11 Warning Signs of Low Testosterone
As the name hints, testosterone is a
hormone produced in males by the testicles. Testosterone is commonly
known as the male sex hormone; after all, it’s largely responsible for
sexual development, sperm production, and even one’s sex drive. What
most people don’t realize is that this hormone also plays a massive role
in other bodily functions, including bone density and the production of
red blood cells. Therefore, a drop in testosterone levels can impact
the body in many meaningful and unpleasant ways.
Blood levels below 300 ng/dL are considered low testosterone. But most
of us can't monitor our blood levels all the time, so we have to rely on
more subjective signs. Look out for the following symptoms of low
testosterone.
Hair loss
Balding is a normal part of aging for older
men, and in many cases, it’s hereditary and nothing to worry about.
However, males with low testosterone may start losing facial hair and
hair all over the body. In this case, hair loss can point to dropping
testosterone levels. All this is because testosterone plays a major role
in hair growth.
A reduction in sex drive
Testosterone is essential for maintaining libido (sex drive). Although
many males experience a gradual decline in sex drive with age, it can
also be a sign that something is not right. Note that people with low
testosterone levels will usually notice a more abrupt change in libido
compared to those with an age-related reduction in sex drive.
Erectile issues
Testosterone signals the brain to start
producing nitric oxide - a compound that triggers the chemical reactions
required for an erection to begin and be maintained. When testosterone
levels drop, achieving an erection can become more challenging.
That being said, erectile problems can also be caused by other health
conditions, so increasing testosterone levels naturally or through
testosterone isn’t always helpful. Such health conditions include:
Thyroid disorders
Diabetes
Hypertension and high cholesterol
Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and stress
Smoking and alcohol.
Hot flashes
Hot flashes are usually associated with
menopause, but men can get them too. A hot flash is suddenly
experiencing intense heat accompanied by sweating, skin redness, and
night sweats. Men with low testosterone are known to experience night
sweats and hot flashes.
Persistent fatigue
Feeling tired from time to time is completely normal, but when you never
seem to feel full of energy and always feel drained, this can point to
an underlying health issue. Make no mistake - fatigue should not be
ignored, as it can interfere with your daily life, eradicating any sign
of enthusiasm or motivation.
Although fatigue can be caused by a wide variety of health conditions,
it’s worth noting that it may be a sign of a testosterone deficiency
too, especially if it appears with some of the other symptoms mentioned
on this list.
Unintended weight gain
A testosterone deficiency may make you more
likely to gain excess body fat. In addition, people deficient in the
hormone may sometimes develop a symptom called gynecomastia, or breast
enlargement, as a result of an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone in
the body.
Bone mass reduction
Osteoporosis is another health condition we often associate with
females. However, males who have lower testosterone levels can also
suffer from bone loss. This is because testosterone actually plays a key
role in bone strength. The condition is especially common in older men,
which, in turn, increases the risk of dangerous bone fractures.
Trouble gaining muscle mass
We’ve already established that low
testosterone can make you put on excess fat and weaken your bones, but
there’s another way it can influence your fitness. The hormone regulates
the body’s ability to gain muscle mass too, so reduced levels of the
hormone can make it more difficult for a person to gain muscle or may
even cause a reduction in muscle mass.
All that being said, there is a kind of silver lining. According to a
2016 article, the strength and function of the muscles do not diminish,
even when muscle mass loss does occur.
Anemia
Adults with lower testosterone levels are
at a higher risk of anemia, a condition where the blood lacks enough red
blood cells to carry enough oxygen to all the cells. Studies confirm
that patients with low levels of the hormone often have reduced levels
of hemoglobin - the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
Hormone replacement therapy is effective at improving the hemoglobin
count according to research.
Symptoms of anemia to look out for:
Rapid heart rate
Dizziness
Leg cramping
Sleep problems
Reduced concentration.
Memory and mood
Irritability and depression go hand in hand
with testosterone deficiency, as does a reduction in cognitive health
in general, and memory in particular. The available research confirms
that testosterone replacement therapy significantly helps depression
symptoms and moderately improves memory in older patients with low
testosterone.
Testicle, penis size, and semen production
Testosterone is necessary for developing sexual characteristics during
puberty. This includes the penis and the testicles. When testosterone
levels are too low, this could contribute to disproportionately
smaller-sized organs. It needs to be noted, however, that other
conditions, such as hypogonadism, prostate surgery, varicocele, and
Peyronie’s disease can contribute to this symptom as well.
Last but not least, testosterone is responsible for controlling the
production of semen - the fluid that aids sperm swim toward the egg. In
fact, reduced semen levels are often the first symptom of dropping
testosterone levels. Sadly, reduced semen levels can result in fertility
issues too.
Can women also have low testosterone?
It may come as a surprise, but the ovaries
produce testosterone as well. Although testosterone is often labeled as
the “male” sex hormone, it’s actually vital for women as well. More
specifically, testosterone is essential for cognition, bone strength,
muscle growth, and sex drive in women too. And like in men, some
research suggests that testosterone levels in women tend to drop with
age.
Unfortunately, research on the health effects of low testosterone in
females is very limited; so much so that there are no current guidelines
as to what levels of testosterone should be deemed low in women.
What causes low testosterone?
Aging is a common cause of low testosterone in males. The American
Urological Association reports that 40% of males 45 or older have low
testosterone levels. The first symptoms may be subtle, but as they
progress, treatment may become necessary.
Apart from aging, such conditions as
testicle injuries, liver and kidney damage, immune conditions, pituitary
gland conditions, infections, and metabolic syndrome may also lead to
low testosterone. Your lifestyle, habits, and medical treatments also
increase your risk of low testosterone. These include:
Alcohol use
Stress
Obesity
Cancer treatments
Certain medications.
When to see a doctor
If you experience any of the above-listed symptoms of low testosterone,
you can see your physician and ask for a testosterone blood test. Those
diagnosed with low testosterone can be advised to begin testosterone
replacement therapy to get those testosterone levels back to normal.
This is a lifelong treatment, and it comes in a variety of medications -
from pills to patches to gels and injections. Talk to your doctor to
check if this treatment is right for you.