What are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone

1 de abril de 2021

3 min de lectura

The testosterone hormone has various essential functions, which include the development of the muscles and bones, hair growth, the deepening of the voice, and other factors related to the production of sperm and appearance. Production of testosterone can slow down as you age, which is why a lot of older men experience low T symptoms.

Low testosterone is defined by the American Urology Association as under 300 ng (nanograms) of the testosterone hormone per deciliter (dl) of blood. The American Urology Association also reported around two in every 100 men experience low T.

Prevalence of Low T

Low testosterone, also referred to as hypogonadism, impacts around four to five million men in the U.S and while it might occur in men of any age, low T levels are particularly common in older men. Over 60% of men over 65 years old have free testosterone levels under the normal values of those who are 30 to 35 years old.

Symptoms of Low T

Common symptoms and signs of hypogonadism in men (and women experience some of these as well) include:

1.
Issues With Erections: Low T could make it hard to obtain or maintain an erection. Testosterone stimulates penile tissues, producing nitric oxide, which begins a few reactions, resulting in an erection. If the testosterone levels are too low, men might not be able to obtain an erection.
2.
Decreased Bone Mass: Testosterone helps maintain bone volume and produce bone tissue. Low testosterone could cause a decrease in this volume, making the bones more vulnerable to fractures.
3.
Hair Loss: A lot of men experience loss of hair as a natural part of the aging process (and so do women). Authors of a 2012 study found testosterone implants supported hair regrowth in certain women receiving sex hormone deficiency treatment. Hair loss can occur on the head or involve less beard growth.
4.
Lowered Sex Drive: Men with low T often experience a decrease in sex drive. A reduced sex drive naturally occurs with age, however, when low testosterone is the cause, a man will notice a substantial reduction in their desire for sex.
5.
Difficulty Sleeping: Men with low T might find it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. Many men with a low level of this hormone also experience sleep apnea. This possibly serious disorder causes you to stop breathing temporarily, which could disrupt your sleep.

Other low T symptoms can include fatigue, gaining weight (obesity), and a decrease in lean muscle mass.

Treatment for Low Testosterone

Regardless of why you're experiencing hypogonadism, there are treatments available to reduce unpleasant side effects or increase testosterone.

1. Testosterone Therapy

There are a few ways of delivering testosterone therapy:

Gels or patches applied to your skin
Injections into your muscles every few weeks
Pellets the doctor inserts under your buttocks skin
A patch applied to the inside of your mouth

Testosterone therapy isn't suggested for people who are at high risk of or have experienced prostate cancer.

2. Being Physically Active and Losing Weight

Working out more and losing weight could help slow the reduction of testosterone your body is going through.

3. Erectile Dysfunction Medication

If erectile dysfunction is your most concerning symptom from low T, there are medications that could help.

Latest Insights on Low T

Researchers at the University of Southern California have been studying how they can bypass periodic injections for low T to help produce the hormone on their own. Another potential advancement would be to be able to use stem cells from blood or skin and turn them into cells that can produce testosterone.

Foundations and Societies

Hormone Health Network: An Endocrine Society public education affiliate and a top source of hormone-related health information for physicians, the public, the media, and allied health professionals.
Urology Care Foundation: This organization supports and improves urological care by developing patient education, funding research, and pursuing worldwide philanthropic support.

Is Low T Impacting Your Life?

Let's make sexual health discussions normal. If you or someone you know is struggling with low testosterone or conditions like erectile dysfunction because of it, know you have help available. You could also learn from other people's experiences and share your own story by subscribing to Healthread and becoming involved in the community's discussions.

Healthread is a social media platform where everyone collaborates and shares information, experiences, and stories of similar health interests. Users are able to gain better insight and perspective on their health issues.

Sources

Información general, no consejo médico

Este artículo no puede tener en cuenta tu historial de salud ni tu tratamiento actual. Habla con un profesional sanitario cualificado antes de cambiar nada de tu cuidado.

Lee nuestro aviso médico →

En esta página