It usually affects men ages from late 40- to early 50 years old.
How is testosterone activated and produced
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates the release of two gonadotropins — luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)- this is activated and regulated/controlled by the pituitary gland in the brain (if this is not functioning correctly it is known as hypogonadism).
This process is initiated at puberty.
Testosterone is mainly produced in the testes by Leydig cells; however, around 5% is also produced by the adrenal glands (located on the top of each kidney).
Clinical Pharmacist, CP, July 2019, Vol 11, No 7;11(7):DOI:10.1211/PJ.2019.20206364
Testosterone exerts its action through binding to and activation of androgen receptors in the target tissues.
It has an important role in the male reproductive system (spermatogenesis requires adequate levels of intratesticular testosterone) and it also influences muscle mass, erythropoiesis(helps red blood cells to be produced) , bone mineral composition, fat metabolism and cognition.
Hackett G, Kirby M, Edwards D et al. British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines on adult testosterone deficiency, with statements for UK practice. J Sex Med 2017;14(12):1504–1523. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.10.067
Results:
Testosterone tests should be conducted assessed on two occasions between 7am and 11am in fasting state.
If one has total testosterone is <8 nanomol/L and/or free testosterone is <180 picomol/L then consider treat for testosterone replacement therapy.
If one has total testosterone between 8-12 nanomol/L then start a trial of testosterone replacement therapy fro six months.
If one has total testosterone equal or greater than 12 nanomol/L and/or free testosterone equal or greater than 225 picomol/L then no treatment is needed.
Cause
Age: The older one gets the more testosterone they loose
Hypogonadism (testes produce low level of hormones)
Kallmann syndrome (condition characterized by delayed or absent puberty and an impaired sense of smell. This disorder is a form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, which is a condition resulting from a lack of production of certain hormones that direct sexual development)
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Testosterone Deficiency in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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