Testosterone is a sex hormone mainly associated with males, though produced in females in small amounts. Ovaries and testicles are responsible for producing this hormone. Testosterone helps regulate muscle mass, fertility, and how the blood cells replicate. Men who have too low testosterone either have a low sex drive or are infertile.
Below are the main signs of low testosterone in males. Also, females can experience them.
Signs of Low Testosterone Levels
1. Decreased libido
Testosterone hormone plays a vital role in sex drive or libido. It is always normal for a man’s libido to decrease with age, but low levels of this hormone can decrease the desire to have sex. However, even at an early age, men with low T have decreased desire to have sex. If you experience a change in your sexual desires, talk to your doctor because you may have testosterone imbalances.
There many methods you can use to regain your testosterone levels, but you should consult your doctor before you take supplements or treatment.
2. Finding it difficult to have erections
Testosterone is the main reason for good sex drive and it also helps in maintaining an erection. However, you should know that not only testosterone cause erections. This hormone stimulates some receptors in your brain to produce nitric oxide. For an erection to occur, nitric oxide molecule triggers chemical reactions required to give an erection.
If your testosterone levels are too low, you may have difficulty getting an erection or desire to have sex. Other health problems can cause erectile dysfunction, such as:
- Smoking
- Alcohol abuse
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Anxiety
- Stress
In case you have a problem in getting or maintaining an erection, talk to your doctor to know the main cause before jumping into testosterone supplements.
3. Reduced testicular size
This is a main physical sign of low testosterone levels. When you have low testosterone levels, you may feel that your scrotum is softer than usual. Testicles reduce in size when it’s cold to get closer to the body so that they can maintain an ideal temperature for sperm production. If your testicles always get back to their normal size after a cold, then it’s normal. However, if they are always smaller and you are at the adult stage, this can be a sign of low testosterone.
4. Having difficulties in getting Sleep
Many adults with low testosterone levels find it hard to the recommended amount of sleep every night. If you have perfect testosterone levels, it is always easy to get adequate and quality sleep. In case you find it hard to sleep, even while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, get tested and know your testosterone levels.
5. Hair loss
This is another sign of low testosterone which is also associated with aging. Based on hair loss, low testosterone can be hard to diagnose. Men with low testosterone experience loss of hair and slow beard growth.
6. A decrease in muscles mass
Testosterone plays an important role in muscle mass development. Reduced levels of this hormone can cause reduce muscle mass. So, if you go to the gym every day and you have low testosterone, your efforts may not be rewarded fully.
7. Changes in mood swings and memory
High testosterone levels regulate mood. Low testosterone can cause increased periods of depression, irritability, change of moods, and lack of focus. Some studies show that low testosterone levels can largely affect your memory.
8. General fatigue
Nowadays, like everyone feels exhausted and low testosterone levels can be the main cause of this fatigue. Many men report extreme levels of fatigue and decreased energy levels, only to find it was hormone-related. If you sleep for the recommended hours and you still feel tired or bored, test your testosterone levels.
9. Increased body fat
If you take a diet meant to boost your muscle mass yet you have low testosterone, you won’t build any muscles. This food is stored as fat in the body, which explains why obesity levels increase every day. In females, when testosterone levels are low, gynecomastia occurs. This is where the breast tissues grow due to improper testosterone and estrogen imbalance in the body.
Treatment
If you experience low testosterone signs, you must consult your doctor first before you start treatment or taking supplements. Many of the signs above are common and they can be caused by other health complications. Never self-treat the problem with medications that are not approved by your doctor because it is risky. Talk with them about the treatment options available so that you can find an option that works for you.
Conclusion
Unlike women, men experience a steady decrease in testosterone. The older a man gets, the more he experiences low testosterone levels. Talk to your doctor so that they can test your testosterone imbalances and give the best solution. Therefore, the fact that we all know our bodies better, don’t hesitate to take action or consult a doctor when you notice any of the signs above.
