Low Testosterone Symptoms: Mood, Weight, and Sex

5 Signs of Low Testosterone and What You Can Do to Relieve Symptoms: Arlington Family Practice: Family Practice

Having low T can significantly impact your life, not only physically but also your moods, well-being, relationships, and quality of life. Male hypogonadism affects people born with testes and a penis who are typically assigned male at birth. In 2014, the FDA approved an extra-long-acting intramuscular injectable form of testosterone called testosterone undecanoate. It is administered at an initial dose of 750 mg, followed by a second dose 4 weeks later.

Testosterone helps stimulate the production of semen, and reduced semen levels can indicate a reduction in testosterone. If you’re taking hormone replacement therapy, regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are important. Primary hypogonadism happens when something is wrong with your testicles that doesn’t allow them to make normal levels of testosterone. Male hypogonadism is a medical condition that can affect people with testicles at any age from birth through adulthood.

Testosterone is primarily a reproductive hormone, so the most common side effects of low testosterone involve your sexual health. Problems with erectile dysfunction and low libido are two of the bigger complaints when it comes to TD. However, for some people, this decrease in hormone levels causes significant concerns. Men with low testosterone levels often experience an increase in body fat. This is due to the hormone’s role in regulating fat distribution and metabolism. Low testosterone, often referred to as “Low-T,” is a condition where the body produces lower levels of testosterone, a hormone important in male development and health.

Even if you don’t have sleep apnea, low testosterone can still contribute to a decrease in the hours of sleep. Because testosterone affects so many functions, its decrease can bring about significant physical and emotional changes. Besides sexual functions, testosterone is also responsible for regulating higher mental functions such as concentration and focus. Therefore, hypogonadal men often report difficulty in concentrating while taking care of important tasks or work, problem-solving, multi-tasking and memory related issues (4). The hormone seeps through the skin, and is slowly released into the blood. Because gels and patches are applied every day, they keep a steady level of testosterone. However, they can cancer cause low testosterone cause itching, irritation, and blisters at the spot where they’re applied.

It is not what directly causes the erection, but it has a major role in stimulating brain receptors that produce nitrous oxide. This molecule helps to trigger a series of chemical reactions necessary for an erection. However, low testosterone is the cause for about half of men who experience erection difficulties. Other causes can include thyroid malfunction, diabetes, smoking and alcohol use, and psychological factors such as stress or depression. Because testosterone plays a key role in a man’s sex drive, men with low T can experience a marked reduction in their libido. When hormonal changes occur within the body, it can interfere with a variety of day-to-day functions.

As testosterone levels fall, the bones may get thinner, weaker, and more likely to break. Diets high in trans-fats can negatively impact a person’s testosterone levels, while zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidant vitamins can support testosterone production. Some evidence suggests that people with low testosterone levels are likely to experience a lack of focus, irritability, and depression. Low testosterone levels are common in men who have sleep apnea. This potentially severe disorder causes a person to temporarily stop breathing, which can disrupt sleep.

There are safer, more cost-effective options to restore youthful energy – and potentially reverse fertility loss from previous testosterone products. To keep your bones healthy, don’t smoke, and cut back on alcohol. But many other things can sap your energy, too, including normal aging and depression. A small number of pellets, about the size of Tic Tacs, are inserted into the fat of the buttocks. The five-minute procedure is preferred by many patients because of the low side effects and strong outcomes. You may be wondering, “Are there low testosterone doctors near me? According to a study published in Clinical Endocrinology, the testosterone-level goal for men over 65 is approximately 350–450 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter).

Studies show that testosterone replacement therapy can improve erectile function in people with mild erectile dysfunction. If you have signs and symptoms of low testosterone, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam. They’ll also ask questions about your medical history, medications you take or have taken, smoking history and any symptoms you currently have.