Low testosterone can cause side effects like decreased sex drive, depression and weakness in females. Testosterone is a natural hormone produced primarily in the testicles, and it helps men maintain everything from bone density and body hair to sex drive and sperm production. However, you don't have to hit a certain number or level despite what the constant flow of ads may tell you. Testosterone helps the body produce healthy red blood cells (RBCs). Low testosterone levels could lead to anemia, a blood disorder that may occur due to the decrease of RBCs. In fact, testosterone does fuel sex drive and muscle mass, but it also regulates mood and bone strength. When a man's level falls below normal, a doctor may prescribe shots, gels, or patches.
To minimize exposure, eat and drink from glass and stainless steel containers, shop for fragrance-free products, and reduce your plastic use altogether. Sometimes, additional tests may be needed to check for related hormones or factors that could be affecting your testosterone levels. To ensure accurate results, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding preparation for these tests, such as fasting. Monitoring bone health is essential, especially if you suspect low testosterone levels. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious bone-related complications.
According to the American Urological Association, around 40% of men over 45 years are diagnosed with low testosterone. A muscular physique, a baritone voice, a toned figure—all these traits are closely tied to one particular hormone in the body, testosterone. This may be because testosterone can help open up blood vessels to the heart, allowing blood to flow more freely. The best say to build bone density is with weight-bearing exercise. Combining TRT with weight lifting is very useful for getting your bone density where it should be. Trouble with thinking and memory often occurs in men with low T, Dr. Werthman says. In addition to the amygdala, areas of the brain important for memory and attention—such as the cerebrum—also have testosterone receptors.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to pain and injury. In men with low testosterone, chronic inflammation is exacerbated. Looking for more helpful resources for you or the men in your life?
It’s important to know that it is natural for testosterone production typically to decrease with age. The Endocrine Society considers low blood testosterone to be a morning level of less than 300 nanograms per deciliter in adults. Testosterone levels vary throughout the day, so testing these levels at 8 a.m.
As mentioned earlier, polycythemia— excess amounts of red blood cells—is a possible side effect of TRT. Polycythemia can thicken the blood and raise a person’s risk for stroke or blood clots. If a man has one or both testicles surgically removed, his body will produce less testosterone. Chemotherapy and radiation can affect testosterone production, too. Even if your levels are low and you have symptoms, low-t therapy is not always the first course of action.
TRT is also available as injections, skin patches, and pellets placed under the skin. Safe, successful low-T treatments start with personalized conversations. For more research-backed information and resources, visit our dedicated men’s health hub. People with low testosterone may find it difficult to fall or stay asleep. This article will use the terms "male," "female secondary sex characteristics," or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. The complications of untreated hypogonadism differ depending on when it develops — during fetal development, puberty or adulthood. Your doctor can also help you determine if there’s an underlying cause triggering your low testosterone.
Continue reading to learn more about the most common symptoms men experience when they have low testosterone levels and how to combat these changes to restore hormonal balance. Many men with low testosterone levels find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, and many also suffer from sleep apnea, which can disrupt your sleep, leaving you fatigued. In some cases, medications can be used to treat low testosterone levels. These medications may include clomiphene, anastrozole, or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). These medications can help to stimulate the production of testosterone in the body. As with your muscles, testosterone helps maintain strong bones. Low levels increase your risk of fractures and osteoporosis, especially as you age.
