Having problems with pecker perkiness? It’s easy to joke around about performance problems, but for men who experience them, they’re no laughing matter. Whether they manifest as weak tumescence, anticlimactic releases or complete loss of performance ability, these problems take a serious toll on a man’s physical and emotional well-being, not to mention that of his significant other. What is more: Performance dysfunction may be a symptom of poor male organ health or an underlying condition that needs to be identified and treated.

One such condition is androgen deficiency, which is marked by abnormally low levels of male hormones. There are many symptoms and causes of androgen deficiency, and learning what to look for can help men know when to suspect this condition.

Androgen Deficiency Symptoms

Low levels of male hormones can cause an array of symptoms. Sensual symptoms include:

- Reduced sensual drive

- Reduced amount of seed

- Weak tumescence

- Weak emissions

Emotional symptoms include:

- Depression

- Low self-esteem

Non-sensual physical symptoms include:

- Fatigue

- Mammary growth

- Hot flashes/sweating

- Reduced muscle mass

- Reduced bone mass

- Loss of body hair

- Increased abdominal fat

Some of these symptoms can result in chronic health conditions. Increased abdominal fat, for example, is associated with type 2 diabetes. Loss of bone mass can cause osteoporosis (brittle bone disease). And, of course, sensual symptoms can lead to a reduced overall quality of life.

Causes

The main causes of male hormone deficiency in men are:

- Age

- Sac problems leading to decreased production of male hormone (such as undescended balls or complications related to cancer treatment)

- Pituitary gland tumor (which interferes with the production of hormones in the gland that cause the sac to manufacture male hormone)

- Chronic use of medications, such as opioid pain-killers or steroids

- Major trauma, illness or surgery

Treatment

Generally, men with androgen deficiency are treated with hormone replacement therapy. Male hormone can be injected, taken in medicine form or applied as a cream, gel or skin patch.

If a problem with the pituitary gland is the culprit, then men may receive replacement therapy of the hormone produced by this gland.

When medication use is behind androgen deficiency, men may talk with their doctors about switching up their treatment method for whatever condition the medication is intended to treat.

Self-Help

While a severe case of hormone deficiency will likely require replacement therapy, men with mild deficiencies may be able to combat the problem naturally. The following self-help techniques may boost male hormone levels:

- Exercise. When a man leads a sedentary lifestyle, his body will adapt to his reduced need for male hormone by not making so much. When he’s active, however, his muscles and bones need more male hormone: Need and you shall receive! Both strength-training and cardio exercise are important. Note: Overtraining can actually reduce male hormone levels, so men should take rest days and avoid increasing their exercise load too quickly.

- Sleep. Lack of sleep, particularly when chronic, can throw the body’s hormones out of whack. Men should get plenty of shut-eye as part of their male hormone management plan.

- Chill out. When a person is stressed, his body produces the hormone cortisol, which has a negative impact on male hormone production. Managing stress, anxiety, depression and other emotionally draining conditions will promote higher male hormone levels as well as overall health.

- Eat zinc. This mineral is imperative for maintaining healthy male hormone levels. The best food sources are oysters, lean beef, lamb, wheat germ and spinach.

- Shed excess pounds. More weight equals more female hormone equals less male hormone. Eat right in combination with hormone-boosting exercise and say goodbye to extra weight.

Boosting levels of male hormone will do wonders for male organ health and functionality. Men may wish to supplement their care regimens with the use of a quality male organ health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). Look for alpha lipoic acid and vitamin B5 on the ingredient list; these nutrients may help protect the cells of the male organ. The best creams contain natural moisturizers like Shea butter and vitamin E for silky-smooth skin.

Visit http://www.menshealthfirst.com for additional information on most common male organ health issues, tips on improving manhood sensitivity, and what to do to maintain a healthy member. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous websites.