Testosterone is a hormone that is essential for men’s health. It helps to maintain muscle mass and bone density, regulates fertility and sex drive, and affects mood and energy levels.
Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, but sometimes they can drop too low due to other factors. Here are 6 signs that might be the signs of low t levels and what you can do about it.
Signs of Low Testosterone Levels in Men
1. Low Sex Drive: A decreased libido is one of the most common signs of low testosterone levels. If you used to enjoy sex and now you don’t, it could be a sign that your testosterone levels are low.
2. Erectile Dysfunction: Along with low libido, erectile dysfunction (ED) is another common sign of low testosterone levels. If you can’t get or maintain an erection, it could be a sign that your testosterone levels are low.
3. Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time is a common sign of many different health conditions, but it can also be a sign of low testosterone levels. If you’re always feeling exhausted, it could be a sign that your testosterone levels are low.
4. Moodiness: Another common sign of low testosterone levels is moodiness. If you find yourself feeling angry or irritable for no reason, it could be a sign that your testosterone levels are low.
5. Muscle Loss: Muscle mass naturally declines with age, but if you’re losing muscle mass more quickly than usual, it could be a sign that your testosterone levels are low.
6. Body Fat Gain: Along with muscle loss, body fat gain is another common sign of low testosterone levels. If you’re carrying around more body fat than usual, especially around your midsection, it could be a sign that your testosterone levels are low.
Treating Low Testosterone Levels
If you think you may have low testosterone levels, visiting your doctor for a blood test to confirm it is the first step. Once it’s been determined that you do indeed have low testosterone levels, you have a few different therapy choices at your disposal.
The most common treatment option is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which involves taking synthetic hormones to bring your testosterone up to normal levels. TRT is generally safe, but there are some potential side effects, such as acne, mood swings, and sleep apnea, that you should be aware of before starting treatment.
Preventing Low Testosterone Levels from Happening in the First Place
- There are some lifestyle choices that can increase your risk of developing low testosterone levels, such as smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products, being overweight or obese, having diabetes or prediabetes, and having high blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
- If you want to prevent low testosterone levels from happening in the first place, the best thing you can do is live a healthy lifestyle and make sure to see your doctor regularly so they can check your hormone levels and screen for any potential health problems early on.
Conclusion:
Low testosterone levels can cause a variety of symptoms in men and can lead to other health problems down the road if left untreated. The good news is that there are treatments available and lifestyle changes that can help improve your hormone health and prevent further declines in testosterone production.
