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Low Testosterone Symptoms
What Are The Signs Of Low Testosterone Levels In Men?
Testosterone is the hormone that is responsible for masculinity in men. It stimulates sexual development and enhances the male appearance. It is responsible for the stimulation of a man’s sex drive and sperm production. Testosterone is produced inside the body
and it promotes the development of bone mass and muscles.
As one grows older, the testosterone that the body produces decreases.
This is the reason younger men tend to have more testosterone than their older counterparts. Two out of ten men older than 60 years have been found to have low testosterone according to the American Urological Association. The numbers increase to three out of ten men as they approach their 70’s and 80’s.
When testosterone levels are less than they should be, men will experience a number of symptoms. One is deemed to have low testosterone if the levels are lower than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advise the normal range to be between 300 and 1000 ng/dL. To determine the levels of testosterone circulating in your bloodstream, you will undergo a blood test known as a serum testosterone test.
If you experience these symptoms, your testosterone levels might be lower than usual. If so, it is recommended that you consult a doctor as soon as possible.
HERE ARE THE SIGNS OF LOW TESTOSTERONE
If you experience these symptoms, your testosterone levels might be lower than usual. If so, it is recommended that you consult a doctor as soon as possible.
1. Having trouble getting erect
Besides stimulating a man’s sex drive as stated above, testosterone also helps in both attaining and maintaining an erection. It does so by stimulating the brain receptors to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a chemical that triggers a series of biological reactions that are important in achieving an erection. Typically, a man should have spontaneous erections, such as when asleep, once in a while. When the testosterone levels are low, the individual has difficulty experiencing both spontaneous erections and erections prior to sex.
It is important to note that besides testosterone, there are other factors that could affect testosterone levels. Research that has been carried out on men facing erectile dysfunction has not shown conclusive results on the importance of testosterone in the occurrence of the condition. Almost half of the research group showed insignificant improvement with testosterone treatment.
In most cases, other problems play a significant role in erectile dysfunction. Look over this list closely as some of these things listed may be impacting your testosterone levels. If you believe you may have low testosterone then look over this list and also be sure to consult with your doctor.
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Thyroid problems
- High cholesterol
- Depression
- Smoking
- Anxiety
- Alcohol use
2. Decreased muscle mass
Considering testosterone’ role in building muscles, men who have decreased levels of the hormone will note a reduction on muscle mass. Although research has proved that testosterone affects muscle mass, it does not affect function or strength.
3. Low sex drive
Testosterone affects libido in men directly. Some men tend to have reduced sex drive with age. Despite the age, an individual who has low testosterone will have a drastic drop in their sex drive.
4. Low semen volume
Testosterone, among other factors affects semen production. Semen is the fluid that enhances sperm mobility. Men who have low testosterone levels will realize a decrease in the semen volume during ejaculation.
5. Mood changes
Testosterone controls various physical processes such as mental capacity and mood. Yes, men can also experience mood fluctuations. This happens when their testosterone levels are below the minimum requirement. Studies have shown that men with low testosterone are likely to lose focus, undergo depression and be highly irritable.
6. Fatigue
Men with low testosterone have decreased energy levels and fatigue. If you feel tired all the time despite trying to get enough sleep, or have a hard time working out, you might be having low testosterone levels.
7. Increase body fat
Men who have low testosterone tend to have more body fat. In particular, they have enlarged breast tissues. The effect is probably as a result of an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone.
8. Hair loss
Testosterone impacts hair production directly. Although balding is a normal effect that comes with age, men with low testosterone levels tend to experience spiked balding. They might also lose body and facial hair rapidly.
9. Reduced bone mass
The thinning of bone mass is known as osteoporosis. The condition is usually associated with women. However, men who have low testosterone might experience osteoporosis too. Individuals who are suffering from the condition are prone to bone fractures.
Men are unique from women in that their hormone levels decrease gradually with age unlike women who have a sudden decrease. Men with low testosterone levels may experience the symptoms listed above. Older men are more prone to lower hormone levels as compared to their younger counterparts. If you notice these signs, visit your doctor so that a blood test can be done. The doctor will also discuss the pros and cons of testosterone medication.
