While the vast majority of low T cases and testosterone replacement therapy usually involve men from the middle age group down to old men who are in their twilight years, some of us find it unimaginable and hard to believe that young boys can be susceptible to low testosterone levels. All along most of us are under the impression that low testosterone and its ill effects can happen only to older, mature men.
Unfortunately, it is not the case.
When young boys reach the age of 14, their growth spurt will commence. Their bodies will start to undergo several major changes. They will soon develop muscles and their physical features will become more defined. Their voice will also change from having a shrieking sound to a deep, low tone voice – much like of a man. Fine hairs will also start to manifest in the pubic area and other parts of the body. In short, their bodies will begin to manifest the ideal physical attributes of a man.
If a young adolescent boy happens to have low testosterone, known in the medical world as male hypogonadism, there is a good possibility that it will keep his body from developing the inherent attributes of a man. In order to spur development, undergoing testosterone replacement therapy would be necessary. Essentially, this qualified hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is just a small dose of this important hormone.
Research in recent years strongly suggests that the commencing of puberty can be associated with genetics. This means to say that gene alterations, in any form, runs the risk of derailing the outset of this biological process.
Unfortunately, these young men are left with no other choice but just to wait for things to happen to them. They think it is the only solution there is and nothing much can be done. But the thing is, delay in the development of their bodies can be emotionally and socially difficult for them, even more so if it fails to resolve on its own quickly.
Signs of Hypogonadism
According to doctors that treat low testosterone near me, hypogonadism in boys is indicated more by several things that are happening to them as opposed to by what is. Say, for instance, one of the kick-off signals of puberty is enlarged testicles. However, if there is an insufficient amount of testosterone in the body, this biological milestone in his body is not likely going to occur.
The thing is, a boy is not likely going to notice that the size of his testicles is not changing, and neither is his parents. Other indicating signs for low-T in teens are the lacking or absence of the following:
- Development of pubic hair
- Deepening tone of voice
- Growth of fine hairs in other parts of the body, including facial and underarm
- Growth as opposed to his peers
- Muscle growth and development
- Penile growth or development
The critical period for young boys for their bodies to develop into puberty is 13-14 years old. If a boy’s body failed to develop enlarged testicles, the complete absence of body hair, the commencing of adult musculature and height is nowhere to be seen by the age of 14, his attending physician is likely to recommend testing for low testosterone or hypogonadism.
Hypogonadism Testing
Testing procedures for low T conditions in young boys is fairly simple. Blood testing should be carried out to help determine if their existing testosterone levels are within the normal range or whatnot. It will also help develop their full hormone profile, which includes hormones that are associated with growth.
If the boy’s TRT doctors suspect some underlying conditions like Klinefelter syndrome, other kinds of tests could be suggested. The condition is a qualified chromosomal abnormality and is affecting around 1 man in every 500.
Conclusion
If you are suspecting your young boy or son as showing low-T symptoms as indicated above, the only way to know and get an affirmation for this is by reaching out to a reputable HRT clinic to get your young man undergo a series of blood tests.
If the concentration of testosterone in his system is way below ideal levels, testosterone replacement therapy in Melbourne could help but may not be necessary. It is because it may get to normal levels over time.