6 Unexpected Signs of Low Testosterone

Everyday signs of low testosterone in men as experts warn it is a key link to erectile dysfunction Health

Well, to start, “testosterone is essential for sperm production,” he says. As T levels decline, so do sperm counts and semen quality, which can lead to issues in fertility, he says. For those who want to grow their family, this can lead to high levels of emotional stress on the individual and family levels. “On a societal scale, this could exacerbate population challenges, particularly in countries already experiencing aging populations and workforce shortages,” he says. “Lifestyle changes across generations, such as reduced physical activity and unhealthy diets, further exacerbate the problem,” says Bailey.

Lifestyle choices also play a significant role in testosterone decline. Excessive alcohol consumption can impair liver function and disrupt hormone metabolism, while smoking has been linked to reduced testicular function. A sedentary lifestyle, particularly the absence of strength training and regular physical activity, contributes to declining testosterone over time. A man suffers from low testosterone levels when the hormone is either not present in the blood in sufficient quantities or not enough is available for use by the body’s tissues. Another way low T can make you feel tired and weak is by causing anemia, a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your organs and tissues. According to the American Urological Association, men with low testosterone levels have a higher prevalence of fatigue than men with normal testosterone levels.

Growth hormone deficiency that develops after puberty might not affect height but can cause other health problems like heart disease, loss of muscle, and increased body fat. While you’re with them, a doctor may recommend blood tests to assess hormone levels, says Houman. From there, they might provide guidance on healthy lifestyle changes, such as the tips above.

If you’re struggling to maintain your gains despite consistent workouts, low T could be to blame. The Testosterone is a vital hormone that plays a key role in muscle building, sex drive, bone density, and overall health. However, when levels drop too low, it can lead to a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Here are eight sneaky signs that your testosterone might be lower than it should be. Research has shown that low or ineffective testosterone levels are also implicated in many of the severe, long term illnesses which become common in men with ageing. Researchers aren’t sure why fatigue is such a common symptom of low testosterone in men, but it could be related to sleep disturbances.

Provenge is prescribed to treat mCRPC that causes minimal to no symptoms. This uniquely tailored vaccine is manufactured in a laboratory by combining a person’s white blood cells (infection-fighting cells) with a protein derived from prostate cancer cells. Androgen receptor blockers are intended to “intensify” androgen deprivation since some prostate cancer cells may still be responsive. These medicines are taken by mouth as a pill and block testosterone from binding to sites within prostate cancer cells. The majority of prostate cancers eventually stop responding to hormone therapy. At this time, the cancer is termed castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). In the past two decades scientists have increasingly uncovered how detrimental EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals) can be to your overall health, including hormone health.

Ahead, men’s health experts answer the question, and share tips for supporting your T levels at any age. Low T is diagnosed with a review of your medical history, a physical exam, and a total testosterone (TT) blood test. If your symptoms are not significant or you do not want (or cannot have) TRT, there are things you can do to boost your testosterone. These generally involve changing lifestyle factors that contribute to testosterone deficiency. Having low T can significantly impact your life, not only physically but also your moods, well-being, relationships, and quality of life. If you suspect you have low testosterone, the only way to know for sure is to get tested.

One of the physical signs of low testosterone is a noticeable decrease in muscle mass, often accompanied by an increase in body fat, particularly around the abdomen. This change in body composition can occur even with regular exercise and a balanced diet, as testosterone plays a key role in protein synthesis and muscle growth. Without sufficient testosterone, the body struggles to build and maintain muscle tissue, leading to a gradual loss of strength and endurance.

If you or a loved one experiences any of the nine signs of low testosterone listed below, contact your urologist to discuss your symptoms and next steps. As with many of these proposed benefits, researchers are calling for more studies into testosterone and its effects on cognitive health. To make a diagnosis, a provider will consider your specific signs, symptoms and any blood test results. In one study, 30% of men who were overweight had low testosterone, compared to only 6% of those with weight in the normal range. In another study, 25% of men with Type 2 diabetes had low testosterone, compared to 13% of those without diabetes. However, hair loss on the head is typically not a sign of low testosterone.