When it comes to men’s health, we often think of testosterone as the “manliness” hormone because it affects characteristics like muscle mass, facial hair, and sex drive. That’s understating things, to say the least.
Testosterone plays a vital role in men’s overall health and well-being, so understanding how it functions can help you stay in good health. If you’re more tired than normal, gaining weight, or experiencing a drop in libido, low testosterone might be your problem.
At Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care, one of our specialties is men’s health. Here’s what you need to know about the importance of testosterone for keeping men healthy.
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, and it’s produced in the testicles before being secreted into your bloodstream and carried through your body. Beyond driving many of the changes that take place in puberty, testosterone also affects muscle mass, bone density, energy levels and more.
If your testosterone levels begin to drop, you can feel off balance both physically and mentally because it affects your body in so many ways, including:
If you’re sleeping fairly well but are still fatigued and having trouble getting through your day, your testosterone level may be low.
Low testosterone is also linked to irritability, anxiety, depression, and mood swings. If you’re suddenly snapping at people and feeling odd for no particular reason, check your hormone levels.
Testosterone is the main driver of sexual desire and function, so if you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction or a drop in your libido, testosterone may be the culprit.
Optimal levels of testosterone contribute to a healthy heart, as well; the hormone plays a role in red blood cell production and improved blood flow, both of which benefit the heart.
If you find yourself struggling in these areas, Dr. Lee can test your hormone levels and develop a hormone replacement plan. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a good option to bump your testosterone levels back up to normal. The replacement hormone it creates more closely resembles what your body naturally produces.
If you need to check on your testosterone levels, Dr. James Lee and the Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care team in Woodstock, Georgia, are here to help. To schedule an appointment, just call our office today or book online.
