Did you know that low testosterone levels can cause myriad symptoms in men? These range from physical ones to emotional and mental ones. Needless to say, if left unchecked, a drop in testosterone can have adverse effects on overall health.
Unfortunately, most men don’t realize they have low testosterone until it’s too late. They feel exhausted all the time and unable to focus. They start experiencing hair loss and skin problems. And if things keep going downhill, they might start having memory issues or even risk of heart disease and stroke. But the good news is, there are early warning signs for low T that every man should be aware of so they can get their testosterone levels checked as early as possible. In this blog, we’re telling you about top signs that your testosterone levels might be dropping and what you can do about it.
#Hot Flashes
Men with low testosterone levels may experience a sudden feeling of warmth and heavy night sweats, known as hot flashes. These symptoms can be one of the specific symptoms of low testosterone in males. Hot flashes are not just associated with menopause but can also be a warning sign that your testosterone levels may be low.
If you are experiencing hot flashes, you should consider getting your testosterone levels checked. High levels of testosterone are linked with better health, including improved mood and energy levels, better sexual function, and bone health.
#Hair Loss
Low testosterone levels can lead to hair loss or thinning. This occurs when the hair follicles are not able to produce or release adequate amounts of testosterone, a hormone that affects hair growth on the face, pubic area, chest, and body.
Low levels of testosterone can also cause the skin to become more sensitive and prone to sunburn. When this happens, the skin may become thinner and easier to damage. If this occurs, it can lead to a loss of hair.
Testosterone also plays a role in the development of male pattern baldness (also known as balding). This is a natural process that occurs with age, causing hairs on the scalp to fall out. However, low levels of testosterone can cause hair loss in the body and face as well. High levels of dihydrotestosterone, another form of testosterone, can also cause hair loss.
#Fatigue
Elevated levels of testosterone are associated with better well-being and health, but if the levels are too low, fatigue, decreased vitality, and poor physical and sexual performance may result. Low testosterone levels can lead to reduced muscle mass, increased fat mass, decrease in bone mineral density, erectile dysfunction, and reduced sex drive. Excessive fatigue is often a sign of low testosterone levels and should be considered an important warning signal.
Fatigue is caused by chronic stress. Chronic stress can reduce the body’s ability to produce cortisol, a hormone that helps regulate metabolism and energy levels. When this happens, the body’s metabolic rate slows down leading to tiredness and lack of energy.
This type of fatigue can develop from low testosterone levels. Additionally, chronic fatigue is linked with adrenal gland dysfunction. This condition occurs when the body cannot produce enough cortisol to balance out the effects of stress on the body. Thus, men experiencing fatigue and not feeling energetic might want to see their doctor for a checkup regarding their testosterone levels.
#Decreased Muscle Mass
Symptoms of low testosterone levels in men include reduced muscle mass, changes in sexual desire and mood, fatigue, and decreased vitality and physical performance. Decreased levels of this hormone can result in a loss of strength, size, and shape, as well as reduced energy, weight gain, and libido. Although a decline in testosterone isn’t universally associated with these symptoms, it can cause them in some people. Sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle mass) and osteoporosis (weak bones) are two major concerns when it comes to low testosterone levels.
Low testosterone levels can also lead to symptoms of both conditions. In addition to that, individuals with the condition may experience difficulty sleeping, chronic fatigue, depression, irritability, erectile dysfunction, and more. A lack of consistent or sufficient levels of this hormone is linked to many health problems like cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer.
#Nerve Pain or Numbness
Low testosterone levels may cause nerve pain or numbness, as it plays a role in repairing nerve damage.
The two types of male hypogonadism are primary (testicular disorder) and secondary (pituitary/hypothalamus dysfunction). Chronic opioid use, alcohol abuse, pituitary disorders, and depression/anxiety are all risk factors for low testosterone levels. If you have any of these conditions, your doctor may recommend checking your testosterone levels to ensure you are receiving the proper amount.
Nerve pain or numbness can be a sign of many different conditions, including diabetes. It’s worth discussing the possibility of low testosterone levels with your doctor if you’re experiencing worsening nerve pain or numbness.
#Reduced Bone Mass
A reduced bone mass can result in lesser mineralization of bones, which can lead to a reduction in bone volume. As a result, bones become thinner and more brittle, increasing the risk of fractures.
In addition to a reduced bone mineral density, low testosterone levels lead to other diseases such as osteoporosis. This is characterized by weak bones that are susceptible to fractures due to a thinning of the bone tissue.
Older men with low testosterone levels also experience an overall decline in muscle mass and strength, leading to sarcopenia. This is characterized by a decrease in physical ability and function as men age.
#Skin Problems
Low testosterone levels in men can lead to a host of symptoms, including oily skin, acne, and reduced hair growth on the scalp. These symptoms are often indicative of hypogonadism, which is a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone.
Symptoms of low testosterone include fatigue, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction. Additionally, men with low testosterone levels may experience weight gain, diminished muscle mass, changes in sexual desire, and excessive hair growth on the face, chest, and buttocks.
If you suspect your male partner is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to bring it to the doctor’s attention. Low testosterone levels can be caused by a number of factors, including testicular injury, medications like chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and hormone disorders like hypogonadism.
Men with low testosterone should talk to their doctor about any concerns they have regarding their level of sexual desire or other symptoms such as fatigue or loss of appetite.
#Heart Attack or Stroke Risk
Chronic opioid use and alcohol abuse are risk factors for low testosterone levels. Low testosterone levels may increase the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. Symptoms of hypogonadism and certain conditions such as testicular injury, cancer treatments, and hormone disorders can cause low testosterone levels. Men with low testosterone levels may experience symptoms such as fatigue, decreased libido, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and depression.
A blood test called serum testosterone test can diagnose low testosterone levels, which are below 300 ng/dL. Other tests may be conducted to determine the cause of low testosterone levels, such as luteinizing hormone and blood prolactin level tests.
#Changes in Memory and Cognitive Ability
Testosterone is a hormone that’s associated with men’s sexual and physical performance, healthy aging, and cognitive abilities. When testosterone levels in the body are low, it can cause changes in memory and cognitive ability, such as difficulty concentrating, anxiety, depression, irritability, and loss of interest in sex. Low testosterone levels have also been linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Testosterone supplementation may improve memory in older men with low levels of the hormone, but the evidence is mixed.
Changes in sleep patterns, including trouble sleeping and snoring, are also common among men with low testosterone. Sleep apnea has also been linked to low testosterone levels. A decline in cognitive abilities can occur with age-related decreases in testosterone.
Let’s Sum Up
If you have noticed any of the above mentioned changes, it is time to get yourself checked. Testosterone replacement therapy can treat low testosterone levels, which are the cause for these issues. However, before starting testosterone replacement therapy, it is important to talk to your doctor about your concerns and other possible treatment options. However, if you have a few of the above-mentioned symptoms and they’re new or different from what you’ve experienced before, be sure to see your doctor. The sooner you seek help, the likelier you are to be able to manage your low testosterone effectively.
