement therapy, you will need to see a doctor and have a prescription. Some forms of testosterone replacement therapy require medical supervision and intervention. 

NF Sports offers a natural testosterone booster that can potentially restore healthy testosterone levels and boost muscle development. The NF Sports PrimeXD contains all the natural testosterone boosters available to get your testosterone levels up where they should be. 

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.