Low Testosterone or male Hypogonadism is a medical condition in which the testes do not produce enough Testosterone.
Several conditions or injuries affecting the testicles, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus are potential causes of low Testosterone levels.
Men can experience low Testosterone levels as they age or due to certain health conditions.
Subtle symptoms may require treatment if they interfere with your lifestyle.
The following article explores low Testosterone symptoms and how you can manage them.
Low Testosterone Symptoms
Low Testosterone symptoms can arise from various factors, including age, medical conditions, lifestyle choices, etc.
As Testosterone levels drop, it can affect sex drive and physical and mental health.
Your doctor may prescribe Testosterone pills to boost Testosterone levels.
Some common low Testosterone symptoms that individuals may experience include:
Reduced muscle and bone mass
Testosterone helps develop muscle mass, and low Testosterone levels can affect muscle mass.
It aids in the formation and maintenance of bone tissue and bone volume. Low testosterone levels can make the bones more prone to fractures.
Decreased levels of vitality
Low testosterone levels can result in diminished energy and fatigue.
Even after adequate rest, a person may experience fatigue or lose interest in exercise or movement.
Increased body fat
Source: txking_from_Getty ImagesLow Testosterone levels can also increase body fat, which contributes to health issues such as cardiovascular disease.
In some instances, individuals with Testosterone deficiency develop Gynecomastia, which causes breast enlargement.
Hair loss
Testosterone contributes to hair growth. Those with low Testosterone levels may also experience body and facial hair loss.
A study discovered that Testosterone pellets promoted hair regrowth in some women receiving treatment for sex hormone deficiency symptoms.
Low Testosterone symptoms in men
People designated as Assigned Males at Birth (AMAB) have significantly higher testosterone levels than Assigned Females at Birth (AFAB).
Testosterone is necessary for sperm production and promotes the development of male characteristics.
Males may experience some of the following symptoms of low Testosterone levels:
Erections Issues
A low Testosterone level can be linked to Erectile Dysfunction (ED), which makes it difficult to attain or sustain an erection.
However, low testosterone levels are not always the primary cause of impotence.
Testosterone replacement therapy may improve erectile function for people with mild Erectile Dysfunction.
Testicle Shrinkage
A man with insufficient Testosterone levels may experience a reduction in testicular size unrelated to cold temperatures. Additionally, the scrotum may feel softer than usual.
Reduction in the quantity of semen
Testosterone stimulates the production of semen, and a decrease in semen levels may indicate a decline in Testosterone levels. It can also result in fertility problems.
Sleep apnea
People with low Testosterone levels may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Men with Sleep Apnea typically have low Testosterone levels.
Mood fluctuations
Low Testosterone levels have been associated with inattention, irritability, and Depression, according to some research.
Symptoms of low Testosterone in women
The levels of Testosterone fluctuate throughout a woman’s life.
Low Testosterone levels might affect the production of new blood cells, libido, and other hormones.
Some common symptoms of low Testosterone in women include:
Hot flashes
Many associate hot flashes with fluctuating Estrogen levels during menopause.
But reduced Testosterone levels may also contribute to this symptom.
Abnormal menstrual cycles
Low Testosterone levels can result in menstrual cycles that are either shorter or longer than the average of 28 days.
Genital sensitivity
During and after menopause, dryness in the vaginal area is typical, but it can happen at any age. Low Estrogen is usually the cause, but low Testosterone can also cause it.
Anemia
Source: maroke_from_Getty_ImagesTestosterone helps in the production of healthy Red Blood Cells (RBCs). Low Testosterone levels can affect the production of RBCs, resulting in Anemia.
There are no definitive guidelines regarding what Testosterone levels are considered ‘low’ in females.
A study shows women over 65 with reduced Testosterone levels tend to have lower hemoglobin levels, making them more susceptible to Anemia.
However, it is essential to note that research on the symptoms of low Testosterone in women is still limited.
How is Low Testosterone Diagnosed and Treated
Typical Testosterone levels typically span between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).
If Testosterone levels fall below 300 ng/dL, they are classified as low Testosterone levels.
Your Testosterone level can be assessed through a blood examination known as a Serum Testosterone test.
Replacement therapy with Testosterone is a common treatment for low Testosterone levels.
Testosterone replacement therapy is a lifelong treatment. If treatment is discontinued, Testosterone levels will decline.
Possible side effects of the therapy include:
- Acne
- Enlargement of the prostate
- Shrinkage of the genitalia
- Decreased sperm count
- Swollen ankles
Conclusion
As men age, there is a progressive decline in Testosterone levels.
Multiple factors can contribute to decreased Testosterone levels.
From decreased sexual desire to mood fluctuations and physical alterations, the symptoms of low Testosterone are multifaceted.
Men usually experience erection issues, sleep apnea, etc., as a result of low Testosterone.
Whereas women experience symptoms like, hot flashes, Anemia, etc.
Low Testosterone symptoms can negatively impact a man’s mental and physical health as well as his overall quality of life.
Your doctor may prescribe Testosterone replacement therapy for low Testosterone levels.
Before starting any medication, seek professional advice for effective treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of low Testosterone?
Signs of low Testosterone include reduced muscle and bone mass, fatigue, increased body fat, hair loss, erection issues, testicular size reduction, decreased semen quantity, sleep disturbances, and mood fluctuations. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, you should speak with a healthcare expert.
What causes low Testosterone levels in men?
Low Testosterone levels can result from various factors, including age, medical conditions, testicular, pituitary, or hypothalamic issues, and lifestyle choices. It can also be caused by certain injuries affecting the testicles.
How do low Testosterone levels affect men’s health?
Low Testosterone levels can lead to reduced muscle and bone mass, decreased energy and vitality, increased body fat, hair loss, erectile issues, mood fluctuations, and even sleep apnea. These symptoms can negatively affect both physical and mental health.
Can women experience low Testosterone levels?
Yes, women also have Testosterone, albeit in lower amounts than men. Low Testosterone levels in women can manifest as hot flashes, abnormal menstrual cycles, genital sensitivity, and Anemia. Testosterone plays a role in various aspects of women’s health.
Cheap Medicine Shop only refers to credible, authoritative sources for our content. If you’re curious about how we ensure the integrity of our content, we encourage you to read our Content Information Policy.
