Testosterone is a hormone primarily found in males, although it is also present in females in smaller amounts. It belongs to a class of hormones called androgens, which are responsible for the development of male characteristics such as development of body hair, voice, sex drive and muscle strength.
Generally, there is a gradual decrease in testosterone with age, however, there are several other factors that can cause low testosterone in both younger and older males. In this blog we will understand the signs of low testosterone in the body.
What causes low testosterone?
The American Urology Association has stated that testosterone levels below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) are the guideline for considering low blood testosterone in adult males (1).
Common causes of low testosterone include:
- Ageing
- Hypogonadism – a condition where body produces less or no testosterone
- Injury or infection
- Medication
- Smoking and Alcohol
- Testicular cancer
- Pituitary disorder
What are the Symptoms of Low testosterone?
1. Low sex drive
Low sex drive also known as low libido is a sign of low testosterone in the body. it is common to lose interest in sex from time to time, but people with low testosterone will experience a sharp decline in their sex drive.
2. Reduce Erectile Function
Testosterone is responsible for achieving and maintaining an erection. Testosterone is responsible for telling the brain to produce nitric oxide, which is responsible for vasodilation, a process which increases the diameters of blood vessels. This helps to achieve and maintain and erection.
3. Hair loss
Testosterone is responsible for hair production. While hair loss can occur due to many other factors such as genetics, poor nutrition, and environmental factors, low testosterone levels can also be one of the reasons for hair loss. People with low testosterone also lose body and facial hair which can be conclusive evidence for sign of low testosterone.
4. Fatigue
Testosterone helps regulate vitality and vigor in men. It also helps maintain a solid metabolism and boosts physical performance.
Men report they experience fatigue and low energy when suffering from low testosterone. If people consistently feel tired and unmotivated this may be a sign that you are experiencing low testosterone (2).
5. Hot flashes
Hot flashes are the sudden sensation of warmth and may also occur as reddening of the skin, heavy sweating, and night sweats. Around 70%-80% of men who receive androgen deprivation are bound to experience hot flashes (3).
6. Decreased muscle mass
Men who experience low testosterone level may also experience decreased muscle mass as testosterone aids in building muscles. Research has suggested that testosterone affects muscle mass but may not necessarily provide strength or function.
7. Increased body fat
Men with low testosterone may also experience increased body fat or develop gynecomastia, which is an increase in the amount of breast gland tissue in both boys and men, that is caused by an imbalance of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone.
8. Decreased bone mass
Testosterone helps produce and strengthen bone and muscle mass, when older men experience low testosterone, it results in lower bone volume and is prone to bone fractures.
Although osteoporosis has long been associated with females, in recent studies it has been found that males with low testosterone are also susceptible to bone loss (4).
9. Mood changes
Experts have observed the correlation between mental health with low testosterone, there have recently been studies that found a link between low testosterone and mood swings in men, along with links to stress and depression.
Additionally, low testosterone manifests symptoms that can be emotionally distressing and can lead to a downward spiral that results in depression.
10. Memory
Aging can cause low testosterone which has been linked to slowing down your brain functions. One study found that testosterone supplementation may improve memory in older men with low testosterone (5).
11. Smaller testicle and penis size
Testosterone aids in developing the penis and testicles, it is an essential part of puberty but if a male experiences low testosterone levels it could contribute to a disproportionately smaller penis or testicles.
12. Low blood count
Low testosterone can increase the risk of anemia. A study has suggested that testosterone deficiency was observed in older men resulting in decreased hemoglobin levels and sometimes mild anemia. Correcting the testosterone deficiency resulted in significant changes in hemoglobin levels and corrected the anemia.
How to Check Testosterone Level?
- Blood test: you will be asked to come in and draw blood twice at times when your testosterone levels are supposed to be at their highest.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) blood test: This test can accurately determine if the cause of low testosterone is an issue with your pituitary gland or not.
- Prolactin blood test: If you have high prolactin levels, it might be a sign of pituitary gland issues or tumors.
How to Treat Low Testosterone Level
- Include testosterone boosting foods such as fish, leafy vegetables, eggs and berries
- Consider lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting enough sleep.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
- Discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT) options with your doctor, including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
Conclusion
Testosterone declines gradually in our body as we age but there are certain factors that can influence to drop testosterone levels in the body. Identifying the low testosterone symptoms is crucial to make changes in your lifestyle to prevent low testosterone. Some common symptoms include low libido, hair loss, muscle loss and smaller penis and testicle size.
If low testosterone symptoms are a cause of concern, then a consult a doctor before you star any hormonal treatment or other medical procedure.
FAQs
- What happens if a man is low on testosterone?
Low testosterone levels in men can lead to symptoms such as decreased libido, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass, mood changes, and reduced bone density.
- How do I fix my low testosterone?
To address low testosterone, consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options, which may include lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy, medication, or other interventions tailored to your needs.
- How can I raise my testosterone level?
To naturally raise testosterone levels, focus on regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in nutrients, adequate sleep, stress management, weight loss if needed, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.
- Can a male live without testosterone?
While males can survive without testosterone, it plays crucial roles in various bodily functions such as muscle mass maintenance, bone density, libido, and mood regulation, impacting overall health and well-being.
- How can I raise my testosterone level?
To increase testosterone levels, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, consume a balanced diet rich in nutrients, manage stress effectively, get enough sleep, and consider testosterone replacement therapy if needed.
- How can I check my testosterone level at home?
At-home testosterone testing kits are available, allowing you to collect saliva or blood samples and send them to a lab for analysis.
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