6 Signs You Might Have Low Testosterone: Robert J Cornell, MD, PA: Urologist

6 Signs You Might Have Low Testosterone: Robert J Cornell, MD, PA: Urologist

In addition to causing physical changes, having low levels of testosterone can affect you on an emotional level. Some people have trouble with memory and concentration and experience lowered motivation and self-confidence. Low testosterone levels can affect your libido and cause physical changes, sleep issues, and trouble with emotional regulation. If you have signs and symptoms of low testosterone, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam. They’ll also ask questions about your medical history, medications you take or have taken, smoking history and any symptoms you currently have. And if your testosterone levels go out of whack, you’re prone to experiencing a range of uncomfortable symptoms that can adversely affect your health. If you toss and turn at night, low testosterone levels could be the reason why.

If you have any of the following eight warning signs, you may have low testosterone. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor about getting your testosterone levels checked. You could be prescribed testosterone therapy if you have low T. Although low testosterone can affect anyone with testicles at any age, low testosterone is more common as people age.

A male with low testosterone may notice a reduction in the size of their testicles that is not related to cold temperatures. The pituitary gland and the hypothalamus are located within the brain and control hormone production. Even if you don’t have sleep apnea, low testosterone can still contribute to a decrease in the hours of sleep.

Recent research suggests that men with low testosterone are at increased risk of developing diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. In addition to affecting bone mass, testosterone affects muscle mass. Aging men with low T may find developing and maintaining muscle mass to be difficult. While low testosterone won’t decrease muscle mass, men may feel that their overall strength has decreased due to low T. There have been concerns about testosterone therapy and cardiovascular events, like strokes, blood clots, and heart disease. However, it is not definitely known whether TRT raises or lowers risk of cardiovascular problems. Men are encouraged to discuss any heart concerns with their doctor.

Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for low testosterone. Low-T clinics also tend to overtreat, making blanket recommendations around the patient’s total testosterone and not their individual health needs. Most cases of low testosterone are treatable, and being aware of the symptoms can help a person receive an early diagnosis and treatment.

When levels of the hormone are low, their sperm “count” can be low, too. A drop in testosterone doesn’t always interfere with sex, but it can make it more difficult for your brain and body to get aroused. Some men may notice a drop in libido, while others may lose interest in sex completely. Low testosterone can also make it tougher to get or keep an erection. If they do, lower testosterone levels may not be the only cause. 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.

For instance, your chronic fatigue and lack of energy could be caused by depression instead of low testosterone levels. That’s why it’s important to undergo a physical exam pot and testosterone testosterone evaluation first. If your testosterone isn’t low, your doctor may determine that low T isn’t really the issue at hand. Other symptoms may include insomnia, weight gain, reduced muscle mass and strength, heart problems, osteoporosis and difficulty concentrating. The problem is that many of these same symptoms can also be signs of other health issues. In addition to dietary and lifestyle adjustments, managing stress is crucial for supporting healthy testosterone levels. Chronic stress increases the production of cortisol, a hormone that negatively impacts testosterone production.

This happened when testosterone levels were “castrate,” which is below 50 ng/dL. A 2021 study in 5,888 men found that people with low testosterone levels had a higher risk of developing anemia. This condition occurs when you have low levels of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. On average, a testosterone level of 300–1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) of blood is normal. Hypogonadism – reduced testicular function – generally occurs when the total testosterone is less than 300 ng/dL.

This, combined with the loss of muscle mass might make you feel achy. Though testosterone replacement therapy won’t bring back your testicular volume, when it comes to your penis, the treatment “has a good chance of restoring its glory,” Dr. Ramin says. At Arlington Family Practice, low testosterone is one of the common men’s health issues we treat. Here are five signs of low testosterone, and what you can do to relieve these symptoms. If you’re over 40 and noticing changes in your energy, mood, or overall well-being, don’t brush it off as just getting older. Low testosterone is common, but it’s not something you have to live with.