Low Testosterone Symptoms in Men: 5 Warning Signs

Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men. It is responsible for several functions in the male body and plays a key role in the development of the testes, muscle mass, bone health, mood and sex drive. By the age of 30, testosterone levels peak and slowly start to decline. Also known as hypogonadism or low T, low testosterone levels in men can impact all aspects of life. As men age, low testosterone symptoms can develop.

Continue reading to learn more about low testosterone symptoms and the top warning signs of low testosterone levels.

1. Loss of muscle and bone mass

Low testosterone levels are linked to a decrease in muscle mass. Some studies have shown that low testosterone levels may cause sarcopenia, or age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, in older men. With low testosterone levels, you might feel less desire to work out and gain extra fat as a result.

Testosterone is also essential for maintaining bone mineral density (BMD) in men. Low testosterone levels may be linked to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak bones, in aging men.

2. Fatigue

Men with low testosterone levels may experience fatigue and low energy levels as an early warning sign. You may want to find out whether certain health conditions, such as sleep apnea and depression or low testosterone levels, are causing you to feel more tired than usual. Fatigue is a symptom of low testosterone that may be more specific in younger men with low testosterone levels.

3. Low sex drive and erectile dysfunction

Sexual problems are one of the most common warning signs of low testosterone. Testosterone is produced in the testes and can impact men’s sexual health. Men with low testosterone may experience a low sex drive (libido) and erectile dysfunction (ED).

While the exact way low testosterone causes sexual problems is not fully understood, studies suggest that low testosterone can disrupt the production of nitric oxide. If you’re having problems in bed, low testosterone levels may be the culprit.

4. Hair loss

Hair loss may be caused by low or high testosterone levels in men. During puberty, testosterone helps stimulate hair growth on the face, pubic area and chest. However, high levels of testosterone and, more specifically, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can lead to hair loss. If you’re experiencing hair loss or thinning hair, low testosterone levels may be the cause.

5. Mood changes

Low testosterone symptoms may also include mood changes, such as depression and irritability. You may have low testosterone levels if you’re feeling more down than usual. Mood changes with low testosterone may also be caused by the stress caused by sexual problems, which can occur due to low testosterone levels. For this reason, low testosterone can cause a vicious cycle of physical and mental health problems in men. Low testosterone may worsen mental health symptoms if you’ve been diagnosed with depression or other mental health disorders.

When to see a doctor for low testosterone symptoms

You may want to talk with your doctor if you experience low testosterone symptoms that disrupt your daily life. Low testosterone levels can have several different causes and may indicate a serious underlying condition. For example, sleep disorders, testicular diseases and thyroid conditions may affect testosterone levels.

Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and treating any underlying conditions to help normalize your testosterone levels. In some cases, your doctor may recommend testosterone replacement therapy. However, this type of treatment is not right for everyone. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your testosterone levels.

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