Do I Have Low Testosterone? 13 Symptoms to Look for

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

The prognosis is excellent for symptomatic men diagnosed with male hypogonadism who are treated according to guidelines and followed appropriately. While the condition is not usually curable, it is amenable to treatment with clomiphene or testosterone replacement therapy. Optimal results are obtained when proper follow-up is implemented and treatment is modified appropriately to utilize the minimal acceptable dose to relieve symptoms and avoid side effects. Endocrinologists usually use the mid-week median levels, while many urologists typically favor monitoring the peak levels for treatment and dosage guidance. This is because, unlike endocrinologists, urologists deal with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), PSA, and prostate cancer issues that overly aggressive testosterone therapy can produce. Decreased muscle mass and body hair changes typically take years to manifest. Infertility, gynecomastia, and decreased testicular size are more typical of primary rather than secondary hypogonadism.

According to the American Urological Association, about 2 men in every 100 have low testosterone. If there is a problem with the pituitary gland, the testicles might not get the “message” to produce. Low T can decrease your muscle mass and make your body feel soft and weak. Libido and erections aside, low T can still cause sexual problems in the form of infertility. During treatment, your doctor may need to repeat blood tests to monitor your levels of testosterone, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Testosterone is a sex hormone that’s primarily responsible for helping develop male characteristics like facial hair and a deeper voice.

In addition to a decrease in sex drive, having trouble getting or maintaining an erection is one of the signs of low testosterone. Testosterone is responsible for sending signals to the brain to produce an erection, so if a man has lower levels of the hormone, the signal may not be strong enough. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a variety of factors and conditions, so it’s a good idea to consult your urologist to get a proper diagnosis.

But as you age, testosterone levels naturally drop — a process that can bring some frustrating and unexpected changes. The bottom line is that hormone levels affect different people in a variety of ways. The good news is that if they aren’t, we can restore your levels, and your quality of life, with hormone replacement therapies. If you’re dealing with reduced libido, low energy, or other signs of low testosterone, it can feel difficult to talk about. However, you’re not alone – many men experience similar testosterone deficiency symptoms. In fact, according to the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, nearly 40% of men over 45 face low testosterone, often due to medical conditions or lifestyle factors.

By recognizing the signs and seeking professional help, you can improve your energy, regain strength, and feel like yourself again. If you’re over 40, pay close attention to what your body is trying to tell you. If you notice any of these warning signs, make an appointment with us as soon as possible. Recognising the signs of low testosterone is therefore important for timely intervention.

Millions of men use testosterone replacement therapy to restore low levels and feel more alert, energetic, mentally sharp, and sexually functional. For instance, being overweight, having diabetes or thyroid problems, and taking certain medications, such as glucocorticoids and other steroids, can you gain muscle with low testosterone affect levels. Therefore, simply having low-t levels does not always call for taking extra testosterone. Even so, there are telltale signs that warrant a visit to your healthcare provider.

DHT helps with hair growth in men, mainly on the chest and back. Everyone can benefit from an unbiased, listening ear now and then. I’ve referred many patients to see a therapist whose concerns resolve without testosterone therapy. So, before you call that low-T clinic or click on an outlandish ad for testosterone-boosting supplements, find out what’s at stake for your health.

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. According to a 2019 review, testosterone supplementation may improve memory in older men with low testosterone though the effect may be small.