Signs of Low Testosterone You May Not Be Aware Of

Though present in both men and women, testosterone is often called the male hormone because men have a much higher percentage than women. Testosterone surges during puberty and is critical in the development of distinctly male features — a deeper voice, facial and body hair, muscle strength, and sperm.

As men age, testosterone production naturally wanes; in fact, about 40% of men over age 45 have lower levels of testosterone — technically called hypogonadism. But if yours is significantly low, your body starts showing signs.

Our team at The Endocrine Center sees the effects of low testosterone (low T) in men of all ages, and we offer several quick and painless treatments that rebalance their hormones. Here are some of the signs that your testosterone level may have dipped below normal.

Sexual signs

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.

Low libido

Testosterone fuels the male sex drive, so when you’re running low, you may lose interest in sex.

Erectile dysfunction

When your testosterone level is low, you may not be able to get or keep an erection.

Reduced semen output

Low testosterone often results in low semen volume, which may affect fertility because your sperm rely on this milky substance for maximum motility.

Physical signs

Testosterone is a key player in the development of men’s physical characteristics, so it stands to reason that a lack of testosterone would have the opposite effect. Here are a few physical signs that point to low T:

Loss of body hair
Waning muscle mass
Chronic fatigue
Swollen, tender, or growing breasts
Weight gain
Hot flashes

These are classic consequences of decreasing testosterone levels, but they may also indicate other conditions. The only way to know for sure is to visit The Endocrine Center for a simple test.

Emotional signs

In addition to physical and sexual changes, low T may affect your moods and mental wellness. Many men with low T experience mild to moderate depression, feelings of apathy, and a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.

Low T may also cause you to become less focused at work or school. It could become more difficult for you to concentrate on a task or conversation. You may even notice some trouble with your memory.

Clearly, a dip in your testosterone level can wreak havoc in your life. Fortunately, treatment is simple and effective.

Restoring your testosterone

A blood test and a physical examination can confirm your low T. But it’s important to get to the bottom of the problem so we can treat it properly.

Several conditions can lead to a drop in testosterone, including infections, testicle injuries, viruses, certain medications, obesity, alcohol abuse, HIV or AIDS, Type 2 diabetes, pituitary disorders, and thyroid problems. Based on what we find, you may need to undergo a few more tests to determine the cause of your decreased testosterone.

Getting your low T back into balance isn’t complicated. In fact, sometimes all that’s needed is a change in diet, exercise, and sleep habits. But we also offer some fast-acting treatments to restore a healthy testosterone level through: