Low Testosterone 12 Signs in Men Peak Men’s Health at RMA

Male Hypogonadism StatPearls NCBI Bookshelf

Never treat low testosterone on your own with medicines your doctor hasn’t approved. Instead, talk to your doctor about different ways to treat your illness so you can find one that works for you. Testosterone helps make bone tissue and keep the volume of bones. does low testosterone affect weight loss testosterone can cause this volume to shrink, which can make the bones more likely to break. Additionally, studies show that testosterone makes osteoporosis worse. Because testosterone affects so many things, you may have signs and not even know it.

Many current treatments for females with low testosterone are considered off-label. This means they are used for a condition or at a dosage other than what was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Men with hypogonadism often report persistent tiredness and a lack of energy, which can be alleviated with appropriate testosterone therapy.

Healthcare providers and medical researchers don’t know how to prevent low testosterone from genetic conditions or damage to your testicles, hypothalamus or pituitary gland. For some men, improving sleep, reducing stress, and following a healthier diet can significantly boost testosterone levels. Strength training and regular exercise are especially effective. Whether testosterone directly influences your mood, or the physical results of low T are causing you anxiety, mood changes are a common sign that your testosterone levels may be off.

To get a diagnosis of hypogonadism, you need at least two early morning (7–10 AM) blood tests that reveal low testosterone in addition to signs and symptoms typical of low testosterone. The cause of hypogonadism can be investigated further by your doctor. This might include additional blood tests, and sometimes imaging such as a pituitary MRI. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics. In boys, it drives the growth of sex organs, the development of body hair, and bone growth. In adult males, testosterone supports sperm production and a healthy, active libido.

At Arlington Family Practice, low testosterone is one of the common men’s health issues we treat. Here are five signs of low testosterone, and what you can do to relieve these symptoms. Low testosterone is diagnosed with a blood test to measure the amount of testosterone in the blood.

Low testosterone, also called hypogonadism, is when the amount of testosterone in the blood is lower than it should be. Hypogonadism is when your sex glands don’t make enough or any sex hormones. However, most cases of this disease get better with proper medical care. Plus, plenty of men walk around feeling crappy for years, not even thinking their hormones could be to blame.

It is not what directly causes the erection, but it has a major role in stimulating brain receptors that produce nitrous oxide. This molecule helps to trigger a series of chemical reactions necessary for an erection. However, low testosterone is the cause for about half of men who experience erection difficulties. Other causes can include thyroid malfunction, diabetes, smoking and alcohol use, and psychological factors such as stress or depression. Because testosterone plays a key role in a man’s sex drive, men with low T can experience a marked reduction in their libido. When hormonal changes occur within the body, it can interfere with a variety of day-to-day functions.

The differentiation is essential as it guides the diagnosis and management strategies. Testosterone helps build new bones and keep the mass you already have. If the body lacks testosterone, new bone growth can’t keep up with the bone loss.

In general, you would be diagnosed with low T if you have symptoms of hypogonadism and your levels fall below 300 ng/dL. If you do receive this diagnosis, you’ll be pleased to know that there are various remedies and treatments available. Levels of testosterone peak around the age of but remain fairly stable for the next 20 years or so. A gradual decline starts around the age of 30 but for the majority, the decrease is only about 1% per year. By 70, levels have dropped for most men by around 30%, although three-quarters of older men still have levels in the normal range. It is possible for men, particularly as they age, to be affected by a combination of primary and secondary hypogonadism.