Testosterone is a hormone known for its role in male sexual development and the development of “male” characteristics such as:
- Sex organ development
- Libido
- Muscle mass
- Bone density
- Body/facial hair
- Sperm volume and quality
Low testosterone can affect functions related to the aforementioned characteristics. And here’s how to determine which symptoms may be warning signs of a hormonal imbalance.
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Low Testosterone: The 7 Warning Signs and Symptoms
Men often don’t notice symptoms arising from age-induced low testosterone because the decline happens slowly. However, symptoms may manifest when the cause of low testosterone is sudden, or when a particular medical treatment causes a precipitous drop in testosterone levels. Individuals who have had chronic low testosterone may also be familiar with the following symptoms.
1) Male pattern hair loss/baldness
Hair loss is among the hallmark symptoms of low testosterone, whether it be on the face or body. Testosterone regulates hair growth, so if your hair does a disappearing act, then it might be a clue that your T-levels are all out of whack.
2) Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Sexual dysfunctions – erectile dysfunction, in particular – are another manifestation of low testosterone. Low testosterone-induced ED is often supplemented by a low libido. And if your libido is low, then it can be hard for you to, well, get hard. Albeit most cases of ED can be linked to underlying medical conditions, low testosterone can and will affect your sexual performance.
3) Low libido/disinterest in sexual activity
Testosterone is a prerequisite for a healthy libido for both men and women. If your sex drive is beginning to let you down when you need it the most, and there’s no discernible or acceptable reason why (such as age, lack of quality sleep, trauma, or stress), then maybe it’s time to book that appointment and get tested for low testosterone.
4) Diminished fertility
Regulating male fertility is an important role of testosterone. Low testosterone can, in fact, cause a downturn in fertility, because the hormone itself is a prerequisite for sperm production. Low testosterone can equate to low sperm levels and poor sperm quality. Worse, some individuals who are diagnosed with low testosterone are completely incapable of producing sperm at all.
Having trouble conceiving without any obvious underlying reason for doing so? Consult your healthcare provider to determine whether low T is causing such complications.
5) Problems with bone health/mass/density
Some of the testosterone you produce is converted into estrogen to help protect bone health. Low testosterone levels may interfere with this conversion process, leading to weaker bones that are more prone to breakage.
And, while low bone density and osteoporosis is more of a concern for senior-aged men aged 65 years and above, the potential affront to bone health is something all men should be aware of when it comes to low testosterone.
6) Lack of muscle mass/definition/strength
Testosterone is a building block of muscle growth and development. Low testosterone levels may cause your muscle mass to diminish and make you look a little more shriveled. You may notice some shrinkage in certain areas. Your healthcare specialist will check for such signs if you were suspected of having low T.
7) Mood swings
Changes in temperament, such as feeling down or feeling more emotionally charged can be a symptom for men with low T. Testosterone helps regulate mood, and mood swings can indicate something amiss with your hormone levels.
However, since mood swings are often a symptom of other conditions, it may be a challenge to identify what’s causing them. Ask your healthcare provider if you detect any unexplained, sudden changes in mood.
How Do You Know If You Have Low T?
Your healthcare provider can easily determine whether something’s amiss with your testosterone levels with a quick blood test. For your testosterone levels to fall under “normal” levels, it has to be around 300 to 1,000 ng/dL.
You may also be given a physical exam to determine whether your hair loss, muscle size, and appearance of your genitals is indicative of low testosterone or another medical condition that might be manifesting symptoms similar to low T.
How To Get Treatment for Low Testosterone
Treating low testosterone is all a matter of replacing the missing testosterone. However, not all men diagnosed with low T require actual treatment. However, you might not need treatment if your testosterone decline is gradual and negligible, and if your quality of life isn’t affected.
However, younger adults with low T or adult men with seriously low T levels may opt to get testosterone replacement therapy and receive regular blood work to monitor T levels. Here are the following ways they can get treatment for low testosterone:
- Topical gels. Applied on a particular part of the skin.
- Topical patches. Applied daily on a patch of skin.
- Intravenous injections. Given once biweekly or monthly either at home or by a healthcare provider.
- Intranasal gel. A gel applied to the mucous membranes of your nostrils.
You might be able to get a testing kit to monitor your testosterone levels at home, depending on your country of residence. If you are able to procure one, you can continue to keep an eye on your testosterone levels and report the results to your healthcare provider on an ongoing basis.
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Is It Possible to Boost My Testosterone Naturally?
There are three tried-and-tested natural ways to boost your testosterone, and they don’t involve having to take any particular supplements or products. Here they are as follows:
- Regular exercise. Getting regular exercise is an effective and natural way to boost testosterone levels.
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet. Balanced diets with adequate amounts of vitamin D and low in fat are associated with higher testosterone levels. Consider taking a vitamin D supplement if you don’t get adequate sunlight.
- Adequate amounts of sleep. A week of sleep deprivation can reduce your serum testosterone concentrations by as much as 15%. Get adequate amounts of six to eight hours of sleep daily to ensure your hormone levels don’t flag.
What Will Happen If You Don’t Treat Low Testosterone?
It’s entirely possible that the symptoms men associate with aging may be linked to diminishing testosterone levels. However, for most men, it isn’t a reason to undergo expensive testosterone replacement therapy unless their testosterone levels are abnormally low due to another underlying disease that needs immediate treatment.
Men with abnormally low T that leave their condition untreated may lead to a host of unpleasant side effects, such as infertility, ED, and a low sex drive, which may also indirectly cause relationship problems.
Low bone density and muscle loss linked to low testosterone can be a problem for older men, due to the risk of breakage and atrophy. Consult a healthcare provider if you suspect you might have low T and wish to determine your treatment options.
