-
Telltale Signs That You Are Suffering From It
Testosterone is a hormone that both men and women make naturally. It’s especially important for male sexual health and overall well-being. As you get older, it’s normal for testosterone levels to drop. Low testosterone levels (called “low T” for short) can affect up to 40% of all men — with the incidence increasing with age. Low T symptoms can include erectile dysfunction, low fertility, and even osteoporosis. But sometimes there are no symptoms at all. The good news is that treatment is usually pretty straightforward. Here’s what you need to know about causes of Low T, early symptoms, and treatment options.
WHAT DOES TESTOSTERONE DO IN THE MALE BODY
Testosterone is a sex hormone. It’s involved in many aspects of male health, including:
Puberty and male sexual development., Sex drive, Bone strength, Muscle growth, Red blood cell production, Energy and mood, Having low testosterone levels can affect all these functions.
WHAT CAUSES LOW TESTOSTERONE LEVELS
There are many causes of low testosterone. The most common cause is normal aging. Testosterone levels drop a little bit each year as you get older. Less common causes can be broadly separated into two types: Primary and secondary. Let’s take a look at these below.
Primary low testosterone:
This refers to a problem in the testicles themselves. Since testicles make testosterone, any conditions that affect how they work can affect how much testosterone you make. Causes of primary low testosterone include: Infections, like mumps, Klinefelter syndrome, Undescended testicles, Testicular torsion, Chemotherapy, Radiation treatment, Autoimmune diseases, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Liver cirrhosis and liver failure, Physical injury to the testicles, like from a car accident or sports injury.
Secondary low testosterone: This is when your testicles work normally, but other health problems stop you from making testosterone. Aging is one example of secondary low testosterone. Other examples include:
Brain tumors or other problems in the pituitary gland (a gland in your brain that regulates many hormones).
Hormone-blocking treatment (used for prostate cancer, among other conditions).
A BMI greater than 30.
Diabetes.
Long-term use of opioid pain medications.
LOW TESTOSTERONE SYMPTOMS IN MEN
Many men don’t notice symptoms of age-related low testosterone because it happens gradually. But some people do have symptoms — especially if a medical condition or treatment causes Low T to happen suddenly.
Here are common symptoms of low testosterone in men:
HAIR LOSS
Hair loss, whether on your face or body, is a visible sign of low T. Testosterone helps maintain facial and body hair. If your hair suddenly thins or seems to disappear, it could be a clue that your testosterone levels are getting low.
LOW SEX DRIVE
Testosterone creates a healthy sex drive in both men and women. If you notice your libido starting to decline and there are no obvious explanations (like stress, traumatic events, or lack of sleep), make an appointment with a healthcare professional. They can help narrow down the cause and find out whether low T might be behind your symptoms.
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a classic symptom of low testosterone and is often accompanied by low sex drive. If your sex drive is low, having and maintaining an erection can become difficult. While most cases of ED are due to other health problems, low testosterone can also affect your sexual performance.
INFERTILITY
Low testosterone can cause infertility, as well. This is because testosterone is one of the main hormones needed to create sperm. Low testosterone levels mean low sperm counts. And some men with low T produce no sperm at all. You would need a healthcare professional to confirm this. But if you and your partner are having trouble conceiving, you may want to have your testosterone levels checked.
OSTEOPOROSIS
When your testosterone levels are adequate, some of the testosterone is transformed into estrogen to help protect your bones. But when you have low testosterone levels, your body doesn’t do this. This leads to your bones becoming weak and more likely to break. Low bone mineral density and osteoporosis from low T are most concerning in men over 65, but all men should be aware of this risk.
LOW MUSCLE MASS
Testosterone is the most important hormone for muscle growth. When your testosterone levels are low, your existing muscle mass will start to shrink. A healthcare professional will typically look for this if they’re concerned you may have low T.
MOOD SWINGS AND IRRITABILITY
Feeling depressed or more emotional can be an issue for men with low testosterone levels. A healthy level of testosterone helps keep your mood in check. Because mood swings can be caused by many other health issues, it may be difficult to know whether low T is causing them. It’s best to talk to a healthcare professional if you have any sudden mood changes that you can’t explain.
FATIGUE AND DIFFICULTY CONCENTRATING
Healthy levels of testosterone help you feel energized. One of the biggest complaints among men with low testosterone is that they feel tired and unfocused, no matter how much they sleep. If you have fatigue that lasts for weeks and can’t be explained by stress or extreme activity, talk with a healthcare professional.
HOT FLASHES
Hot flashes are commonly associated with menopause, but men can also have them. Hot flashes usually only happen in men who have gone through chemotherapy and have almost no testosterone left in their bodies. While experts don’t know why this happens, if you’re having hot flashes, it’s important that you share this with a healthcare professional. They can help you pinpoint whether low T may be causing it.
OTHER SIGNS OF LOW T
There are a few other signs of low testosterone outside of the main symptoms we’ve discussed. The type of low T symptoms you experience may depend on when the low T developed. For example, if you have low T before puberty, your testes and penis may not fully develop. And you may not have as deep of a voice. Some men with low T may also start growing breast tissue, known as gynecomastia. Let a healthcare professional know if you notice any new symptoms.
LOW TESTOSTERONE TREATMENT
Treating low testosterone is pretty straightforward: In general, the goal is to replace what’s missing. But not all men with low testosterone need treatment. If your testosterone levels are gradually declining with age and symptoms aren’t a problem for you, then treatment isn’t necessary.
For younger men with low testosterone or older men with abnormally low levels, testosterone replacement therapy is available in many different forms. While receiving treatment with any of these options, you’ll need to have regular blood work done to monitor your testosterone levels and make sure they’re balanced.
Keep in mind that testosterone treatment options are also Schedule III controlled substances. In other words, they’re medications that come with a low to moderate risk of dependence. Testosterone replacement therapy may also raise the risk of prostate cancer, heart attacks, and strokes in older men.
Depending on where you live, you might be able to get a testosterone testing kit. You can use it to monitor your testosterone levels while you’re undergoing therapy.
HOW CAN I RAISE MY TESTOSTERONE LEVELS NATURALLY
There are a few natural ways to treat low testosterone. For example, Exercise is an effective way to raise testosterone levels. Research shows that men who exercise regularly have better testosterone function.
Eating healthy, well-balanced meals can also help. Diets high in fat are associated with lower testosterone levels. Also, if you have low vitamin D levels, taking a vitamin D supplement can raise your testosterone. One study in men with excess weight showed that taking 83 mcg of vitamin D for a year led to a significant increase in testosterone levels.
Lastly, getting a good night’s sleep may help. A small study found that just 1 week of sleep deprivation can lower testosterone levels by 10% to 15%. In comparison, the rate at which testosterone lowers each year with age is only 1% to 2%.
WHAT HAPPENS IF LOW TESTOSTERONE GOES UNTREATED
It’s possible that the gradual decline of testosterone with age is responsible for the effects of aging that men experience. But, for most men, Testosterone replacement therapy isn’t necessary.
For younger men with low testosterone or older men with abnormally low levels, untreated low testosterone can lead to medical complications. Infertility is a significant issue for many men with low T.
Bone thinning and muscle weakness from low testosterone can be especially problematic for older men. Thin bones are more likely to break. Combined with muscle weakness, recovering and caring for yourself can be difficult.
If you think you may have low T, talk to a healthcare professional to understand your treatment options and next steps.
Low testosterone (low T) affects many men. The good news is that low T is usually simple to treat. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as low libido, fatigue, or mood swings that can’t be explained, talk with a healthcare professional. They can test your testosterone levels and help you develop a treatment plan that works for you.
goodrx.com
