According to the testosterone replacement therapy Melbourne doctors, upon reaching the tender age of 14, most young boys of this age will be hitting the growth spurt. This means to say they are living as an adolescent, and thus their bodies would soon develop several manly physical features.
Their bodies will gradually take on the transition from being a boy to a young man. Their muscles will begin to develop, hairs on different parts of the body will begin to show and the tone of their voice will deepen, among many other changes.
But there are instances that the development of a young boy’s body would be stymied by low testosterone syndrome. Otherwise known as hypogonadism in boys, it will keep their young bodies from further developing some of the most distinctive male characteristics at the same pace and time as their other peers.
Hormone replacement therapy can help teenage boys who are diagnosed to have low testosterone. In some cases, it might be even necessary to spur the development of their bodies.
Hypogonadism 101
Testosterone is one of the most important hormones in the male human body. In the absence of this hormone, or the deficiency of which early in life can hamper his body’s development into young adults. The glands in the testes, otherwise known as the gonads, are responsible for the production of this male sex hormone.
If there is an observable delay in the development of the body of a teen boy, it could signify that he is having low testosterone. And there is nothing to be worried about that, it is pretty normal.
Known in the medical community as the “constitutional delay of puberty, this is a natural occurrence to some boys until the age of 18-19. Beyond that, the continued delay can already mean a greater concern.
Another possible underlying reason for hypogonadism has something to do with chromosomal anomalies, such as the Klinefelter syndrome. Men diagnosed to have this kind of chromosomal problem, their bodies tend to have a decreased production of testosterone at the passing of time.
Certain infections in the body, as well as injuries and medical treatments, could trigger hypogonadism, too.
Indicating Signs of Hypogonadism
In the case of the young teenage boys, what characterizes hypogonadism is more of what is not taking place as opposed to what is. For a better understanding of this, let us cite an example.
The kick-off signal of puberty in young boys is the enlargement of the testicles. This signals that the development of secondary sexual attributes is about to take place soon. But in the absence or deficiency of testosterone, this may be offset or may not occur at all.
Needless to say, there are a handful of other indicating signs to watch out for, including:
- Development of pubic hair.
- Deepening of the tone of voice.
- Development of extra hairs in other parts of the body, such as the underarm hair or facial hair.
- Impaired growth.
- Impaired muscle development.
- Penile growth is not happening.
From 13 to 14 years old, these are the critical times for a young boy and his body to develop. If a boy at this age bracket does not seem to have enlarged testicles, no growth of hair in odd parts of the body, musculature improvement is not happening, then the testosterone replacement therapy Melbourne doctors would recommend to the patient to undergo testing for hypogonadism.
If there are other concerns you have about low testosterone, we are encouraging you to reach out to a reputable medical professional. They are the ones who can accurately provide to you the answers you are looking for.