It’s not unusual to feel a bit tired and run down during your first year of university or college. After all, there’s no doubt it’s a challenging time. But what if instead of simply being tired or bored you were experiencing some other more concerning symptoms?
Well, if this is the case, then there’s a good chance that your low testosterone levels might be causing these symptoms! In this article, we’ll discuss why men can experience low testosterone even at 19 years old, how it affects them, and what they can do to live their lives without any limitations.
Testosterone Makes Men, Men
Testosterone is a hormone, produced in the testes and the adrenal glands, and is responsible for the development of male characteristics. Although women also produce this hormone, men have about 10-15 times more testosterone than women. Testosterone plays an important role in maintaining muscle mass, bone strength, sex drive, and sperm production.
Therefore, if your T-levels drop, you may develop symptoms that include:
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Low muscle mass, difficulty gaining muscle
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Mood changes
- Enlarged breasts
- Loss of body hair
In your younger years, these are certainly uncommon symptoms that can affect your personal, educational and professional growth.
Causes of Low Testosterone in Young Men Range From Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits To Certain Genetic Conditions
Several factors can cause low testosterone in young men, including:
- Lifestyle factors: Some lifestyle habits like not getting enough sleep, not working out, eating an unhealthy diet, and being overweight or obese can affect your hormone levels.
- Genetic conditions: Certain genetic conditions such as Klinefelter Syndrome can cause low testosterone in men and lower sperm counts. Other types of hypogonadism can also cause low T levels in young men.
- Medication: Other causes of low testosterone levels include medications used for treating AIDS or cancer treatment like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- Others: Diseases like pituitary tumors, testicular injury, or autoimmune diseases can also cause a drop in testosterone levels
If you’re experiencing symptoms of low T, it is important to get your blood tested and discuss your results with your doctor. If your results are abnormal, they will guide you through further testing to find the specific cause of your condition and the treatment that best matches your needs.
Treatment For Low T in Young Men Includes TRT And Lifestyle Changes.
The most effective treatment for low testosterone is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which involves taking synthetic testosterone. This can be done via injection, pill, or pellets. If you are starting TRT, be sure to do so under the guidance of a professional, and get your blood tested at least every three months initially. Once you’re stable, you should get tested at least twice per year to monitor your treatment.
Improving your habits and leading a healthier lifestyle can also be very helpful to increase your testosterone levels and keep them balanced (more on this next).
Change Those Habits! Improve Your Lifestyle For Better Hormones
Low testosterone at 19 can also be related to lifestyle factors. Lifestyle choices such as an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and smoking can all affect your hormone levels and cause low testosterone. Here are some things that you should be doing to improve your overall health and optimize your hormones
- Eat a nutritious diet. Include fruits and vegetables in most of your meals, ensure you’re eating enough lean meats (such as chicken breast and fish) and add healthy fats to your diet daily (such as olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds). Avoid ultra-processed foods like refined sugar, chips, fast food, sausages, and microwaveable dinners.
- Work out regularly: Get a workout routine and strength train 4-6 days a week. This will allow you to improve your muscle mass, strength, and hormone production.
- Sleep 7-9 hours every night. Make sure your room is dark and cool for better sleep.
- Say no to alcohol and smoke: Smoking and drinking are major risk factors for the development of most chronic illnesses and have also been linked to low T levels and erectile dysfunction.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing low testosterone at 19, it could be due to various causes. Getting your blood tested when you first notice symptoms and discussing your results with your doctor is the best way to understand what could be causing your low T and get the correct treatment for your needs. The most effective treatment for low testosterone is TRT, along with a healthy lifestyle. Don’t ignore your body’s signals and take control of your life now!
Key Takeaways
- It is possible to be young and have low testosterone.
- Common causes of low testosterone at a young age are genetic disorders, medications, and an unhealthy lifestyle.
- Getting tested when you notice symptoms and discussing your results with your doctor will help you understand the cause of your low T and get appropriate treatment, such as TRT.
- Leading a healthy lifestyle will allow you to experience better overall health and hormonal balance.