Medically CitedExplore the key signs of low testosterone in men, from fatigue to mood swings, in our engaging guide. Get informed and start your journey to better health today. Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is crucial during the transition from puberty to manhood. The hormone is responsible for a number of developments during puberty, including muscle development, an increase in muscle mass and bone density, a deeper voice, and body hairs.
Most importantly, the Testosterone hormone is needed for sperm production in men. We will see the low testosterone level symptoms that every man should be aware of.
What is the normal testosterone level?
According to researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center, the normal testosterone level ranges between 280 – 1,100 ng/dL, with variations depending on age, individual health, and other factors. Factors such as obesity, diabetes, chronic medical conditions, and certain medications can affect testosterone levels. Moreover, levels tend to decline naturally as a man ages, with a gradual decrease typically starting after age 30.[1]
What does low testosterone level mean?
The banter among men about who has higher testosterone levels is a common jest, but it’s important to recognize the seriousness of testosterone deficiency. This hormone plays a vital role in male health, and falling below the minimum level of 280 ng/dL is considered low and can have significant implications.
Addressing this issue, options like taking supplements such as andor400 exist; however, it’s crucial to read reviews and make informed decisions regarding such treatments. On the flip side, testosterone levels exceeding 1,100 ng/dL might indicate medical concerns, such as a tumor in the testes, which can impact hormone production.
Therefore, it’s essential to maintain a balanced perspective on testosterone levels and to seek professional medical advice if you suspect an imbalance, whether it’s too low or excessively high.
Is it bad to have low testosterone level?
A recent research study reveals that guys with deficient testosterone hormone actually face some serious risks, such as type 2 diabetes, among other complications like osteoporosis, heart disease, high cholesterol and obesity, high blood pressure, and the absence of secondary sex characteristics like infertility and muscle loss, among other abnormalities.[2] Another shocking revelation comes from research by the Urology Care Foundation indicating that roughly 4 out of 10 men over the age of 45 may have low testosterone, also known as low-T or hypogonadism.[3]
If you are a man and age 30 years or above, you need to be very keen to ensure your T-levels are optimally maintained. It has been established that this hormone’s levels start declining by roughly 1% per year after the age of 30.[4]
This decline may seem small, but cumulatively, it increases to 50% by the time you are in your 80s. You need to undergo a blood test on a regular basis to determine your testosterone levels. Besides that, there are several warning signs of low testosterone you need to watch out for. If any of the following symptoms of low testosterone levels sound familiar or you suspect having low testosterone, make a doctor’s appointment as soon as you can.
1. Low libido/ sex drive and premature ejaculation
low libido
Though this may be experienced by some men as they get older, a sudden decline in the sex drive or libido is one of the low testosterone symptoms in the body.
If you have been having a normal and healthy sexual relationship with your partner but suddenly find yourself giving excuses often when she is asking for it, you must start thinking of the chances of having testosterone deficiency and immediately seek medical intervention.
In addition to experiencing low libido, if you manage to get any feeling or erection but complete it in very little time and produce a very small amount of ejaculation, then the sexual session will be characterized by premature ejaculation.
A decline in testosterone directly affects the amount of ejaculate; when the levels take a dip below the normal levels, the amount of ejaculate does too.
2. Erectile dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction
Usually, a decline in testosterone levels affects your sex life. It is true that men suffering from erectile dysfunction have problems getting and maintaining an erection. Low testosterone is actually attributed to various health problems such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and hardening of arteries, among others, that directly reduce blood flow to the penis, thus affecting erections.[5]
Various physical problems directly linked to low testosterone levels, including depression, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, chronic back pain, and spinal cord injuries, can impact erections.
Understanding how testosterone and erectile dysfunction are related will help you better understand the whole scenario. To address these physical problems, explore the best testosterone boosters for erectile dysfunction designed to naturally combat this issue. These supplements feature potent ingredients aimed at supporting male sexual health and enhancing performance, promoting a renewed sense of confidence and vitality.[6]
If you have been having strong and reliable erections all through your life but suddenly just can’t seem to get them up, low-T should be to blame.
3. Weight gain
Extra fat in your body may be responsible for the decline in your testosterone. This is simply because fat converts testosterone to estrogen, which decreases circulating testosterone in the body. research by the Asian Journal of Andrology indicates lowered testosterone in male obesity.[7]
If you start experiencing an accumulation of body fat, especially around the chest, resulting in male boobs, you should seek a medical diagnosis for testosterone to ascertain your levels.
Research on testosterone and weight gain has, however, not concluded what causes the other, i.e., if a decline in testosterone is caused by weight gain or if a decline in testosterone is what causes weight gain. Whichever the case, eating healthy, exercising, and losing weight have been observed to get the hormone’s levels back to a normal range.
4. Numbness of the genitals
Extreme Fatigue
Diminished sensitivity in the genital area, particularly the penis and scrotum, may be indicative of low testosterone levels. This doesn’t necessarily mean a total loss of sensation but rather a decreased responsiveness to tactile stimulation. Such a reduction can also affect sexual gratification.
However, it’s crucial to note that genital numbness might not always stem from hormonal imbalances; it can also result from physical injuries, certain illnesses, or as an adverse effect of some medications. If you’re experiencing this symptom, a medical consultation is essential to pinpoint the exact cause.
5. Poor concentration and memory loss
The testosterone hormone is responsible for mental focus and clarity. When the hormone starts to decline, you start experiencing problems with concentration and even memory loss from time to time. When such signs are evident, check out your levels with your doctor and get help before it is too late.
6. Decreased Energy
Decreased Energy
Besides experiencing serious feelings of having done nothing, men experiencing low testosterone often get worn out easily and quickly when completing their daily activities. It is normal to get tired after a long day’s work. However, if you start experiencing abnormal exhaustion and fatigue even before doing anything, be warned that Low-T could be zapping your energy and leaving you extremely tired.
If you realize you are becoming a couch potato rather than actively getting involved in your daily activities, your testosterone levels may be surging without your knowledge. Brain fog, depression, normal fatigue, and sleeping problems may all point to one end: low testosterone.
7. Reduced muscle mass
The primary purpose of the testosterone hormone is to enhance all-male body functions and that includes muscle development. When testosterone starts taking the dip, you begin feeling your muscles are getting weaker and weaker than they used to be. Shrinking of the chest, leg, and arm muscles sooner begin to shrink. Weight-lifting at the gym soon becomes ineffective as it used to be when you needed to add muscle mass.
8. Bone problems
Are you experiencing bone problems? This could be caused by osteoporosis, though it is not common in men. With a decline in testosterone levels in the body, bone density also decreases, thus the various bone problems that may be experienced.
9. Aches and pains
Aches and pains
A decline in testosterone levels may lead to a decline in muscle mass and strength. The effects of this are muscle aches, joint pain, and exposure to injury.
10. Breast growth
Abnormal breast growth is among the many low testosterone symptoms in men. A decline in the hormone brings about a hormonal imbalance in the body, which causes the ratio of testosterone and estrogen to be very abnormal. This, in turn, results in some men growing breast tissue, a condition known as gynecomastia.
11. Depression and anxiety
It is quite confusing in the sense that some causes of low testosterone are also symptoms of the same. It has been revealed that a decline in testosterone may also be associated with various nonspecific symptoms, including depressive symptoms. Another study indicates that around 56% of men who suffered from low testosterone also suffered significant symptoms of depression.[8]
Conclusion
There are different symptoms of low testosterone levels you can experience besides the ones listed above. Irritability and shrinking testicles may also be part of the various symptoms of low testosterone levels. In case you experience any of the low testosterone symptoms above, it is advisable to look for testosterone pills or to see your doctor immediately for a diagnosis using a simple blood test.
According to Suzannah Weiss, sexologist at BedBible, working out increases testosterone levels, particularly strength training. Aim to go to the gym at least a couple times a week. Getting enough sleep is also important for maintaining healthy hormone levels; aim to go to sleep by 10 or 11 PM at the latest and wake up around 6 or 7 AM. The body functions best when you have at least 7 hours of sleep (8 or 9 for some) and sleep and wake up in accordance with the sunrise and sunset, or as close as you can get to that as possible.
When these simple remedies can’t seem to help, your doctor’s intervention with effective testosterone replacement therapy will greatly help.
8 Sources
We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.
[2] Testosterone levels and type 2 diabetes in men: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4208349/
[3] What is Low Testosterone?https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/l/low-testosterone
[4] Testosterone Replacement in Men with Andropause: An Overview: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1472881/
[5] Low Testosterone and ED: https://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/erectile-dysfunction
[6] Relationship Between Testosterone and Erectile Dysfunction: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1476110/
[7] Lowered testosterone in male obesity: mechanisms, morbidity and management: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3955331/
[8] Men with 'low testosterone' have higher rates of depression:https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150701123657.htm
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