Physiological Causes of Low T
Those familiar with low T are aware of the two primary causes of low testosterone - Primary and Secondary Hypogonadism (either your brain or your testicles don't work) but there are also possible physiological reasons for low T that often go ignored:
Hydrocele - a hydrocele is a build up of water in the scrotal sack. The build up of fluid can cause pressure that can reduce blood flow and impair the normal functioning of the testes.
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/tc/hydrocele-topic-overview
Variocele- a variocele is an enlargement of the blood vessels in the scrotum, the change or restriction in blood flow can inhibit the normal functioning of the testicles
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicocele/basics/definiti...
I found these while researching TRT treatment protocols. I have seen two separate doctors for hormone level consultations and while they had differing of opinions of using testosterone, neither of them considered physiological reasons for Low T. I wonder how many people have Low T due to a condition that could be fixed with simple surgery? Nobody likes the doctor feeling on your junk but shouldn't a physical exam be incorporated into the diagnostic process? Guess that monthly check on your balls is worth a second look....
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Those both fall in the "primary" compartment ie. failure of the testes, regardless of etiology.
The diagnostic hallmark is hypergonadotropic (high FH&FSH) hypogonadism (low t). Such finding should always warrant an examination by an expert andrologist.
Great info! Makes sense then that these would be seen on blood work - the hypothalamus would continue to send signals but the testicles would not be responding appropriately, causing the high LH and FSH?
This article from Urology Times sites studies that found an increase in testosterone levels and fertility post surgery. Sounds like a much better solution than long term TRT:
http://urologytimes.modernmedicine.com/urology-times/news/modernmedicine...
bigmurphIm not on trt but I did think that part of it would be the doctor checking your balls prostate basically the whole thing plus blood work.
Interesting
+1