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There are many low testosterone symptoms in men, ranging from mild to severe. Because of this, understanding when to visit a medical professional is essential.
In men, testosterone plays a key role in sex drive, semen production, hair loss and muscle mass. Unfortunately, when testosterone levels are diminished, it can bring about a series of problems that are hard to ignore.
Testosterone is a hormone classified as an androgen, which is responsible for the regulation of many bodily functions, such as fertility. Ordinarily, testosterone levels drop by approximately 1% every year after the age of 30.
However, there are many other causes of low testosterone levels such as:
- Chemotherapy
- Alcohol abuse
- Obesity
- Medication complications, side effects, or drug abuse
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Trauma
- Injury of the testes, metabolic disorders
- Excessive estrogen
In this article, we are going to discuss low testosterone symptoms in men so that you can seek out medical care and assistance to remedy this issue as soon as possible.
1. Diminished Sex Drive
Testosterone is the primary hormone responsible for men’s sex drive. The decrease in this hormone can result in decreased sexual interest.
In fact, it has been found that testosterone levels in men start to decline after the age of 30.
As such, men with already low testosterone levels entering their 30’s are prone to experiencing low testosterone symptoms, such as low libido.
This, in and of itself, can also create psychological issues such as stress and anxiety.
Furthermore, the effects of a low sex drive can place undue stress on romantic relationships which would only add an additional layer of stress to most men.
2. Hair Loss Or Lack Of Hair Growth
Hair loss and balding has been the bane of existence for most men. It just so happens that the hormone which is responsible for most manly features also causes balding and hair loss.
Additionally, low testosterone levels have been linked to an inability to grow adequate facial hair.
Similarly, too much testosterone can also cause balding and hair loss, which is why it’s so important to monitor your testosterone levels.
3. Mood Irregularities
Hormones greatly affect our moods.
An irregularity in one or more hormones like Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) or Testosterone can result in frequent mood changes and an overall decline in someone’s ability to maintain a happy and calm demeanor.
Unfortunately, low testosterone in men can often bring about feelings of depression and sadness which can be extremely difficult to manage without treatment.
4. Decreased Volume Of Semen
Testosterone is produced in the testicles, as well as sperm.
In fact, testosterone is responsible for the prostate and seminal vesicles to work effectively.
Someone who has low testosterone levels will experience some degree of sperm reduction because the above mentioned organs responsible for the production of sperm will not be capable of functioning at optimum performance within this environment.
5. Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common sexual conditions experienced by men and it can actually be traced back to low testosterone levels.
Although low testosterone may not be the only cause of erectile dyfunction, the effect it has on a man’s sex drive could directly affect his capacity or ability to gain or maintain an erection. Contact an ED physician to be diagnosed by a medical professional prior to taking any medications.
6. Chronic Fatigue and Tiredness
Irrespective of how much rest or sleep one may get, due to low testosterone levels (or adrenal fatigue), feelings of extreme exhaustion will continue to persist.
If you are constantly feeling fatigued and tired, this may be one of the clearest signs of low testosterone (low-t). Due to poor energy levels, it becomes increasingly difficult to handle every day tasks and to exert oneself at a pace that is required to maintain good health, productivity and relationships.
This may place your body under severe stress, thus, increasing cortisol levels.
An increase in cortisol levels for a significant period of time may lead to adrenal fatigue which would affect hormone regulation within the body.
One of the hormones that is affected by high cortisol is testosterone.
7. Obesity or Fat Gain
As much as testosterone is a hormone that is responsible for the regulation of fertility in men, it’s quite multifaceted in that it actually affects the way your body deals with fat as well as muscle mass.
A common cause of low T is obesity or fat gain. Although you may already be taking steps to live a healthy lifestyle year round, other factors may be at play. For example, a dysregulation in testosterone and estrogen can surprisingly lead to weight and fat gain.
However, because fat is also responsible for the production of an enzyme known as aromatase which is known to convert testosterone to estrogen, it can actually worsen the levels of testosterone in a man and create an even larger disparity between testosterone and estrogen levels.
It would also be important for us to note that testosterone does aid the body in regulating it’s metabolism which could be the reason why it’s much easier to gain fat in this situation.
Put simply, low testosterone can lead to fat gain which can result in the conversion of residual testosterone into estrogen that results in a further reduction of testosterone levels.
Visceral fat is one of the many potential signs of fat gain as a result of low testosterone.
8. Decreased Lean Muscle Mass
For the development and growth of muscle mass, testosterone is vital. One of the reasons why men are able to develop a larger body frame of muscle mass compared to women is because of testosterone.
However, the reverse is also true. When men start to notice a decrease in lean muscle mass despite efforts of trying to maintain or build muscle, it could be indicative of low testosterone.
Unfortunately, because the effects of low testosterone also impact metabolism, a loss in muscle mass may also be accompanied by fat gain at the same time.
9. Problems With Sleep
Testosterone deficiency may have a harmful effect on quality of sleep in either causing restlessness or the worsening of conditions such as sleep apnea.
What’s important to note is that sleep disturbances can create further dysregulation of hormones that can lead to the worsening of sleep conditions like insomnia.
This can create a negative cycle that affects your overall well being.
In essence, low testosterone levels may have an indirect as well as direct effect on the quality of sleep and recovery.
10. Decreased Bone Density
In a study that reviewed the effects of androgens on bone density, it was found that age related testosterone deficiencies directly correlated with osteoporosis in men.
This can lead to frequent injuries and fractures that take a long time to heal.
However, osteoporosis can present itself in most men aged 70 and up even without low levels of testosterone.
This can be problematic because the onset of osteoporosis may be triggered or worsened by the deficiency in testosterone.
Treating Low Testosterone Symptoms
Low testosterone in men can easily be confused with other medical conditions which is why it’s so important for you to measure your levels regularly if you present with a collection of the symptoms discussed above.
Low testosterone therapy is one of the many solutions at your disposal to rectify the disparity in your hormonal levels.
Coupling this treatment with lifestyle and physical adjustment that are known to increase testosterone levels, it’s highly possible to treat this condition adequately and successfully.
The medical professionals at Proactive Men’s Medical Center in Cincinnati specialize in treating conditions that impact men’s health. Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We don’t just give you a pill for ED and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as premature ejaculation, low testosterone (low-t), and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
