Low testosterone: 12 signs and symptoms

The hormone has many important functions, including:

• the development of the bones and muscles
• the deepening of the voice, hair growth, and other factors related to appearance
• the production of sperm

Testosterone production can slow as a person ages, and many older men have symptoms of low testosterone.

The American Urology Association define low testosterone as less than 300 nanograms (ng) of the hormone per deciliter (dl) of blood. They also reported that about 2 in every 100 men have low testosterone.

Twelve signs and symptoms

Below are common signs and symptoms of low testosterone in males. Females may also experience some of the following.

1. Problems with erections

Low testosterone can make it difficult to get or maintain erections.

Testosterone stimulates the penile tissues to produce nitric oxide, which starts several reactions that result in an erection.

If levels of the hormone are too low, a man may not be able to get an erection.

The following are other factors that can cause erectile dysfunction:

• smoking
• thyroid-related issues
• high cholesterol
• stress or anxiety
• alcohol consumption
• diabetes
• high blood pressure

2. Hair loss

Many men experience hair loss as a natural part of aging, and age-related hair loss can also affect women.

Authors of a study from 2012 found that testosterone implants supported the regrowth of hair in some women who were receiving treatment for symptoms of sex hormone deficiency.

3. Reduced bone mass

Testosterone helps to produce bone tissue and maintain bone volume.

Low testosterone can lead to a reduction in this volume, which can make the bones more susceptible to fractures.

4. Reduction in testicle size

A male with low testosterone may notice a reduction in the size of their testicles that is not related to cold temperatures.

The scrotum may also feel softer than usual.

5. Reduction in the amount of semen

Semen is the fluid that makes up the majority of male ejaculate. This type of fluid helps the sperm move toward the egg.

Testosterone helps stimulate the production of semen, and reduced levels of semen can indicate a reduction in testosterone. It can also lead to trouble with fertility.

6. Difficulty sleeping

Men with low testosterone may find it difficult to fall or stay asleep.

Many males with low testosterone also have sleep apnea. This potentially severe disorder causes a person to temporarily stop breathing, which can disrupt sleep.

Low testosterone does not always present symptoms, and some people only learn about it after a routine physical examination with bloodwork.

However, anyone who experiences one or more of the symptoms listed above should seek medical attention.

To diagnose low testosterone, a doctor will often perform a physical evaluation and review the person’s symptoms. The doctor may also request testing to look for additional signs.

For example, a bone density test can show diminished bone mass, one result of low testosterone.

Treatment

The most common treatment is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

A doctor will typically only prescribe TRT if the person has several symptoms of low testosterone as well as blood test results that indicate a deficiency.

There are several delivery methods of TRT, including:

• skin patches
• gels
• tablets that dissolve in the mouth
• injections
• surgically implanted pellets that release the hormone

Most people will notice relief from symptoms within 4–6 weeks of starting TRT.

Weight loss and exercise can often increase testosterone levels.

While changes to the lifestyle and diet alone may not raise levels sufficiently, they can often help.

It is important to keep in mind that men typically lose testosterone as they age, and the potential benefits of lifestyle changes also decrease over time. Exercise, for example, often shows more significant results in younger people.

To support a boost in testosterone levels, the diet should be rich in nutrients. It may help to incorporate some of the following foods into the diet:

• beef
• oysters
• fortified cereals
• eggs
• tuna
• milk enriched with vitamin D
• beans
• shellfish

Avoid natural supplements that promise to increase levels of testosterone. While they may not harm the body, they are unlikely to produce the desired results.

A doctor can often suggest other safe ways to boost testosterone levels.

Takeaway

The American Urology Association report that low testosterone affects around 2 out of every 100 men. The risk increases with age, though most men naturally lose testosterone as they grow older.

Most cases of low testosterone are treatable, and being aware of the symptoms can help a person to receive an early diagnosis and treatment.

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