Low testosterone is a medical condition in which testes produce insufficient amounts of testosterone hormone.
It is also known as male Hypogonadism.
Males may have low testosterone as they age or due to certain medical issues.
Symptoms can be minor, but treatment may be beneficial if the symptoms interfere with your daily life.
This article focuses on low testosterone symptoms and how you can manage them.
Common symptoms of low testosterone
There are a variety of circumstances and causes of low testosterone symptoms.
Some factors are age, medical issues, lifestyle choices, etc.
As testosterone levels fall, sex drive, as well as physical and mental health, might suffer.
To increase testosterone levels, your doctor may prescribe testosterone pills for men.
Some common symptoms of low testosterone are reduced bone or muscle mass, hair loss, and decreased energy levels.
Let’s discuss these common symptoms in detail:
Reduced bone and muscle mass
Testosterone contributes to the development of muscle mass, and decreased levels of the hormone can lead to significant muscle loss.
2016 research states that decreased testosterone may lead to muscle mass loss, but muscular function and strength do not suffer.
Testosterone helps develop and strengthen bone tissue. Low levels can increase fracture risk.
Hair loss
Testosterone helps with hair growth. Those with low testosterone levels may also lose hair on their body and face.
A study revealed that testosterone pellets stimulated hair regrowth in certain women undergoing treatment for signs of sex hormone insufficiency.
Low testosterone levels may weaken follicles, causing hair thinning or loss in both men and women.
Decrease in energy levels
Low testosterone levels can lead to fatigue and decreased motivation for physical activity, even with adequate rest.
Reduced energy levels frequently result in lower physical activity, which means the body burns less calories.
Over time, this can contribute to the accumulation of excess fat.
Low testosterone symptoms in men
Source: pixeloitTestosterone is required for sperm production and helps to develop male traits.
Men with low testosterone may experience symptoms like low sperm production, erection issues, mood fluctuation, sleep apnea, and a reduction in testicle size.
Let’s discuss these symptoms in detail:
Low sperm production
Testosterone drives sperm production; hence, a drop in sperm levels may suggest a reduction in testosterone levels.
Low testosterone levels can interfere with the signals required for sperm formation.
This can disrupt the maturation process, decreasing sperm production and quality and affecting fertility.
Erection issues
Low testosterone level has been linked to Erectile Dysfunction (ED), which makes obtaining and maintaining an erection difficult.
Studies have shown that TRT may improve erectile function for males with mild Erectile Dysfunction.
Mood fluctuations and sleep apnea
Individuals with low testosterone levels are more susceptible to experiencing feelings of frustration, irritability, and Depression.
According to a 2017 study, testosterone replacement therapy significantly reduced Depression symptoms.
Generally, it improves the overall quality of life in men with low testosterone levels.
Testosterone levels in men with sleep apnea are frequently low.
Reduction in testicle size
The testicles play an important role in sperm production, and their size reflects this.
A man with low testosterone levels may have a decrease in testicular size unrelated to cold weather. The scrotum may feel softer than usual.
Additionally, decreased sperm production is frequently associated with reduced testicle size.
Low testosterone symptoms in women
Testosterone levels may keep on changing throughout a woman’s life.
Low testosterone levels may interfere with forming new blood cells, libido, and other hormones.
Symptoms of low testosterone in women are hot flashes, abnormal menstrual cycle, and Anemia.
Let’s discuss these symptoms in detail:
Hot flashes: Hot flashes are frequently associated with changing estrogen levels throughout menopause.
However, low testosterone levels may also play a role in this symptom.
Abnormal menstrual cycle: Low Testosterone levels can result in menstrual cycles that are either shorter or longer than the average of 28 days.
Anemia: Testosterone impacts healthy blood production, causing Anemia, a condition caused by decreased RBCs.
A 2006 study discovered that women aged 65 and above with low testosterone levels had an increased risk of Anemia due to low hemoglobin levels.
Diagnosis and treatment of low testosterone
Source: bowonpat_from_bowonpatTypical testosterone levels range from 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).
Low Testosterone levels occur when testosterone levels decrease below 300 ng/dL.
Serum testosterone is a blood test known to be used to determine your testosterone level.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the most commonly used treatment.
Doctors prescribe treatments only when patients have multiple symptoms and blood tests show a deficiency.
TRT can be prescribed in a variety of ways, including:
- Skin patches
- Tablets that dissolve in the mouth
- Gels
- Injections
- Surgically implanted pellets that release the hormone
The majority of people will observe symptom alleviation after 4-6 weeks of beginning TRT.
Summing up
Testosterone levels in males fall gradually as they age, and numerous things may contribute to this.
Recognizing low testosterone symptoms is critical for timely treatment.
Some people may develop common symptoms such as diminished muscle and bone mass, hair loss, and fatigue.
As a result of insufficient testosterone, men commonly face erection problems, sleep apnea, and other symptoms.
Conversely, women experience symptoms such as night sweats, Anemia, etc.
To avoid risks, it is essential to consult with a doctor to recognize these symptoms early, and begin treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
Some of the symptoms of low testosterone are reduced energy, muscle weakness, decreased libido, mood changes, and altered body composition. Consulting with a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and management is important.
How do you know if you have low testosterone?
Detecting low testosterone involves recognizing signs like fatigue, reduced muscle mass, decreased sex drive, mood swings, and altered sleep patterns. A medical evaluation, including blood tests, is necessary for a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Can women experience low testosterone levels?
Yes, women can experience low testosterone levels. While testosterone is predominantly a male hormone, females also produce it. Low levels can lead to various symptoms, including fatigue and reduced libido.
How does low testosterone affect men’s health?
Low testosterone levels can cause muscle and bone mass loss, energy and vitality loss, increased body fat, hair loss, Erectile Dysfunction, mood swings, and sleep apnea. Experiencing these symptoms can negatively affect both your physical and mental well-being.
Can low testosterone contribute to weight gain?
Yes, low testosterone levels can lead to changes in body composition, potentially causing weight gain due to increased body fat and reduced muscle mass in both men and women.
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