A condition in which the testes (male reproductive glands) do not produce sufficient testosterone is known as low testosterone. Females also have small amounts of testosterone. But it is a sex hormone commonly associated with males. The hormone has many functions, including bone and muscle development, voice deepening, hair growth, and other characteristics of appearance, as well as sperm production.
Testosterone levels naturally decline as you get older, starting in your 30s and 40s. Apart from aging, there a plenty of other factors that can contribute to low testosterone levels. Obesity, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, chronic diseases, certain infections (such as HIV), and some medications are among these (including opioids and steroids).
Low testosterone can have serious health consequences, particularly in a man’s sexual life. Low testosterone levels can make it difficult for men to get and maintain an erection. The erections they do have may be less frequent and weaker than before. As testosterone levels drop, so does a man’s desire for sex (libido).
Signs Of Low Testosterone In Men:
Low testosterone signs are sometimes ignored, attributed to other causes, or neglected because of the condition. The following are the most common signs of low testosterone in men:
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Reduced Desire For Sex:
Sex drive is often low in people with low testosterone levels. Men will notice a significant decrease in sex drive as they get older. But when the cause is low testosterone, a man will observe an increased reduction in sex drive.
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Erectile Dysfunction:
Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common signs of low testosterone in men leading to a doctor’s visit. Erectile dysfunction refers to a man’s inability to achieve or maintain a sufficient erection for sexual activity.
Erectile dysfunction is not defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection on a regular basis. To be classified as erectile dysfunction, it must occur approximately 75% of the time when a man tries to do intercourse.
Erectile dysfunction is caused by a variety of factors, including low testosterone. While some men with low testosterone do not have erectile dysfunction, there is commonly a link between the two.
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Smaller Testicle And Penis Size:
Because testosterone is necessary for penis and testicle development, low testosterone levels may result in a relatively small penis or testicles.
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A Decrease In The Amount Of Sperm:
The fluid that makes up the most of a man’s ejaculate is the semen. It aids in the movement of sperm toward the egg. Testosterone aids in the production of sperm, and low sperm counts can indicate a drop in testosterone levels. It can also cause fertility problems.
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Hair Loss:
Testosterone is involved in a variety of body processes, including hair growth. For many men, balding is a natural part of getting older and can be hereditary. Hair loss caused by low testosterone levels affects the face and the body.
It is not like the majority of hair loss cases you’ve seen. Male pattern baldness is an inherited condition in adult men caused by Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a testosterone byproduct that affects hair follicles on the scalp and causes hair loss.
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Increased Body Fat:
Males with low testosterone may gain weight or develop Gynecomastia, the enlargement of the breast tissue. When the body’s testosterone and estrogen levels are out of balance, it leads to gynecomastia.
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Decreased Bone Mass:
Osteoporosis is a condition that many people associate with women, but it can also affect men who have low testosterone levels. Because testosterone aids in the production and strengthening of bone, men with low testosterone, particularly older men, may have reduced bone density and be more prone to fractures.
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Decreased Muscle Mass:
Males with low testosterone may notice a loss of muscle mass, as testosterone is involved in muscle growth.
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Mood Changes:
Low testosterone in men can cause mood swings. Because testosterone affects so many physical processes in the body, it can also affect mood and mental abilities.
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Fatigue:
Low testosterone levels can be caused by sleep disturbances such as sleep apnea. It can happen because most of your testosterone is produced while you sleep. According to some studies, poor sleep quality can result in low testosterone levels.
Although there is no direct correlation between sleep and testosterone, people with low testosterone frequently complain of fatigue and low energy. Even after sufficient sleep, a person may become tired or lose interest in exercise or movement.
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Affected Memory:
With age, testosterone levels and cognitive abilities, particularly memory, decline. As a result, doctors believe low testosterone levels may play a role in memory loss.
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Hot Flashes:
Hot flashes can be a sign of low testosterone levels. It can feel like an unexpected blow of warmth. Heavy sweating, skin reddening, and night sweats are all potential risks.
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Anemia:
Testosterone supports the production of red blood cells, a process known as erythropoiesis. Anemia, or a lack of red blood cells, can occur due to reduced testosterone levels.
How Do You Know If You Have A Low Testosterone Level?
Men may experience all, some, or none of these symptoms. Low testosterone is diagnosed with a blood test that measures the amount of testosterone in the blood. Because testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, it may take a few measurements to determine if a person has low testosterone.
The normal range for testosterone levels is 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Testosterone levels vary a lot during the day. They’re at their highest in the morning and vary from day to day. That’s why, before diagnosing someone with low testosterone, doctors usually require two early-morning testosterone measurements (usually between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.) on different days.
It is very beneficial for men to get a testosterone blood test to help evaluate if they have low testosterone. It can help you to diagnose your testosterone levels early, and you can get prompt treatment for your condition. It can play an important role in your sex life. It can also help improve your overall health by saving you from consequences such as baldness, reduced muscles, and bone mass, cognitive impairments, and chronic fatigue.
You can find out how to order a blood test by clicking here.
References:
- “All About Low Testosterone”. Retrieved from endocrineweb.com: https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/low-testosterone
- “The Relationship Between Testosterone Deficiency And Men’s Health”. Retrieved from nih.gov:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3770847/
- Chapel Hill. “10 Signs Of Low Testosterone In Men”. Retrieved from chapelhillgynecology.com:
https://chapelhillgynecology.com/signs-of-low-testosterone-in-men/
- “6 Strange Warning Signs Of Low Testosterone”. Retrieved from everydayhealth.com:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/news/strange-warning-signs-low-testosterone/
- Proactive Mens. “Top 10 Most Common Low Testosterone Symptoms In Men”. Retrieved from proactivemensmedical.com: https://proactivemensmedical.com/blog/low-testosterone-symptoms-in-men/
