Low testosterone: Symptoms, causes, and treatment
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It is important to remember that males typically lose testosterone as they age, and the potential benefits of lifestyle changes also decrease over time. Weight loss and exercise can often increase testosterone levels naturally. In males, hypogonadism, a condition where the testicles produce little or no testosterone, may occur at any age. An older 2006 study found that women over 65 with low testosterone levels tended to have lower hemoglobin levels, putting them at greater risk for anemia. This potentially severe disorder causes a person to temporarily stop breathing, which can disrupt sleep. Many people experience hair loss as a natural part of aging, and age-related hair loss can also affect anyone.
Meanwhile, a 2017 study in Current Obesity Reports found that endocrine-disrupting chemicals can promote the accumulation of adipose (fat) tissue and cause weight gain. Low testosterone can directly impact your mood, leading to feelings of depression or anxiety. This is partly due to the hormone’s role in regulating brain areas linked to emotional well-being. Additionally, the physical symptoms of low T, such as weight gain or sexual dysfunction, can further contribute to a decline in mental health.
Women’s testosterone levels also decrease with age, but low testosterone is an unlikely problem for women. In fact, there are no official guidelines defining the measurement of low testosterone levels in women. People of every sex have estrogen and testosterone, but women have more estrogen for fertility and breast growth.
Even if you get enough sleep, your low energy levels won’t improve if you have low testosterone. The research is unclear on whether low testosterone levels impact sperm count enough to cause infertility. But while a lower semen volume might not directly cause fertility issues, it may lower your chance of getting a partner pregnant. Hair loss, particularly a noticeable thinning of hair or balding, can be a sign of low testosterone.
However, data suggests that low testosterone impacts up to 40 percent of men over the age of 40. One of the most persistent myths around TRT is that it makes men overly aggressive or “unnatural.” The reality? Ultimately, the decision to treat or not treat is shared between you and your healthcare provider, weighing the benefits with the potential risks. Some studies have also shown a link between low T and relationship conflicts—not only with spouses or partners but with other family members. Males with severe ED coupled with high levels of anxiety or depression tend to be most affected. These tests are important because they can help establish if the cause of your condition is your testicles (primary testis failure includes elevated LH and FSH) or due to pituitary issues (LH and FSH are low).
Fertility evaluations often include hormonal assessments to identify potential issues, and treatment options may involve hormone replacement therapy or assisted reproductive technologies. Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, and avoiding substances that can affect hormone levels, can also support reproductive health. Early detection and intervention can improve fertility outcomes and provide individuals with the best chance of achieving their reproductive goals. The primary sign of growth hormone deficiency in children is short stature. Adults may have decreased muscle mass and increased body fat, as well as other problems such as heart disease and depression.
Those with fertility interests require specific regimens for raising testosterone since many FDA-approved medications can cause declines in sperm quality and fertility. 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. This may involve having regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests to check for signs of prostate enlargement or cancer. Among men who experienced sexual dysfunction, TRT increased sexual activity by 49% within six months, improving moods and sex drive but not necessarily erectile dysfunction. The diagnosis will typically start with a review of your symptoms and medical history (including any medications you take or illnesses you’ve had). You may also be asked about how much you drink and smoke, as these can also affect testosterone levels.
A doctor can then come up with a treatment plan to increase their testosterone levels. For example, you may have a reaction to the application site, such as redness or itching. You may suffer from an enlarged prostate or have a reduced sperm count. Other side effects include fluid retention, acne, an increased red blood cell count or your testicles may reduce in size.
Health conditions, medications, and injuries can cause your testosterone to lower faster or earlier than usual. While some men might not experience any symptoms of low testosterone, other can have a wide range of symptoms. Another reason why you may want to maintain a healthy level of testosterone is due to its link with erectile dysfunction, which impacts up to one in five men in the UK.
Three Hone patients share a timeline of benefits and changes during the first year of TRT treatment. “Fortunately an increased boost in energy is one of the first things I hear from my guys I put on TRT,” says Calvert. “It’s ironic because low testosterone can lead to insomnia and insomnia can lead to low testosterone,” Staheli notes. “The process of getting an erection is complex both physiologically and psychologically, and many men notice decreased spontaneous erections (2) as the first sign of low vagina after testosterone,” says Calvert. According to the AUA, 7 in 10 people receiving treatment for low T are using TRT skin gels. TRT is also available as injections, skin patches, and pellets placed under the skin. It tells brain receptors to produce nitric oxide, which is a molecule that helps trigger a series of chemical reactions to produce an erection.
