Everyday signs of low testosterone in men as experts warn it is a key link to erectile dysfunction Health

Low Testosterone Low T: Symptoms, Causes, and More

While you may feel embarrassed about sexual function issues, seeing a healthcare provider can help you find the right treatment. Recognizing the signs of low testosterone is the first step towards addressing this common but often overlooked health issue. Each of the symptoms discussed in this article can significantly impact quality of life, affecting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By understanding the role of testosterone in the body and its influence on various functions, individuals can take proactive steps to identify potential imbalances and seek appropriate medical advice.

This has been validated by international researchers and will allow you to assess the level of your low testosterone symptoms. As the Centre for Men’s Health’s founder, the late Professor Malcolm Carruthers, explained in his book Testosterone Resistance, low testosterone levels and activity can be caused in many different ways. Infections like mumps, stress, heavy drinking, obesity, trauma to the testes and certain prescription drugs can all have a negative impact. Primary hypogonadism happens when something is wrong with your testicles that doesn’t allow them to make normal levels of testosterone. Male hypogonadism is a medical condition that can affect people with testicles at any age from birth through adulthood.

However, low testosterone itself is not always a direct cause of erectile dysfunction. People with high testosterone levels can find it difficult to achieve erections, and people with low levels the opposite. Testosterone plays a role in the development of muscle mass, and reduced levels of the hormone can result in a significant loss of muscle mass. If you start experiencing a loss of libido, it may be a sign of low testosterone. Having a low libido is actually a common symptom of low testosterone but you may not have realized this, instead just thinking that it’s a natural result of aging. If your healthcare provider suspects you have low testosterone, they will do a testosterone levels test.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the primary form of treatment for male hypogonadism. However, not everyone with low testosterone needs TRT, and some people need to avoid it outright. Left untreated, low testosterone can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health, self-image, quality of life, and relationships. In-home testosterone tests are available online and in many drugstores. But, they may be unreliable, especially when testosterone levels are low.

The widespread decline in T levels also has implications for society as a whole, says Houman. A 2019 review of 27 studies reported TRT given at doses greater than 0.5 grams per week was more than twice as effective at reducing depression symptoms in men compared to a placebo (sham drug). Most cases of low testosterone are treatable, and being aware of the symptoms can help a person receive an early diagnosis and treatment. Most people will notice relief from symptoms within 3–60 weeks of starting TRT. However, anyone who experiences one or more of the above symptoms should seek medical attention.

Those with fertility interests require specific regimens for raising testosterone since many FDA-approved medications can cause declines in sperm quality and fertility. To better manage TRT over the long term, see your healthcare provider every 3 to 6 months to repeat blood testing and check for side effects. This may involve having regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests to check for signs of prostate enlargement or cancer. Among men who experienced sexual dysfunction, TRT increased sexual activity by 49% within six months, improving moods and sex drive but not necessarily erectile dysfunction. The diagnosis will typically start with a review of your symptoms and medical history (including any medications you take or illnesses you’ve had). You may also be asked about how much you drink and smoke, as these can also affect testosterone levels.

Frequently needing to pee (including during the night), dribbling urine, and painful, burning pee or ejaculation might suggest prostate issues. However, prostate problems often cause no symptoms at all, especially in the case of prostate cancer. Once dismissed as a rare condition affecting older men, low T (testosterone deficiency) is now understood as a far more widespread issue. Thanks to a mix of modern stress, environmental exposures, and plain old aging, more men are hitting their 40s and 50s feeling like shadows of themselves — and many don’t even know why.

It is important to remember that males typically lose testosterone as they age, and the potential benefits of lifestyle changes also decrease over time. Weight loss and exercise can often increase microdose testosterone levels naturally. In males, hypogonadism, a condition where the testicles produce little or no testosterone, may occur at any age. An older 2006 study found that women over 65 with low testosterone levels tended to have lower hemoglobin levels, putting them at greater risk for anemia. This potentially severe disorder causes a person to temporarily stop breathing, which can disrupt sleep. Many people experience hair loss as a natural part of aging, and age-related hair loss can also affect anyone.

You will also need regular check-ups to ensure that the correct testosterone levels are maintained. While everyone produces levels of testosterone, it’s mostly produced by men in the testicles. Testosterone is responsible for a man’s sex drive, his appearance, bone mass and muscle development as well as his ability to generate sperm.