Hormone replacement therapy for men can apply to the needs of teens with low T-levels. When boys reach the adolescent age of 14 years old, their bodies are supposed to undergo growth spurt. This is the point in time that their bodies would begin to develop their male physical features such as muscles, some hairs in the body, and the deepening of the tone of their voices.
The general public is under the impression that low T-levels is an exclusive experience of the middle-aged and senior men. But even young adolescent boys are susceptible to low testosterone, too, known in the medical world as hypogonadism. This condition will keep their bodies from developing their inherent male characteristics to the full extent, and thus will not be at pace with their peers. HRT replacement therapy may help in this regard.
Supplementing their young bodies with a small dose of testosterone in the form of male hormone replacement therapy is sometimes necessary to help spur their bodies to develop even further.
Hypogonadism 101
Testosterone is a hormone that gives shape and defines a boy’s body in its developmental journey towards becoming the body of a young man. Those glands found in their testes, referred to as gonads, are responsible for producing this hormone.
A simple delay in the production of this hormone can happen and would signify that, when compared to his peers, he is having low T condition right that very moment. Known as a constitutional delay of puberty, this kind of delay could become long term until he reaches 18 or 19 years old. Beyond this point, it could be a matter of greater concern.
But there are instances also that hypogonadism is brought about by some kind of chromosomal conditions like the Klinefelter syndrome, in which the production of testosterone would decrease over time. Certain infections, injuries, and even medical treatments can trigger reduced T-levels.
Indicating Signs of Hypogonadism
In young adolescent boys, this condition will be indicated more by what is not taking place as opposed to what is. Say, for instance, young boys entering puberty period would know their bodies are entering this stage by undergoing first the enlargement of their testicles. This should be taken as the kick-off signal that the development of sexual characteristics and the puberty period are on the way. However, in the absence or with low amounts of testosterone in the body, this event is likely not going to take place.
But most of the time, the boy itself will not be aware of the fact that his testicles should have enlarged already but haven’t. Neither his parents would be aware of it. If this is the case, then you need to look for other, more visible telltale signs for this such as the following:
- Deepening voice
- Development of pubic hair
- Body and facial hair development
- Growth or height, with respect to the development of peers
- Muscle development, compared with peers
- Penile development/growth in size and girth
In young boys, the most critical time for their body’s development into the puberty stage would be ages 13-14. If his body failed to develop enlarged testicles and the outset of adult musculature and height are not taking place by 14, a reputable doctor can proceed in testing him for hypogonadism.
There is nothing unusual if a teen male is diagnosed as having a low testosterone level since there are options that can be taken advantage of to manage it. Sometimes, you may just need to wait upon your boy’s body. There are instances that it might catch up on its own. If you need to know more about low testosterone or how testosterone replacement therapy can impact men’s overall health and well-being, the best recourse you can take here is to reach out to a reputable TRT doctor for advice and consultation.