How to find out what testosterone I have. How to know if you have low testosterone
Androgens are male hormones that are secreted by the cells of the testicles and adrenal cortex. These biologically active substances take part in puberty, determine libido, partially affect the growth and proportions of the body, metabolism, the work of the central nervous system. The main active androgens in men are testosterone and its derivative. By the level of these hormones, one can judge a man's sexual abilities, his health, and even his intellect and character. You can evaluate the concentration of testosterone using laboratory tests (blood, saliva). In addition, you can roughly determine the level of androgens by appearance.
Androgens affect the appearance of a man at any age. Period testosterone level prenatal development in addition to the structure of the external genital organs, it also determines some other parameters of the body. So, the concentration of androgens at this stage says index finger to ring finger length ratio. Typically, in men, this ratio is 1:1.1 ( ring finger longer). In English literature, this index is referred to as 2D:4D digit rati.
Rice. 1 - By the ratio of the lengths of the nameless and index finger, you can learn about the predominance of sex hormones during fetal development. The first case indicates the predominance of male sex hormones.
Another formula can be used to determine approximate age puberty. It is known that the earlier a man's libido woke up, spermatogenesis and wet dreams began, the stronger his sexual constitution is. That is, by the age of puberty, one can judge the level of testosterone in the future.
To assess the onset of puberty, you need to calculate the ratio of height and leg length in a man. This indicator is called trochanter index. Leg length is measured in a standing position from floor to greater trochanter thigh bones (trochanter) (Fig. 1). Growth is determined using a stadiometer, preferably in the morning. Next, divide the resulting figure by the length of the legs. In men with high testosterone levels, the trochanter index is usually 1.99 or more. At low androgen levels, the ratio of height to leg length may be less than 1.92 (see Table 1).
Table 1 - Relationship of the trochanter index with the sexual constitution.
| FLOOR | WEAK | AVERAGE | STRONG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | < 1,92 | 1,92-1,98 | > 1,98 |
| Female | < 1,97 | 1,97-2,00 | > 2,00 |
You can also talk about correct puberty and a normal sexual constitution if a man has a relatively low voice and can be traced on his neck " adam's apple"(Adam's apple).
About the concentration of testosterone in this period of life says:
- development of skeletal muscles;
- body fat;
- hair growth on the body and face;
- skin condition;
- cognitive abilities.
The development of skeletal muscles
Muscle tissue is directly supported by testosterone as a strong anabolic hormone. Androgens increase both muscle strength and fiber mass. In men with normal and high testosterone levels, the muscles of the arms, back, and upper shoulder girdle are well developed. Usually, to maintain good physical shape in this case, it is quite simple right image life and daily household stresses. If a man supplements the regime also sports training, then at high level waiting for testosterone good results without application biological additives and special meals.
Body fat level
Men with a strong sexual constitution and normal/high levels of androgens find it easy to maintain weight within physiological limits. The development of obesity always indicates a decrease in testosterone. If a man's height is about 180 cm, then his waist circumference should be less than 94 cm. Deposition of adipose tissue in the area mammary glands( false), hips, buttocks may also indicate relative hypoandrogenism.
Hair growth on the body and face
Facial and body hair growth in men is also dependent on testosterone and its metabolites. At high rate these hormones observe abundant hair growth in the area of the beard, mustache, sideburns. Usually a man should shave daily to keep his skin smooth. Vegetation also appears on the chest, abdomen, lower back, legs and arms. With normal and high levels of male hormones, characteristic shape hair growth in the genital area (in the form of a rhombus from one of the peaks running along the midline of the abdomen to the navel).
Over time, high testosterone levels can lead to male-pattern baldness. In this case, the hair falls out on the crown and in the frontal-temporal areas.
Skin condition
side effect own testosterone and consider its effect on sebaceous and sweat glands. At high content androgens develop seborrhea. Men may develop acne, enlarged pores, oily skin. In addition, it may be observed increased sweating.
Cognitive abilities
Indirectly, the concentration of testosterone is indicated by behavior and intellectual abilities. If in normal situations a man often reacts decisively and aggressively, often takes the initiative, demonstrates self-confidence and interacts well with the team, then his androgen level is probably high. If his mood is unstable, emotional breakdowns, apathy, depression are frequent, then identification is possible.
Male sex steroids affect the ability to:
- concentrate attention;
- think analytically;
- memorize the material well;
- make decisions quickly;
- navigate in space.
If a man has such abilities, then the level of his testosterone was sufficient both in the period of intrauterine development and throughout later life.
Blood analysis
An accurate method for determining androgens in the body is the analysis of blood plasma. The material is obtained from a vein.
In the blood, several indicators can be evaluated:
- bioavailable testosterone;
In addition, it may be necessary to measure sex-binding globulin, dihydrotestosterone and other indicators.
To test for total and free testosterone, radioimmunoassay, double (equilibrium) dialysis, ultracentrifugation, and precipitation technologies are used. The most affordable is radioimmunoassay, but unfortunately it is inferior to other technologies in terms of reliability and accuracy.
Total testosterone is measured in units: ng / dl, mol / l. For men of working age, the standard is 8.9-42 ng/dl(according to some recommendations bottom line 12 ng/dl). Free testosterone is usually expressed in pg / ml, pmol / l. Norm for men from 18 to 55 years: 1-28 pg/ml.
A simple and reliable method for assessing testosterone is the analysis of saliva for this hormone.
Advantages of the technique:
- non-invasive (no damage to the body);
- ease of collection.
The normal range is 200-500 pmol/l.
Rice. 2 - The determination of free testosterone in saliva is an accurate, non-invasive, but not very affordable method.
Studies have shown that the level of testosterone in saliva correlates well with the concentration of the biologically active fraction of the hormone in the blood. The evaluation kits use a competitive enzyme immunoassay technique.
Preparing for blood or saliva tests
The sampling of material (blood, saliva) should take place in the morning (8-11). On the eve, it is important to avoid alcohol, excessive physical exertion, overeating.
2 days before the diagnosis, some medications should be canceled (in agreement with the doctor). Test results may be affected by steroids, thyroid hormones, adrenocorticotropin, estradiol, or gonadotropins (see).
Endocrinologist Tsvetkova I. G.
To check testosterone levels in men, conduct laboratory research blood. In addition, you can independently recognize the impaired production of androgens by some clinical signs. Allocate characteristic symptoms for increased and low production of hormones, and it is possible to identify a predisposition to androgen deficiency even in children. With low testosterone levels, natural ways to increase it are recommended. With their ineffectiveness, drug therapy is used.
- conduct a general physical examination;
- control the frequency and quality of erections;
- take a special test-questionnaire.
- hair growth on the face, in the pubic and axillary zone;
- voice timbre (normally should be low);
- the level of subcutaneous fat in the abdomen (should be low);
- muscle tissue (must be developed);
- perspiration ( excessive sweating with a bitter odor - a sign of increased testosterone levels);
- condition of the skin.
- 1. Do you feel a lack of vital energy?
- 2. Do you have a decreased interest in sex?
- 3. Have you lost muscle mass over Lately?
- 4. Do you feel sleepy in the afternoon?
- 5. Decreased quantity morning erections, whether weakening of erectile function is noted?
- 6. Do you have states of despondency, irritability, are there frequent drops sentiments?
- 7. Has your performance decreased lately?
- 8. Is there a decrease in endurance, strength?
- 9. Is there a decrease in the ability to enjoy life?
- 10. Is there a decrease physical activity and ability to play sports?
- total testosterone;
- biologically available testosterone;
- free testosterone;
- settlement free;
- calculated androgen index.
- 1. Poor development of muscle structure. To maintain and develop muscles, testosterone is needed, because it is a strong anabolic hormone. The mass of fibers and the endurance of a man directly depend on the content of androgens in his blood. At normal level testosterone, well-developed muscles of the arms, upper shoulder girdle, and back are observed.
- 2. Increased level of body fat. If a man's androgen levels are within the normal range, then it is easier for him to maintain weight within physiological limits. Obesity is a direct sign of low testosterone and is often observed against the background of poor development genitals. With a height of 180 cm, the circumference of the male waist should be within 94 cm. In this case, there should be no fat deposits in the thighs, mammary glands, buttocks.
- 3. Poor growth hairline. This indicator in men is also determined by the level of testosterone. If a man has the optimal content of this hormone, then he has abundant hair growth in the sideburns, beard and mustache area. As a rule, the strong half of humanity has to shave every day. In addition, vegetation in other parts of the body is also a confirmation of the normal production of androgens.
- think analytically;
- concentrate attention;
- learn the material well;
- navigate in space.
- sleep at least 7 hours a day;
- go to bed no later than 12 hours;
- provide normal conditions in the room: silence, good ventilation.
- 1. Sea fish (sardines, perch, herring, salmon, anchovies). They contain a large amount of zinc, which is necessary for the production of the main male sex hormone.
- 2. Walnuts. They are rich in zinc, vitamin E and phosphorus. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to combine nuts with honey.
- 3. Berries (raspberries, watermelon, blueberries, cranberries).
- 4. Fresh vegetables and fruits (grapes, broccoli, pumpkin, pomegranate, carrots, dates, plums, avocados, orange).
- 5. Greens (cilantro, garlic, onion, parsley, spinach).
- drink plenty of fluids;
- eat small meals, but more often;
- do not overeat;
- have dinner 3 hours before bedtime;
- avoid foods that lower testosterone levels.
- 1. Eleutherococcus infusion. You need to take the root of the plant, grind it, pour a glass of boiling water, and then leave for 10 minutes. The resulting product is filtered and drunk 150 ml 2 times a day. If you can not find the root of Eleutherococcus, then in pharmacies you can buy a ready-made tincture.
- 2. Decoction of St. John's wort. To do healing drink from a vegetable male aphrodisiac, you need to take 15 g of St. John's wort, fill with 200 ml of water and cook for 20 minutes over low heat. The remedy is infused for 40 minutes in a warm place, after which it is taken 1 tablespoon up to 6 times a day.
- 3. Ginger root. It helps to improve blood microcirculation in the genitals, thereby increasing the production of testosterone. To keep the body in good shape, it is enough to use raw materials for making tea. It is recommended to drink it with honey.
- 4. Tribulus sap. This herb increases androgen production, suppresses estrogen and detoxifies. You need to take 1 tablespoon of herbs, pour 250 ml of boiling water and soak for half an hour in a water bath, then strain and bring the volume to its original value. The drug is used in 100 ml 4 times a day before meals.
- promotes the burning of subcutaneous fat;
- increases libido;
- improves sperm quality;
- normalizes the hormonal background;
- prevents the risk of prostatitis.
- in one approach, you need to repeat the power technique 8-10 times;
- working weights must be selected so that the last two repetitions require maximum effort;
- you need to work out in the gym no more than 1.5 hours, and for beginners - 1 hour;
- you should visit the hall 3 times a week;
- when choosing a training scheme for a particular muscle group, one should take into account the speed of their recovery.
- 1. Hormone replacement. This method is used if hormones cannot be produced by the body itself in case of problems with the endocrine glands.
- 2. Stimulation of the glands. The body produces androgens, but not enough, so they use medicines, which increase the functional ability of the glands.
- solutions for intramuscular injections;
- capsules and tablets;
- transdermal patches, gels and creams.
- Testacip;
- Sustanon 250;
- Testosterone depot;
- Primoteston Depot;
- Nebido;
- Androderm;
- Testoderm;
- Andriol.
- improves the production of ejaculate;
- increases overall physical activity;
- improves the quality of sex;
- helps prolong erection.
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Methods for determining the level of testosterone
There are two ways to check testosterone levels in men: outward signs and by laboratory analysis. The second is more reliable because it shows the exact amount of the hormone. Biologically active testosterone in the blood serum can only be detected in a laboratory, hospital. For this reason, this method of detecting the level of the male hormone is not so accessible and fast, and in most cases it is paid.
To determine the level of testosterone by external signs, several methods are recommended:
General inspection
With a reduced level of testosterone in a man, a number of specific signs are noted. Therefore, by a simple external examination, it is easy to determine whether this hormone is produced in sufficient quantities.
For this, attention should be paid to several characteristic features male body:
Elevated levels of testosterone in the blood are observed in rare cases. In this case, the symptoms are: well-developed muscles, excessive hair, deep voice. This condition is in most cases observed when exogenous steroids are taken by athletes or in oncological diseases.
Test questionnaire
To diagnose low testosterone levels at home, there are various questionnaires. The most popular is ADAM (Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males questionnaire). It takes only 5-10 minutes to complete it.
You can identify androgen deficiency by answering 10 short questions. For each answer "yes" or "no" is given, after which the number is calculated.
Questions:
If after passing the test-questionnaire the number of positive answers is more than three, then you need to contact a specialist for a more detailed examination.
The test is not 100% accurate. Question number 5, with a positive answer, most accurately characterizes the decrease in testosterone levels.
Blood analysis
To determine the level of testosterone, blood plasma is examined. The biomaterial is obtained from a vein.
There are several indicators of the level of the main male hormone:
To clarify the diagnosis, they can measure sex-binding globulin, dihydrotestosterone and other indicators.
To find out the amount of total and free testosterone, radioimmunoassay, double dialysis, precipitation and ultracentrifugation are used. The most accessible technology is radioimmunoassay, but it is inferior in accuracy to other methods.
Level total testosterone measured in ng/dl or mol/l. A volume of 8.9-42 ng/dL is considered normal. For free testosterone, the units pg/ml and pmol/l are used. The norm is 1-28 pg / ml.
Biological material must be taken in the morning. Before that, you can not drink alcohol, expose yourself to excessive physical exertion, overeat.
Before the diagnosis, some drugs are canceled 2 days in advance if they are used by a man. Testosterone levels may change due to the influence of steroids, adrenocorticotropin, thyroid hormones, gonadotropin and estradiol.
Signs of low and high testosterone levels
With a low level of testosterone in a man at any age, external signs appear. There are symptoms such as:
With an excessive amount of testosterone in the blood, a man has increased sweating. This is due to the fact that androgens stimulate the apocrine glands of the skin. They contain various substances Therefore, sweat has a sharp, unpleasant odor of a bitter character.
Other side effect increased amount androgens - activation of work sebaceous glands. For this reason, men can develop seborrhea, enlarged pores, acne and oily skin.
Congenital
In addition, if there was a lack of this hormone during fetal development, then the boy manifests characteristic changes in the structure of the genital organs and other body parameters. The concentration of androgens at this stage can be determined by the ratio of the length of the index and ring fingers. Normally, it should be 1:1.1 (the ring finger is longer).
To estimate the age of onset of puberty, you can calculate the ratio of height and leg length. This indicator in a man is called the trochanter index. To measure the length of the legs, you need to take a standing position and measure with a tape from the floor to the greater trochanter of the thigh bone, and then measure the height. Great value divided by a smaller one, they get an index, which is usually equal to 1.99. If the value exceeds this mark, then the level of androgen production is increased. When the trochanter index is less than 1.92, testosterone production is low.
Indirect signs
Indirectly assess the concentration of testosterone can be on the behavior and intellectual ability. For example, if a man often takes the initiative, reacts decisively, demonstrates confidence, then his androgen levels may be high. If he has frequent emotional breakdowns, he has an unstable mood, falls into depression, then the opposite is judged.
Male sex hormones can affect cognitive abilities:
Therefore, if a man shows such abilities, then his testosterone level was sufficient both during the period of development inside the womb, and during later life.
When detecting testosterone levels, it is recommended to directly pay attention to the testicles. Androgens are synthesized in these male organs. Accordingly, their size can indirectly indicate the activity of this function. If the testicles are atrophied and small for a long time, then testosterone is probably produced in small quantities. If they are large, look full, then we can judge that seminal fluid produced in sufficient quantities.
How to normalize testosterone levels?
At elevated level doctor prescribes testosterone drug treatment. Though similar condition quite rare, but still by no means normal and safe.
Healthy sleep
For men's health very important healthy sleep and wakefulness. During sleep, testosterone levels rise morning time men have an erection.
Nutrition
To normalize the production of testosterone, it is advised to make changes to the diet. Below are the foods that are most beneficial for men's health:
In addition to eating the above products, you should follow the principles of a healthy diet:
Foods such as sugar, salt, White bread, caffeine, vegetable oil, fat milk, carbonated drinks.
Folk remedies
TO natural ways increase in testosterone levels can be attributed and folk remedies. They are absolutely safe, and allow for prevention. negative consequences androgen deficiency: obesity, hypertonic disease, prostatitis.
To improve the production of sex hormones, decoctions and infusions from medicinal herbs and other herbal ingredients. In addition, allocate nutritional supplements like turmeric or royal jelly.
Herbs
The following recipes are popular:
Turmeric
This spice is able to rapidly increase pressure in the genital tissues, reduce the amount of estrogen in male body and stimulate androgen production. Turmeric has several beneficial properties at once:
To increase testosterone levels, this spice is enough to add to various dishes. You can do it in another way: mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric in a glass warm water and have a drink. This method is recommended for use for 2 months, 2 times a day.
royal jelly
This bee product is useful in that it promotes the production of testosterone, improves the quality of the ejaculate. It is recommended that men consume 20-30 mg of the drug per day. In some cases, the dosage should be discussed with your doctor.
Can be purchased at drugstores various means based royal jelly. They are produced in native form, in the form of tablets, capsules, granules and honey mixture.
Physical exercise
To increase the level of testosterone in the blood, men are recommended to exercise in gym. The key to success lies in the implementation of exercises such as bench press, squat with a barbell and deadlift. But one should be very careful in approaching such studies, since these basic exercises is the most complex, requiring strict adherence to technology.
Before carrying out weight training, you should consult with your doctor. In the absence of experience for the first time, it is recommended to use the services of fitness trainers.
There are several features of physical exercises:
Sample workout plan for a week
Medicines
If you increase testosterone levels in men natural ways fails, then resort to the use of drugs.
Drugs can be prescribed for the following purposes:
Replacement therapy
For replacement therapy can be used in the following forms:
The following drugs are distinguished:
Such drugs are often used by athletes and bodybuilders to increase muscle mass. Despite high efficiency These funds are not recommended for use without consulting your doctor. out of control hormone therapy dangerous by a sharp and persistent increase in testosterone levels. This can lead to such consequences as infertility, gynecomastia (breast enlargement), edema, baldness, acne.
Stimulant Therapy
Special non-hormonal supplements can be used to increase testosterone production. For example, Tribulus, which has natural basis. It can be used not only by athletes, but also by ordinary men. This supplement has the following benefits:
Tribulus is taken in a course of 1 to 3 months, after which they take a break for 2-3 months. Between courses, you must definitely interrupt for this interval, because otherwise the body may stop producing testosterone on its own in the required amount.
Testosterone in the blood important indicator characterizing the health of any man. It is useful to know its amount, if there is a suspicion of a disease of the genital organs, for athletes who are active physical training and trying to gain muscle mass, and ordinary people it will be interesting to check. How to determine the level of testosterone - this will be discussed in this article.
List of existing methods
There are only two ways to check testosterone levels: laboratory analysis blood and external signs. The first test is more reliable and can give the most accurate quantitative characterization of the hormone. The determination of biologically active testosterone in blood serum is possible only in the laboratory of a medical institution, which makes this test not so accessible to simple man who simply does not want to visit the clinic or hospital. In addition, the analysis in most cases is carried out on a paid basis. Although a rapid test has now been developed that can measure testosterone at home. In domestic pharmacies, this is rare, but in the West it is no longer a novelty.
A testosterone test conducted in the laboratory helps to find out the quantitative characteristics. Check if there is a decrease or increase in androgen, possibly without leaving your home apartment. The test is inaccurate and gives only an approximate value, but it becomes possible to find out your testosterone level without the participation of a doctor. For this you need:
- Make a general examination, pay special attention to the external genitalia.
- Explore the properties of sweat.
- Control the frequency and quality of erections.
A sign of a decrease in testosterone in the body is a weak stubble on the face.
How to find out the content of a steroid by external signs in men at home, if it is not possible to measure the amount in a laboratory - more on this later.
General inspection
With a decrease in testosterone, a number of external signs make it possible to suspect such a condition - this is the easiest and most proven way to determine the androgenic saturation of the body. Helps to suspect pathology the following symptoms:
- Absence or insufficient hair growth in armpits and on the forehead.
- Weak stubble on the face.
- Voice with a high timbre.
- Flaw muscle tissue.
- Deposition of subcutaneous fat in the abdomen.
- Dryness and peeling of the skin.
- Excessive sweating.
With a normal hormone content, none of the symptoms listed will be expressed so clearly.
Special attention should be given to examining the external genitalia. As you know, testicles are male organ that synthesizes testosterone. Accordingly, by their size, one can indirectly speak about how actively they perform this function. If the testicles are small and atrophied over time, the person probably has low testosterone, there is no need to even check anything in the laboratory. If they look large and full, then this may indicate normal or high testosterone and good production of seminal fluid.
Under certain circumstances, the synthesis of androgens decreases, and sometimes increases, and the size of the genitals changes accordingly. You can check this situation yourself at home. For example, testosterone in men Negative influence ingestion of strong alcoholic beverages. Examine your genitals before going to a banquet, try to find a landmark and measure the size, then in the morning, after the festivities, check if anything has changed. Of course, this way to determine testosterone is very subjective, but completely free.
Sweat study
You can learn about the amount of the hormone indirectly if you determine how sweat smells. At first glance, the idea of conducting such a test sounds meaningless and even stupid. But this method has a logical scientific rationale. Scientists in the course of their experiments have learned that testosterone affects the functioning of the apocrine glands of the skin. The secreted fluid of these glands is rich in different substances, characteristic of a particular person, which gives the smell of sweat a peculiarity. In some literature, the concept of "apocrine sweat" is found, which has a sharper, bitter and unpleasant odor.
The amount of testosterone in the body can be determined by the smell of sweat.
The work of the apocrine glands is regulated by testosterone, respectively, an excess of the hormone stimulates their functioning, excessive sweating is observed with characteristic odor, the deficiency appears backfire. In children before puberty, the apocrine glands function poorly, the sweat fluid does not have such an unpleasant odor, because there are few androgens in the body.
Relationship with erectile function
good erection is directly related to testosterone levels. Depending on how often it occurs in a day and with what force, it is possible to determine the quantitative content of testosterone. It is clear that when there is not enough testosterone in the body, a person experiences certain difficulties in intimate life, and the more androgen, the easier it is to get an erection.
A pattern was established due to which the need to measure the hormone in the blood in the laboratory disappears, provided there are no signs of other diseases. Erection problems have been observed to develop when testosterone levels are around or below 300 ng/dl. For young people under 30, the number is slightly higher (some report erectile dysfunction at 400-500 ng/dl). At 800 ng/dl, men don't even think about problems with sex.
What to consider when conducting a survey
Whichever test you choose to conduct the study, you should know that the testosterone content is variable and depends on a lot of factors. The first thing to consider is age. It is believed that the production male testosterone begins to decline from about the age of thirty, a further decrease is about 1% per year. The appearance of a person will change, this will also affect the sexual function.
With age, the level of testosterone in the body decreases.
Habitat has a significant impact on the indicator. A study was conducted when it was necessary to measure testosterone in humans different ages with a place of residence in the city and in the countryside. This study showed that in countryside people over 50 have as much testosterone in their bodies as young guys born and living in the city. This difference is related to the characteristics of work. More in the village physical work, big number domestic duties (garden, household), while office work prevails in the city.
The test results will not be correct if you take any medical preparations, which can affect the synthetic activity of the testicles.
To verify the correctness of this judgment, it is worth checking the presence side effects according to the instructions supplied with the medicine. From home remedies traditional medicine it is generally recommended to refuse, since any test with highly likely will show a false result.
How to know the level of testosterone in men, you now understand. Which way to choose is up to you. But if available serious problems with health, it is best to seek help from a doctor and measure the steroid in the blood more reliable laboratory test. Good luck!
Health ecology: Testosterone - male sex hormone, androgen. It is also produced in female body, but significantly less. The female body cannot do without testosterone either. But for correct operation our system - it's good when testosterone levels are normal.
Testosterone- male sex hormone, androgen.Produced in the male gonads (testicles)smaller - in the adrenal glands and determines external characteristics men.
Although testosterone is called the male hormone, it is also produced in the female body, but much less.
Testosterone defines sex drive; affects the ratio of muscle mass and fat in the body; responsible for muscle building and growth bone tissue; testosterone is responsible for burning fat, and without it in the body it is impossible biochemical processes controlling weight; it is also testosterone that is responsible for the development of the follicle, that is for the work of the female reproductive system, for the work bone marrow and for the function of the sebaceous glands.
For both men and women good when testosterone levels are normal. But this level rises, be sure to expect some troubles and problems. Yes, this is not surprising - too much depends on him.Only a doctor can make a final diagnosis, but at home, you can independently determine the level of testosterone. IN medical institution questions of testosterone levels are within the competence of an andrologist or endocrinologist, who prescribes the necessary laboratory tests. You can find out whether there is a need to visit a doctor by yourself according to certain external signs.
Sign #1
Waist circumference should be measured - if it is less than 94 cm (but not more than 120 cm) with an average height of about 176 cm, this may indicate a high level of testosterone. Particular attention should be paid to your condition if the volume has decreased for no reason.
Sign #2
We sound the alarm when more hair appears on the body. Know that excess testosterone in the body is a direct way to increase the density and thickness of body hair.
sign №3
Violations are said to be anke - acne on the body and face. Usually a jump in the level of the hormone stimulates the sebaceous glands, and this leads to an overproduction of sebum and the appearance of acne.
You should also be concerned if:
Recently, you have begun to feel an increase in sex drive;
- even after a hard day at work you feel surplus energy;
- you have increased physical strength and endurance;
- began to attract extreme activities, even if they did not cause any interest before;
- often catch yourself feeling euphoric for no apparent reason;
- irritability and aggression arise from scratch;
- It has become quite difficult to concentrate, your attention and vigilance have decreased;
- began to often suffer from insomnia;
- you wake up at night for no reason;
- there was a delay and discomfort when urinating.
A lot of men want to know if their testosterone levels are normal. As you know, testosterone is the main male hormone which is produced in the testicles of men. It is testosterone that causes sexual desire, forms male type figures and character. Young guys have an excess of testosterone, hence their craving for adventure and hypersexuality. Over the years, the level of testosterone in men decreases, although the lack of it can be at any age.
Find out the exact content testosterone can only be done by a blood test, which must be taken in the morning. The normal level of testosterone in the blood is 300-1000 ng/dL. If the young and healthy man testosterone content in the range of 500-700 ng / dl, then this is considered sufficient. But when the content of this hormone is below 350 ng / dl, you need to undergo treatment and take drugs that increase testosterone levels, as this leads to a decrease in sexual and mental activity, premature aging and development cardiovascular diseases. The lack of testosterone in the body of a man, combined with the corresponding signs, is called hypogonadism.
negative affects on testosterone content, not only age, but also excessive physical activity, bad habits and bad ecological situation. Often people think about whether their testosterone levels in the body are normal only when they experience any sexual problems. But testosterone deficiency is also indicated by other signs that doctors refer to when compiling a questionnaire to facilitate diagnostic procedure. To find out if your testosterone levels are normal, answer the following questions:
1. Do you notice that now you have less desire to have sex?
2. Have you become less energetic lately than before?
3. For any physical activity now you get tired faster?
4. Have you lost height?
5. Do you feel like everything good that could happen in your life has already happened?
6. Do you notice that you have become more irritable and sad?
7. Do you now have worse erection quality than before?
8. Have you experienced a deterioration in your ability to participate in competitive sports?
9. Do you often sleep after dinner now?
10. Have you noticed that your performance has decreased lately?
If you answered"yes" to questions 1 and 7, then your testosterone levels are low. Also, testosterone deficiency is possible if you answered "yes" to any 3 questions out of 10.
Normal development male genital organs depends on the content of testosterone. With a deficiency of testosterone in a man, the size of the genital organs can decrease and fatty deposits appear. Testosterone has an effect on facial hair growth, pubic area and the body of a man. The condition of the skin and bones also directly depend on the content of testosterone, since it affects the formation and maturation of bone tissue, the functioning of the sebaceous glands. In general, all appearance men are completely dependent on the amount of testosterone. Even the low timbre of the voice in men is the result of the development a large number testosterone. It is during puberty and an increase in the content of testosterone in the blood that thicken vocal cords in adolescent boys.
Men from reduced testosterone levels are very sensitive and soft, by nature they are more like women. And vice versa, the nature of those who have a 10-12% higher blood level than the norm is aggressive, quick-tempered and too energetic. A decrease in testosterone levels can occur due to obesity, regular alcohol consumption, chronic prostatitis, reception medicines, vegetarianism and diets with low content fats. If a man's weight is 30% higher than normal, then endocrine system stops testosterone production and increases production female hormones- estrogens, under the influence of which the figure of a man takes on the outlines of female forms.
Low levels in men may also be associated with diseases of other organs, such as ischemic disease heart, hypertension diabetes, bronchial asthma, lung disease, atherosclerosis and liver disease. Significantly increases testosterone levels strength exercises such as dumbbell exercises. Lack of testosterone can cause behavioral changes in men, making them nervous and fidgety. They often experience bouts of depressed mood.
