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How Low Testosterone Affects Your Body and Mind: A Complete Guide NS Blog

How Low Testosterone Affects Your Body and Mind: A Complete Guide NS Blog

4 This applies to in-home tests, lab visits, or blood drawn at a doctor’s office. With all the ads on TV and in magazines heralding treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED). When given appropriately, TRT can improve all aspects of sexual function, as well as help reduce fat and increase lean muscle mass in guys with hypogonadism. As its name suggests, total testosterone is the total amount of testosterone in your bloodstream. Your body then metabolizes your total T into other substances to keep you functioning optimally. Your healthcare provider can help you determine which formulation of testosterone is most suitable for you.

These symptoms can also overlap with other conditions, such as depression. At Everlywell, we offer a number of at-home lab tests for hormone levels and other conditions. During the normal daily cycle, testosterone levels in men are typically highest in the morning, shortly after waking up. After this peak, testosterone levels gradually decline throughout the day, with the lowest levels usually occurring in the late afternoon or early evening. In the past two decades scientists have increasingly uncovered how detrimental EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals) can be to your overall health, including hormone health. Low testosterone levels, also known as hypogonadism, can have a significant impact on a man’s overall well-being and quality of life.

However, testosterone levels can fluctuate, so it may be necessary to monitor levels over time to identify any significant changes. One of the main limitations of OTC testosterone testing kits is the lack of standardization in their methods and measurements. Unlike laboratory tests conducted by healthcare professionals, OTC kits may not adhere to the same strict quality control measures. This can result in variations in accuracy and inconsistencies in the results obtained from different kits.

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I do not recommend pellets or injections, and neither do most academic menopause experts. If you decide to try testosterone for a libido boost, be aware that currently no FDA-approved testosterone preparations are commercially available for use in women in the United States. The commercial testosterone products on the market are intended and FDA-approved for men only. There is controversy, however, about the benefits of giving women testosterone. Simply put, the fact that women’s levels of this hormone drop with age does weed increase testosterone not necessarily mean that supplementing with testosterone will be beneficial for them. In 2025, clinics like AlphaMan, a men’s health center specializing in hormone optimization, are rethinking how testosterone therapy fits into modern masculinity. Because when it comes to low testosterone, the stakes extend far beyond the gym.

All of these symptoms can be attributed to the decrease of testosterone produced by their body. Only a testosterone test can measure how much of the hormone is in your body and determine whether your level is within a healthy range. Reasons that you may want to test these hormone levels include menopause and infertility. This daily variation in testosterone levels is natural and should be taken into consideration when getting tested.

Many men also notice a decline in their sexual performance and stamina, which leads to unsatisfying sexual relationships with their partners, as well a decrease in self-confidence. Speaking with a doctor or medical professional is a good place to start if you have concerns about your testosterone levels. There are several companies offering simple, at-home testosterone tests that can deliver results in just a few days. While these tests can be good for initial screening, a physician-ordered blood test will offer the most accurate results. To diagnose certain conditions, doctors sometimes look only at free testosterone levels.

Well, to start, “testosterone is essential for sperm production,” he says. As T levels decline, so do sperm counts and semen quality, which can lead to issues in fertility, he says. For those who want to grow their family, this can lead to high levels of emotional stress on the individual and family levels.

Before getting a testosterone levels test, you may have some concerns about how to prepare for it. Fortunately, there are no specific preparations that you need to do for this test. Reasons for low testosterone in men and women include aging, stress, congenital conditions, and chronic diseases like poorly managed diabetes. Carrying excess weight, taking certain medications, radiation therapy, sleep disorders, and alcohol misuse can contribute to low T. Urine tests are another simple testosterone testing option that may offer insights into testosterone metabolism.