As we age, hormone production begins to decrease. For men, this means producing lower levels of testosterone which, if left untreated, can cause an array of unpleasant symptoms. Need to know if you’re experiencing symptoms of Low T? Take this quiz below and find out.
What Happens When You Have Low Testosterone?
Low testosterone can manifest itself in a number of ways. Some of the most common symptoms experienced are weight gain, weakness, fatigue, loss of libido, mood disturbances, and hair loss.
Testosterone has a widespread impact on the way the body works and affects nearly every organ system. T plays a key role in metabolism, by affecting how the body uses its caloric intake and encouraging muscle protein synthesis. Excess abdominal fat can decrease the body’s levels of testosterone and boost estrogen production in males.
The most common reason for lowered T production is simply aging. Research has shown that testosterone levels in aging males fall 1-2% each year after age thirty.
Scientists have also found a link between low T and chemical imbalances in the brain, which may be why men with low T frequently report symptoms such as low libido, fatigue, and mood disturbances.
In recent years two different studies – one done by researchers at Saint Louis University and the other by the Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan – found that testosterone replacement therapy was an effective treatment for mild depression.
Ten Signs You May Be Experiencing Low T
1. You’re feeling weaker than normal.
Men who have low T frequently report muscle weakness – this is sometimes due to a decrease in muscle mass caused by low T levels.
2. You have bouts of unexplained sadness and a decrease in pleasure from hobbies you once enjoyed.
Evidence has shown that both high and low levels of T can cause mood disturbances and emotional side effects.
3. Your libido is much lower than what it once was.
Low libido is a common side effect of low T and is one of the main reasons men with low T pursue hormone replacement therapy,
4. You’re beginning to accumulate more body fat, especially in the abdomen.
As testosterone levels decrease men usually begin to see an increase in weight gain. Stomach fat, in particular, can increase estrogen levels in men, which can make T levels drop even further.
5. You’re experiencing health complications associated with brittle bones like fractures and bone breaks.
Often, low T goes hand-in-hand with low bone density (osteoporosis). The Endocrine Society lists TRT as an effective treatment option for men with low bone density and hypogonadism.
6. You’re experiencing a reduction in muscle tone.
Testosterone plays a vital role in muscle building and maintenance. When T levels drop, men frequently report a decrease in muscle mass and strength.
7. Your hair is beginning to thin and fall out.
Testosterone levels spiking during puberty leads to hair growth and other primary and secondary sex traits in young men. But as those levels diminish in older men, testosterone loss can often bring about thinner hair and male pattern baldness.
8. You’re experiencing problems with erectile dysfunction.
While low T isn’t a direct cause of ED in aging men, it’s frequently seen as a contributor to sexual dysfunction because it decreases libido and can cause a lack of enjoyment of intimacy.
9. You’ve noticed a decrease in semen production or change in the size of your testes.
Testicular shrinkage and a decrease in sperm output is a common symptom of men with hypogonadism.
10. You’re experiencing hot flashes.
Though typically thought of as a menopause symptom, andropause can cause this uncomfortable side effect as well.
Find Out If You Really Have Low T
Renew Vitality is committed to helping men with low T reverse the signs of andropause (or male menopause) by creating individualized lifestyle plans and hormone regimens to supplement their body’s new levels of testosterone production.
Once you’ve scheduled your consultation, we ask that you submit a blood sample 48 hours before your visit so we can give you the most informed care possible. Though it is not required, your blood sample will help us to obtain precise measurements of your hormone levels to find you the most appropriate course of action for treatment.
At your appointment, our care providers will take some measurements (blood pressure, weight, etc.) and then ask you a few questions to see if what you are experiencing can be treated with HRT. Once our physician has made a diagnosis, they will work with you to create a lifestyle plan and hormone treatment regimen that is tailored to your specific needs.
If you feel like low T may be the cause of your symptoms, schedule a consultation today with our expert team of healthcare specialists.