Symptoms and Signs of Low Testosterone Low-T: Treatment

9 Signs of Low Testosterone In Men

This may turn into osteoporosis over time if not addressed properly. In addition, men with low levels of testosterone have reported height loss. Besides, other physical changes can include hair loss and hot flashes, similar to hot flashes experienced by women in menopause. By the time a man reaches his 40s, testosterone production starts to wane; by their 50s men often start to notice physical changes from their declining levels of testosterone.

“It’s not a psychological thing or situational; it’s just that you don’t feel like going out and doing things anymore,” Dr. Nall says. You might also notice that you don’t recover as quickly from physical activity as you used to or need to take naps to get through the day. Without a steady flow of testosterone, the tissues in your penis, scrotum, and testicles can atrophy, or shrivel, says Dr. Ramin. You may notice your balls shrink, too—they often shrivel to half the size and turn squishy instead of firm, he says.

Testosterone levels in men are steadily declining, with research indicating an average decrease of 1% per year since the 1980s. This alarming trend has far-reaching implications, as low testosterone is linked to a wide array of health and fertility issues. From a diminished sex drive to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, the effects can be profound and life-altering. Discover the top 20 signs and take proactive steps to reclaim your vitality and well-being today. However, the hormone is critical for the overall sexual function, which includes sex drive and erectile function.

Some men may have a naturally lower testosterone level, and this is not necessarily a sign of an underlying health condition. It is important to speak to a doctor if you are concerned about your testosterone for impotence levels. Testosterone levels typically peak in your late teens and early 20s.

Low testosterone is when testosterone levels fall below 300 ng/dL. Some research suggests that hot flashes may be a symptom of very low testosterone levels. Rare genetic disorders such as Klinefelter syndrome, where males have an extra X chromosome, may also affect testosterone production. About 15% of men with fertility problems have low testosterone levels. It is important to remember that males typically lose testosterone as they age, and the potential benefits of lifestyle changes also decrease over time. Testosterone helps stimulate the production of semen, and reduced semen levels can indicate a reduction in testosterone. A reduction in testosterone can lead to an increase in body fat.

Men should seek medical attention when clinical signs and symptoms are present and before illness progresses too far. Men notoriously wait until the last moment to seek medical care. The first is due to reduced production of testosterone from the testes, known as classical, or primary hypogonadism. This often appears in younger men, from conditions such as testicular cancer, testicular trauma or torsion (strangulation), or a congenital condition.

This includes competence in interpreting testosterone levels, recognizing symptoms, and understanding the complexities of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. All interprofessional team members must understand the risks, benefits, and contraindications of testosterone therapy. An estimated 1 in 50 men have low-T and experience symptoms such as lessened energy, decreased libido (sex drive), erectile dysfunction, lack of concentration, or trouble sleeping. Around age 30, a man’s testosterone levels may slowly begin to decline. Approximately 35% of men in their 70s have low-T, according to the American Urological Association.

It is also one of the most common reasons why people see a healthcare professional for the evaluation of hypogonadism (3). While everyone produces levels of testosterone, it’s mostly produced by men in the testicles. Testosterone is responsible for a man’s sex drive, his appearance, bone mass and muscle development as well as his ability to generate sperm. Sometimes referred to as “andropause,” low testosterone levels are often compared to menopause in women. However, in menopause there is a complete estrogen deficiency causing known clinical side effects. Men have decreased levels of their sex hormone with less obvious clinical consequences.

Other environmental and social factors affect sex drive, even with normal hormone levels. However, there are times when testosterone can be low, and men are affected regardless. Men over 50 who feel a lack of interest in sex or have difficulty maintaining erections should consider medical help.