Low Testosterone

Low Testosterone

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone that can affect appearance and sexual development, stimulate sperm production and sex drive, and help build muscle and bone mass. It is typically produced by the testicles in men. Males may experience low testosterone as they get older or due to some health conditions. Symptoms can be subtle, but treatment may help if the symptoms affect your lifestyle. People may also refer to low testosterone as: low T, male menopause, andropause, testosterone deficiency.

What are the signs and symptoms of low testosterone?

If your testosterone production drastically drops, you may experience a range of symptoms. Signs of low testosterone are often subtle and can include:

Low sex drive

Testosterone plays a key role in your sex drive or libido. Some people may experience a decline in sex drive as they get older, but those with low testosterone will likely experience a more drastic drop.

Difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection

Testosterone aids in achieving and maintaining an erection. It tells brain receptors to produce nitric oxide, which is a molecule that helps trigger a series of chemical reactions to produce an erection. With low T, you may have difficulty achieving an erection before sex or having spontaneous erections, such as during sleep. However, research is inconclusive on whether testosterone replacement therapy can successfully treat erectile dysfunction. Other health conditions can cause erectile difficulties. These include:

Diabetes
Thyroid disorders
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Depression
Stress
Anxiety
Smoking and alcohol use can also contribute.

Hot flashes

Hot flashes can be a sign of low testosterone. This can feel like a sudden sensation of warmth. You may also experience: heavy sweating, reddening of the skin and night sweats.

Hair loss

Testosterone plays a role in hair production. Balding is a natural part of growing older for many males, and while it can be hereditary, those with low testosterone may lose body and facial hair as well.

Fatigue

Males with low testosterone may report extreme fatigue and decreased energy.

Decreased muscle mass

A 2016 review found that testosterone affects muscle mass but not necessarily strength or function. Males with low T may notice a decrease in muscle mass.

Increased body fat

Low testosterone levels may cause increased body fat or gynecomastia, which is enlarged breast tissue. Gynecomastia can occur when there is an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen in the body.

Decreased bone mass

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects bone density. Testosterone helps produce and strengthen bone, so males with low testosterone, especially older men, may have lower bone volume and be more susceptible to bone fractures.

Mood changes

Males with low testosterone can experience mood changes. Since testosterone influences many of the body’s physical processes, it can also influence mood and mental capacity.

Memory

Both testosterone levels and cognitive functions, particularly memory, decline with age. As a result, doctors have theorized that lower testosterone levels could contribute to affected memory. According to a 2019 review of studies, testosterone supplementation may improve memory in older men with low testosterone though the effect may be small.

Smaller testicle and penis size

The body requires testosterone to develop the penis and testicles, so low testosterone levels could contribute to a disproportionately smaller penis or testicles. Other conditions and circumstances can cause a smaller penis and testicles, as well.

Low blood counts

Low testosterone may increase your risk for anemia, according to a 2017 study. When researchers administered testosterone gel to males with low testosterone and anemia, they saw improved blood counts compared to males who used a placebo. Blood counts also improved in males with known causes of anemia, like iron deficiency.

What are the causes of low testosterone?

Testosterone levels naturally decrease as males get older, but other conditions or circumstances may also cause low testosterone. These may include:

Testicle injuries
Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation
Stress
AIDS
Alcohol use disorder
Kidney disease
Cirrhosis of the liver
Pituitary gland conditions
Autoimmune disease
infection
Obesity
Metabolic syndrome
Using certain medications

How is low testosterone diagnosed?

Testosterone levels are typically 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Low testosterone is when testosterone levels fall below 300 ng/dL. A blood test called a serum testosterone test can determine your testosterone level. Other tests may be performed to determine the cause of low testosterone, these include: serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, blood prolactin level.

How is low testosterone treated?

Testosterone replacement therapy is a common treatment for low testosterone. If low testosterone symptoms are bothering you, you can talk with a doctor to determine if testosterone replacement therapy is right for you. Testosterone replacement therapy is a lifelong treatment. If you stop treatment, your testosterone levels will drop. Side effects can include: