Low testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone produced by the human body. It’s mainly
produced in men by the testicles. Testosterone affects a man’s appearance
and sexual development. It stimulates sperm production as well as a
man’s sex drive. It also helps build muscle and bone mass.
Testosterone production typically decreases with age. According to
the American Urological Association, about 2 out of 10 men older than 60
years have low testosterone. That increases slightly to 3 out of 10 men in
their 70s and 80s.
Men can experience a range of symptoms if testosterone decreases more
than it should. Low testosterone, or low T, is diagnosed when levels fall
below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).
A normal range is typically 300 to 1,000 ng/dL, according to the Food and
Drug Administration. A blood test called a serum testosterone test is used
to determine your level of circulating testosterone.
A range of symptoms can occur if testosterone production drastically drops
below normal. Signs of low T are often subtle. Here are 12 signs of low T in
men.
1. Low sex drive
Testosterone plays a key role in libido (sex drive) in men. Some men may
experience a decline in sex drive as they age. However, someone with low
T will likely experience a more drastic drop in their desire to have sex.
2. Difficulty with erection
While testosterone stimulates a man’s sex drive, it also aids in achieving
and maintaining an erection. Testosterone alone doesn’t cause an erection,
but it stimulates receptors in the brain to produce nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide is a molecule that helps trigger a series of chemical reactions
necessary for an erection to occur. When testosterone levels are too low, a
man may have difficulty achieving an erection prior to sex or having
spontaneous erections (for example, during sleep).
However, testosterone is only one of many factors that aid in adequate
erections. Research is inconclusive regarding the role of testosterone
replacement in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
In a review of studies that looked at the benefit of testosterone in men with
erection difficulties, nearly halfTrusted Source showed no improvement
with testosterone treatment. Many times, other health problems play a role
in erectile difficulties. These can include:
diabetes
thyroid problems
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
smoking
alcohol use
depression
stress
anxiety
3. Low semen volume
Testosterone plays a role in the production of semen, which is the milky
fluid that aids in the motility of sperm. Men with low T will often notice a
decrease in the volume of their semen during ejaculation.
4. Hair loss
Testosterone plays a role in several body functions, including hair
production. Balding is a natural part of aging for many men. While there is
an inherited component to balding, men with low T may experience a loss
of body and facial hair, as well.
5. Fatigue
Men with low T have reported extreme fatigue and decrease in energy
levels. You might have low T if you’re tired all of the time despite getting
plenty of sleep or if you’re finding it harder to get motivated to exercise.
6. Loss of muscle mass
Because testosterone plays a role in building muscle, men with low T might
notice a decrease in muscle mass. StudiesTrusted Source have shown
testosterone affects muscle mass, but not necessarily strength or function.
7. Increased body fat
Men with low T may also experience increases in body fat. In particular,
they sometimes develop gynecomastia, or enlarged breast tissue. This
effect is believed to occur due to an imbalance between testosterone and
estrogen within men.
8. Decreased bone mass
Osteoporosis, or the thinning of bone mass, is a condition often associated
with women. However, men with low T can also experience bone loss.
Testosterone helps produce and strengthen bone. So men with low T,
especially older men, have lower bone volume and are more susceptible to
bone fractures.
9. Mood changes
Men with low T can experience changes in mood. Because testosterone
influences many physical processes in the body, it can also influence mood
and mental capacity. ResearchTrusted Source suggests that men with low
T are more likely to face depression, irritability, or a lack of focus.
