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Is Your Testosterone Low? 8 Hidden Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Low Testosterone: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

When testosterone levels are low, you might struggle with brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or memory lapses. This is because the hormone helps keep brain cells functioning optimally. If you’ve been feeling mentally sluggish or forgetful, low T could be a contributing factor(4✔ ✔Trusted SourceOn the effects of testosterone on brain behavioral functionsGo to source). Lastly, men with low T often experience low energy levels and feelings of fatigue.

While low testosterone won’t decrease muscle mass, men may feel that their overall strength has decreased due to low T. Even without medical intervention there are some things you can do to improve your testosterone levels. Following a healthy, balanced diet, which includes enough protein, is a good place to start. To better manage TRT over the long term, see your healthcare provider every 3 to 6 months to repeat blood testing and check for side effects.

However, prostate problems often cause no symptoms at all, especially in the case of prostate cancer. The Well is Northwell Health’s commitment to the future of health care. In this time of information overabundance, much of which is inaccurate, unhelpful, or even difficult to understand, Northwell Health is on a mission to make a difference as an honest, trusted, and caring partner. The site connects with consumers to provide them with personalized content that reduces their stress, makes them laugh, and ultimately feel more confident and capable on their healthcare journey. Yes, TRT has been said to lower sperm count, especially if taken without precautions.

When you have your testosterone levels tested, or test yourself at home, a healthcare provider will look at both your free testosterone levels and your total testosterone levels. Your total testosterone levels include both free and bound testosterone. This is referred to as hypogonadism, testosterone deficiency syndrome (TD), low testosterone (Low-T), or andropause. If low testosterone symptoms bother you, speak with a healthcare professional.

However, when its symptoms directly threaten a man’s overall health, treatment for low testosterone becomes crucial. Low sex drive, also known as low libido, is common in men with low T. While a reduced sex drive may also be due to age, low testosterone is known to cause a significant decrease in a man’s desire to have sex. The treatment may involve lifestyle changes or testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) delivered by pill, injection, topical cream, transdermal patch, intranasal gel, or an under-the-tongue tablet or film.

The defect can be due to congenital causes (meaning conditions you are born with) and acquired causes (conditions you develop later in life). Male hypogonadism affects people born with testes and a penis, who are typically assigned male at birth. Depending on how low your testosterone is and the causes, doctors can also refer you for testosterone replacement therapy. Low testosterone can be caused by numerous things, with illness, injuries, stress and genetic conditions all playing a role in how the hormone is produced.

It stimulates the development of male characteristics and is essential for sperm production (spermatogenesis). Levels of testosterone are naturally much higher in men than women. Most cases of low testosterone are treatable, and being aware of the symptoms can help a person receive an early diagnosis and treatment. The American Urology Association reports that low testosterone affects around 2 in every 100 men. The risk increases with age, though most people naturally lose testosterone as they get older.

While there is a genetic component to balding, males with low testosterone may experience a loss of body and facial hair, too. The effects of low testosterone in men can be devastating for their quality of life. If you think you might be suffering, and want to know how to check for low T, try taking the free low T symptoms questionnaire. This has been validated by international researchers and will allow you to assess the level of your low testosterone symptoms. It’s important to work with a licensed healthcare provider, who can monitor your levels and discuss possible side effects. Another way low T can make you feel tired and weak is by causing anemia, a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your organs and tissues. Many men with diagnosed testosterone deficiency notice a dramatic improvement in their mood after starting testosterone replacement treatment, says Calvert.

He graduated with a bachelor’s in biology from the University of Wisconsin and a medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School. During medical school, he completed a graduate certificate in integrative therapies and healing practices through the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing. He is developing a clinical practice for patients with complex trauma, as well as for others going through significant life transitions. He is working on a book distilling the insights from his sabbatical, teaching, and leading retreats on trauma, integrative health, mindfulness, and well-being for health professionals, students, and the community.