Warning Signs of Low Testosterone in Men

Warning Signs of Low Testosterone in Men

According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), testosterone levels in a female typically decrease throughout life. At this time, there are no conclusive guidelines for what should be considered “low” testosterone levels in females. Many people think of testosterone as a male sex hormone, but everyone requires a certain amount. While males have more testosterone than females, female adrenal glands and ovaries produce small amounts of this hormone. Produced in the testicles in men, testosterone is responsible for the development of your male sex organs, so an imbalance of this vital hormone causes changes in sexual function.

Get the details about low testosterone, from its symptoms and causes to how it’s diagnosed and treated. Learn who’s most at risk, how much does a hormone test cost (https://aktua-prod.fr) long the condition may last, and the possible side effects of hormone therapy. The American Urology Association reports that low testosterone affects around 2 in every 100 men.

A reduction in your testosterone levels can lead to decreased sexual need and activity, which may negatively affect relationships and your overall quality of life. First, your healthcare provider does a physical examination and talks to you about your symptoms and medical history. Many providers hesitate to diagnose low testosterone because research on the link between testosterone levels and specific symptoms isn’t well known. Low testosterone is often hard to diagnose because its symptoms mimic other conditions like depression, thyroid issues or low iron (anemia).

Healthcare professionals consider a person’s symptoms when diagnosing low testosterone levels, but they may need to take a blood test for a conclusive diagnosis. Based on what we find, you may need to undergo a few more tests to determine the cause of your decreased testosterone. Reduced levels of testosterone can result in decreased bone density which elevates your risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. A lower-density skeletal system can also cause a reduction in mobility and independence, which can profoundly impact your ability to move around and perform everyday activities. If you have low testosterone, you may experience fatigue and feel like you have less energy than normal. Because testosterone is critical for the body’s energy production, a decline in testosterone can cause a sense of sluggishness and reduced motivation. Studies show that low testosterone levels in males have an association with type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes.

Sometimes referred to as “andropause,” low testosterone levels are often compared to menopause in women. However, in menopause there is a complete estrogen deficiency causing known clinical side effects. Men have decreased levels of their sex hormone with less obvious clinical consequences.

But that’s not the only connection between low T and weight gain. Instead, familiarize yourself with the biggest symptoms of low testosterone in men, so that if you’re experiencing them, you can get help. If you are a male over the age of 24 and have unexplained physical or mental issues like those noted above, you may be suffering from Low Testosterone or hypogonadism.

However, low testosterone does not automatically equate to noticeable changes in sexual activity. Some men living with this condition can enjoy regular sexual activity and interest with no challenges. Low-T clinics typically don’t screen for serious health conditions that can affect testosterone production. For example, patients may need bloodwork to measure prolactin, a hormone made by the pituitary gland that, in high levels, can be a sign of a pituitary tumor. Unlike many low-T clinics, we calculate bioavailable testosterone by measuring levels of two proteins, sex hormone binding globulin and albumin, that typically bind to testosterone.

Sometimes, addressing other health concerns — like weight gain, sleep apnea, or diabetes — can improve testosterone levels naturally. The hormone testosterone occurs in high doses in teenage and young adult men, allowing them to develop muscles, facial hair, and body hair. However, testosterone levels gradually drop off as a man ages, particularly between years of age. If the levels drop too low, the body can no longer function effectively. Sometimes, men don’t produce enough testosterone (this is called hypogonadism or “low testosterone”).

Unfortunately, many of these signs and symptoms are subtle, making them difficult to detect unless one knows what to look for. As we mentioned earlier, testosterone plays a major role in developing bone mass. One of the signs of low testosterone is weakened bones that may make men, especially aging men, more susceptible to bone fractures. Hair loss can be frustrating, especially for men suffering from low T. Low testosterone can not only cause a man to lose hair on his head, but also on his arms, legs and other areas of his body including his facial hair. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, book an appointment online or over the phone with Arlington Family Practice to see if you have low testosterone levels. What’s more, estrogen (which remember is a byproduct of T in men), stops osteoclast activity.

Sleep is the body’s way to detoxify and reset, so without it, other symptoms of low testosterone such as mood swings and weight gain may be amplified. In women, testosterone plays a crucial role in supporting ovarian function, maintaining bone density, and promoting a healthy sex drive. Are you feeling more tired than usual, struggling with a decreased libido, or noticing changes in your mood? These could be signs of low testosterone, a common issue many men face as they age. Discover the key symptoms of low T and learn how to take control of your health.