Males can experience low testosterone levels as they age or because of certain medical conditions. The symptoms can be subtle but treatment could assist if symptoms are affecting your daily life.
Other names that can be used to describe low testosterone
It is also possible to use the term low testosterone to mean:
- low T
- male menopause
- andropause
- testosterone deficiency
Testosterone is a hormone that can influence sexual appearance and development and stimulate the production of sperm and sexual drive, as well as help to build muscles and bone mass. It is usually produced by the testicles of those born male.
Who is a candidate for having low testosterone levels?
While the males assigned to both times and those assigned to females at birth are both testosterone-producing, this article concentrates on signs of low testosterone in those who were assigned males at birth. Some studies suggest that doctors might prescribe testosterone without prescription to females to boost libido; however, this hasn't been endorsed by authorities like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
While gender and sex can be found on a spectrum, however, the research and surveys listed below utilized the words “male” as well as “men” but did not include details on or count those who were transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming genderqueer, and agender or genderless.
This article will employ the words “male” or “men” throughout to preserve the accuracy and specificity of the study.
Testosterone production generally decreases with the advancing years. As per the American Urological Association, about 40% of males 45 and up are deficient in testosterone levels.
What are the signs and symptoms of low testosterone in women and men?
If your testosterone production dramatically decreases, you could experience various signs. Low testosterone symptoms are usually subtle and could include:
Low Sex Drive
Testosterone is a major factor in sex drive and sexual desire. Certain people might have a decrease in sexual drive as they age however, those who have testosterone levels that are low will likely see an even more dramatic drop.
Inability to achieve and maintain a sexual erection
Testosterone assists in getting and maintaining an intimate. It signals brain receptors to create Nitric Oxide, which is a molecule that can trigger a number of chemical reactions in order to create an intimate erection.
If you have a low T, you could struggle to achieve an erection prior to sex or experience spontaneous erections, for instance, when you sleep.
However, the research is not conclusive on whether this therapy is effective in treating the problem of erectile dysfunction. A review of research conducted in 2016 examined this treatment in males suffering from erection problems and found that nearly half did not show improvement.
Other health issues can lead to problems with erectile dysfunction. This includes:
- Diabetes
- thyroid disorders
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- Depression
- stress
- anxiety
Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes could be a contributing factor.
Hot flashes
Hot flashes may be an indication that you have low testosterone. It may feel like sudden warmth. It could also feel like:
- heavy sweating
- The skin is reddened
- Night sweats
Hair loss
Testosterone plays an important role in the production of hair. In many cases, hair loss is a normal part of aging for males. However, it is also possible to be genetic. Those who have low testosterone can lose facial and body hair, too.
Fatigue
Males with low testosterone might experience extreme fatigue and lower energy. It is possible to have low testosterone If you're constantly tired even though you're getting enough sleep or if you're finding it difficult to motivate yourself to exercise.
Reduced muscle mass
A 2016 review concluded that testosterone can affect the size of muscles but not necessarily their strength or function. Males with low testosterone levels might notice a decline in muscle size.
Body fat is increased
Low testosterone levels can cause an increase in body fat or gynecomastia, which is enlarged breast tissue. Gynecomastia occurs when estrogen and testosterone levels are not in balance.
A decrease in bone mass
Osteoporosis is a disease that can affect bone density. Testosterone aids in the production and strengthening of bone. Therefore, males who have lower testosterone levels, especially those who are older, may have a lower bone mass and are more prone to bone fractures.
The mood changes
Men with low testosterone may have mood fluctuations. Because testosterone affects many of the body's bodily functions It can also affect mood and mental capability.
Memory
Testosterone levels, as well as cognitive functions, including memory, diminish as we age. Therefore, medical professionals have suggested that a decrease in testosterone levels may be a factor in memory decline.
According to a study review, treatment of low testosterone by supplementation could enhance memory in men of a certain age who are low in testosterone levels, but the effects could be sporadic.
However, a study from 2017 on testosterone supplementation failed to show improvements in memory in four93 males with low testosterone levels who ate testosterone or placebo.
Penis size is smaller and testicle size is smaller.
The body requires testosterone in order to create the testicles and penis and testicles, therefore low levels of testosterone could result in a smaller testicles or penis. Other circumstances and conditions can result in a smaller penis or testicles, and vice versa.
Low blood counts
A low testosterone level could increase the risk of developing anemia, as per an investigation from 2017. When researchers gave testosterone gels to males with anemia and low testosterone who had anemia, they observed higher blood counts than men who were given a placebo. The blood count also improved for males who have identified causes for anemia, such as iron deficiency.
Causes for low testosterone
The levels of testosterone naturally decline as men age, but different circumstances or situations can result in low testosterone levels. This could include:
- testicle injuries
- Treatments for cancer, like chemotherapy and radiation
- stress
- AIDS
- alcohol use disorder
- kidney disease
- The liver is cirrhosis
- pituitary gland disorders
- The autoimmune disease
- Infection
- obesity
- metabolic syndrome
- using specific medications
How can low T detected?
Testosterone levels range from 300-1000 nanograms/deciliter (ng/dL). Low testosterone occurs when testosterone levels are less than 300 ng/dL. A blood test known as the serum testosterone test will identify your testosterone level.
Other tests could be done to find out the cause of low testosterone and symptoms.
Tests for detecting low testosterone and the causes are:
- serum testosterone
- luteinizing hormone
- blood prolactin level
What is therapy for low testosterone?
The treatment of testosterone is the most common treatment for men with low testosterone.
If symptoms of low testosterone are causing concern and you want to discuss it with an expert to determine if treatment for testosterone loss is appropriate for you.
The treatment of testosterone replacement is a lifetime treatment. In the event that you discontinue treatment your testosterone levels will fall.
Some of the side effects once you start to treat low testosterone are:
- Acne
- Prostate cancer has increased
- shrinking testicles
- lower number of sperm
- High red blood cell count
- fluid retention
- swelling ankles or feet
This treatment might not be the best for you if:
- Have a heart problem that has not been treated
- are suffering from prostate or breast cancer.
- suffer from sleep apnea
- Have high red blood cell counts
- In the future, you may have children
Low testosterone levels can increase your chances of developing health issues that may require treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if your testosterone is too low?
Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, can lead to a variety of symptoms and health issues, primarily because testosterone is a crucial hormone that affects many bodily functions. When testosterone levels are too low, it can cause physical, sexual, and psychological problems. Some common symptoms include:
- Reduced sex drive: Testosterone plays a key role in libido. Low levels can result in a decreased interest in sexual activity.
- Erectile dysfunction: Testosterone stimulates the tissues in the penis to produce nitric oxide, which starts several reactions that result in an erection. Low testosterone levels make it more difficult to achieve and maintain erections.
- Decreased muscle mass and strength: Testosterone is involved in building muscle. Lower levels can lead to reduced muscle bulk and strength.
- Increased body fat: Particularly, low testosterone can lead to increased body fat in the abdominal region or development of gynecomastia (increased breast tissue in men).
- Fatigue: Men with low testosterone often report severe fatigue and a decrease in energy levels.
- Mood changes: Testosterone influences many physical processes in the body, and low levels can contribute to mood swings, irritability, depression, and a lack of focus.
How do you fix low testosterone levels?
Treatment for low testosterone depends on its cause. Some common treatments include:
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): This is the most common treatment and can be administered through injections, patches, gels, or subcutaneous pellets. TRT can help relieve the symptoms of low testosterone but might come with side effects such as increased risk of blood clots and stroke.
- Medications: Certain medications can stimulate the body’s natural production of testosterone. For example, clomiphene citrate, which is used to treat infertility, can sometimes be used to encourage the body to produce more testosterone.
- Lifestyle changes: Improving diet, increasing exercise, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep can help enhance testosterone production naturally.
- Addressing underlying conditions: Sometimes low testosterone is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as a pituitary gland disorder or sleep apnea. Treating these conditions can sometimes normalize testosterone levels.
How to boost testosterone level?
Boosting testosterone levels can be achieved through both medical treatments and lifestyle changes:
- Regular exercise: Particularly strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are beneficial.
- Balanced diet: Eating a diet rich in proteins, fats, and carbs can help maintain healthy testosterone levels.
- Sleep: Ensuring sufficient, high-quality sleep each night is crucial.
- Reducing stress: Chronic stress elevates the hormone cortisol, which negatively affects testosterone.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements: Particularly, vitamin D and zinc have been found to help improve testosterone levels.
What happens if low testosterone is not treated?
Ignoring low testosterone can lead to several long-term health issues:
- Osteoporosis: Testosterone helps in maintaining bone density; without it, bones can become weak and brittle.
- Mental health issues: Continued mood swings, depression, and irritability can affect mental health and quality of life.
- Cardiovascular risks: Some studies suggest that low testosterone levels might be linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
- Metabolic syndrome: Low testosterone is associated with increased risk factors for diabetes and other metabolic syndromes.
Addressing low testosterone is not only about improving immediate symptoms but also about preventing potential long-term health issues.
Takeaway
Males experience a gradual drop in testosterone levels as they grow older. The older you get older, the more likely you'll experience low testosterone.
Many factors can lead to low testosterone. Your doctor can assess your testosterone levels by a simple blood test.
If you're suffering from low testosterone, and the symptoms irritate you, your doctor might suggest testosterone replacement therapy.
If you want to know your testosterone levels, LetsGetChecked can conduct testosterone testing for men at your home at varying prices.
