Low Testosterone Symptom: Your Muscles Shrink
Ample testosterone puts your body in an anabolic, or muscle-building, state by helping your body produce and assemble proteins that form the building blocks of lean mass.
When your testosterone levels drop, your body turns catabolic instead, breaking down muscle tissue instead of building it up, Dr. Werthman says.
At first, you might notice that its tougher to push as much weight at the gym or build muscle, he notes.
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And after a few weeks of low T, you can expect to lose muscle mass, Dr. Anawalt says.
In fact, in one Japanese study, men with low free testosterone levelsa measure of the amount of hormone available to bind to receptorshad double to triple the risk of muscle loss with aging as those with normal levels.
How Is Low Testosterone Diagnosed
If you have signs and symptoms of low testosterone, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam. Theyll also ask questions about your medical history, medications you take or have taken, smoking history and any symptoms you currently have. Blood tests may be ordered.
To make a diagnosis, a provider will consider your specific signs, symptoms and any blood test results.
Changes In Mood Or Mood Swings
Some evidence suggests that people with low testosterone levels are likely to experience a lack of focus, irritability, and depression.
One found that testosterone replacement therapy significantly improved depression symptoms and overall quality of life in those with low testosterone.
For more research-backed information and resources for mens health, please visit our dedicated hub.
Females may also experience specific low testosterone symptoms, such as the following.
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The Relationship Between Fat And Testosterone
Maintaining a normal testosterone level is not simply a matter of choosing and sticking with the right treatment. Getting and staying fit is also essential.
According to Sabanegh, fat speeds up the metabolizing of testosterone. The more fat you carry around, therefore, the faster you’ll burn through the already-depleted hormone.
“Your general health makes a difference,” Sabanegh says. In other words, if you want to get the most out of your treatment and your testosterone, exercising, eating right, and keeping your weight down must be a big part of the prescription.
Evans is doing just that. In addition to sticking with his testosterone patch, he plays golf every week, walks three miles a day, and works in his garden. He’s also keeping active in the bedroom. That makes him a happy man. And he’s not the only one who’s happy.
“My sex life — everything — is good, and so is my wife. She’s happy, too.”
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Low Testosterone Symptom: Your Memory Falters
Trouble with thinking and memory often occurs in men with low T, Dr. Werthman says.
In 2015 study from Australia, men whose testosterone levels declined over 5 years also experienced a drop in scores on tests of their mental function and memory.
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Besides the amygdala, areas of the brain important for memory and attentionsuch as the cerebrumalso have testosterone receptors.
When theres not enough of the hormone pumping in to those receptors, your brain cells may not be able to function as well, the study authors note.
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Signs And Symptoms Of High Testosterone In Men
Men with high testosterone can experience a variety of troubling symptoms and possible health consequences. Excess testosterone can lead to more aggressive and irritable behavior, more acne and oily skin, even worse sleep apnea , and an increase in muscle mass. With too much testosterone pumping through your system, you may have a lower sperm count and shrunken testicles.
Men Naturally Lose Testosterone As They Age But There Are Low
Testosterone is the hormone that gives men their manliness. Produced by the testicles, it is responsible for male characteristics like a deep voice, muscular build, and facial hair. Testosterone also fosters the production of red blood cells, boosts mood, keeps bones strong, and aids thinking ability. Lack of testosterone, often nicknamed, low-t, can cause unwanted symptoms.
Testosterone levels peak by early adulthood and drop as you ageabout 1% to 2% a year beginning in the 40s. As men reach their 50s and beyond, this may lead to signs and symptoms, such as impotence or changes in sexual desire, depression or anxiety, reduced muscle mass, less energy, weight gain, anemia, and hot flashes. While falling testosterone levels are a normal part of aging, certain conditions can hasten the decline. Low t risk factors include:
- injury or infection
- chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer
- medications, especially hormones used to treat prostate cancer and corticosteroid drugs
- chronic illness
Millions of men use testosterone replacement therapy to restore low levels and feel more alert, energetic, mentally sharp, and sexually functional. But it’s not that simple. A man’s general health also affects his testosterone levels. For instance, being overweight, having diabetes or thyroid problems, and taking certain medications, such as glucocorticoids and other steroids, can affect levels. Therefore, simply having low-t levels does not always call for taking extra testosterone.
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Total Testosterone Vs Free Testosterone Vs Bioavailable Testosterone
If youve ever searched for information about testosterone levels, you may have come across terms like total testosterone, free testosterone and bioavailable testosterone.
These terms refer to testosterone thats either freely floating in your blood or bound to certain proteins.
Free testosteroneas its name suggestsfreely circulates in your blood without being bound to any proteins.
This type of testosterone accounts for a relatively small percentage of your total testosteroneand generally, only about one to two percent of your total testosterone is in this state at any particular time.
Most of the testosterone in your body is bound to a protein called sex hormone binding globulin, or SHBG.
This testosterone isnt free to access your cells and is generally thought of as inactive. However, its still measured as part of your total testosterone.
Finally, about half of the leftover testosterone in your bloodstream is bound to albumin, a protein thats produced by your liver.
Unlike testosterone bound to SHBG, this testosterone can freely access cells and work its effects throughout your body.
Total testosterone is a term used to refer to all of the testosterone thats circulating in your blood, whether its free, or bound to albumin or SHBG.
Free testosterone refers only to testosterone thats freely circulating without being bound to any type of protein. Finally, bioavailable testosterone refers to testosterone thats free or bound only to albumin.
Youre Working Out But Not Seeing Any Gains
If youve been more devoted than ever to your fitness routine, but not noticing any gains, it could be a symptom of low testosterone in men.
Testosterone stimulates the growth of muscles and increases muscle strength, says Calvert. Your muscle cells have receptors called androgen receptors. When testosterone binds to the receptors, it helps your muscles grow. But when T levels flag, the muscle can start to degrade.
In simple terms, if you have more circulating testosterone, your muscle cells are more active and they grow, says Calvert. Take away the T, and adding muscle mass is almost impossible.
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The Dangers Of Low Testosterone
Much of what you associate with men, in terms of general appearance, is because of testosterone. During puberty, this hormone helps build muscle, deepens a mans voice, and boosts the size of his sex organs. Throughout life, testosterone is the hormone that drives libido and keeps muscles and bones healthy. Testosterone levels are highest at the tail end of puberty , but typically remain at high levels until around age 30.
After 30, most men experience a gradual decline in testosterone. Many men notice that this correlates with a loss of sexual desire, which is totally normal. Sometimes, however, testosterone levels drop too low. This can reduce your bones strength and muscle mass, exacerbate sexual issues, and lead to a host of health issues. Low testosterone can be dangerous if not treated.
Do you think you have low testosterone? Put your health first with Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care and James Y. Lee, DO. Dr. Lee is a mens health expert hell work with the rest of our team to make sure you get the care you deserve to be the best man you can be.
Could You Have Low Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone made by the testicles. It is important for a man’s sex drive and physical appearance.
Certain health conditions, medicines, or injury can lead to low testosterone . Testosterone level also naturally drops with age. Low testosterone can affect sex drive, mood, and changes in muscle and fat.
Treatment with testosterone therapy may help reduce symptoms.
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Is There Such A Thing As A ‘male Menopause’
The “male menopause” is an unhelpful term sometimes used in the media.
This label is misleading because it suggests the symptoms are the result of a sudden drop in testosterone in middle age, similar to what occurs in the female menopause. This is not true.
Although testosterone levels fall as men age, the decline is steady at less than 2% a year from around the age of 30 to 40, and this is unlikely to cause any problems in itself.
A testosterone deficiency that develops later in life, also known as late-onset hypogonadism, can sometimes be responsible for these symptoms, but in many cases the symptoms are nothing to do with hormones.
How To Encourage Him To Seek Help
Studies have shown that men are less likely to visit their doctor, for both physical and mental health concerns than women. This may be more worrying for single men, as Harvard University found that . At the Marion Gluck Clinic, we have found that many men seeking help for symptoms of low testosterone and andropause have been persuaded to do so by their partners however, even if they have taken the initiative to make and attend an appointment, it can still be difficult to obtain the answers we need in order to make a diagnosis or recommend treatment which is why we take a unique approach.
While women are more likely to volunteer information, we prepare more direct yes or no questions for our male patients, as information is often more difficult to obtain . These questions include:
- Do you experience mood swings?
- Have you found yourself more irritable than usual?
- Have you ever thought that you may be experiencing depression?
- Have you felt less motivated about things that you were previously interested in?
- Has your confidence level changed? And if so, do you know why this may be?
- Has your libido reduced?
- Have you lost muscle tone?
- Are you getting erectile dysfunction?
- Have you gained weight?
This gives us a good idea of whats going on, and if we do suspect low testosterone, we will request blood tests to confirm our suspicions. We can also use a DUTCH test to look at the cortisol levels and balance of sex hormones.
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Treating Low Testosterone Symptoms
Low testosterone in men can easily be confused with other medical conditions which is why its so important for you to measure your levels regularly if you present with a collection of the symptoms discussed above.
Low testosterone therapy is one of the many solutions at your disposal to rectify the disparity in your hormonal levels.
Coupling this treatment with lifestyle and physical adjustment that are known to increase testosterone levels, its highly possible to treat this condition adequately and successfully.
The medical professionals at Proactive Mens Medical Center in Cincinnati specialize in treating conditions that impact mens health. Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We dont just give you a pill for ED and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as , low testosterone , and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
Causes And Risk Factors Of Low Testosterone
A variety of other medical conditions can cause significantly lower-than-normal testosterone levels in boys and men. These include:
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone This may be checked for sperm-making function.
- Estradiol Hormone Test This is performed if the patient has enlarged breasts.
- Glycosylated Hemoglobin Blood Test This test looks for diabetes by checking the level of hemoglobin attached to glucose.
- Thyroid Hormone Levels Assessing other hormonal abnormalities can contribute to diagnosis.
- Cortisol Level This is another potential hormonal abnormality.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging An MRI scan of the pituitary gland may be performed.
- Bone Density Tests Low T can promote bone loss.
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What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy And Is It An Effective Treatment
Testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT, can help treat some low testosterone symptoms in men. Doctors often recommend TRT as a treatment option for male hypogonadism, a condition in which the body doesnât make enough testosterone . Ultimately, this condition can lead to symptoms of low testosterone in males.
Testosterone therapy can improve muscle strength and erectile function in hypogonadal men, as well as boost energy and protect against bone loss.
Testosterone can be administered in several different ways, including skin patches, gels applied to the skin, injections, and implants.
Is Low Testosterone Dangerous To Your Health
Low T
Low testosterone, also known as low T, is a common condition in men as they get older. Testosterone levels naturally decline with age. In their 60s, roughly 20 percent of men have low testosterone, according to the Urology Care Foundation. Among men in their 70s, that number rises to 30 percent. And by the time men have reached their 80s, about half of them have had a drop in testosterone levels.
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Testosterone And Fat Loss
The more fat you carry, the more aromatase you produce, an enzyme that converts your testosterone into the female hormone estrogen. Dropping excess body fat will contribute to an increase in athletic performance, improve your power to weight ratio alongside creating a better hormonal environment in your body.
Possible Side Effects From Low Testosterone Treatments:
With any medications or medical therapies, there are potential risks and adverse side effects. These may be, but are not limited to:
- Skin irritation
- Elevated red blood cell count
- Swelling of the lower extremities
- Elevated red blood cell count
- Changes in prostate symptoms
Patients are typically monitored every 3-6 months for symptom improvement and adverse events with examination, total testosterone, PSA, and hematocrit levels.
- Gels, creams, and patches
- Patches may be applied each night to your skin.
- Gels and creams can be applied to certain parts of your body. They absorb through your skin and cause fewer skin reactions compared to patches.
- A potential risk for gels and creams is transferring the testosterone to others you come into physical contact with. Gel is the most common type of treatment.
- Subcutaneous pellets
- Pellets containing testosterone can be implanted under the skin. This is a minor procedure done in our office. These pellets need to be implanted every 3-6 months.
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Etiology Of Hypogonadism In Adolescent And Young Adulthood Men
The HPGA is of paramount importance in the processes related to the development, maturation, and sustainability of male hormonal balance. The pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone by the hypothalamus stimulates LH and follicle-stimulating hormone production and secretion by the anterior pituitary gland. LH stimulates testosterone production from the interstitial Leydig cells of the testes. This is required for male internal and external reproductive organ development and later differentiation of secondary human sexual characteristics. FSH, in turn, sustains testicular function via Sertoli cells through spermatogenesis .
Table 1. Causes of hypogonadism.
Anabolic steroids are another class of agents causing androgen deficiency. Anabolic steroids suppress endogenous T production via negative feedback on the HPGA resulting in a concurrent diminution in testicular size and low sperm count. In a recent meta-analysis of thirty-three studies with 3,879 participants the anabolic users showed a significant reduction in LH and endogenous T levels . After drug discontinuation the gonadotropin levels returned to normal within 1324 weeks however, serum T levels remained reduced beyond 4 months . Young adults presenting with clinical symptoms suggestive of androgen deficiency should be queried for use/abuse of anabolic androgen steroid usage.
Is Low Testosterone Genetic
Genetic variants that affect the Y chromosome and the sex hormone-binding globulin may result in a higher risk for low testosterone. SHBG is a protein that helps deliver testosterone to the bodys tissues.
Rare genetic disorders such as Klinefelter syndrome, where males have an extra X chromosome, may also affect testosterone production.
A 2021 study identified 141 new genetic markers that may assist in determining the risk for low testosterone.
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Reduced Red Blood Cell Count
Testosterone plays a key role in your bodys creation of red blood cells, which are essential for delivering oxygen to organs and removing carbon dioxide from your body.
Research shows that older men and women with low testosterone have lower red blood cell counts and an increased risk of developing anemia.
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Factors That Decrease Levels
Keeping levels high can be challenging. Numerous factors including stress, lack of sleep, alcohol, fat mass, over-training and the environment in which you live can result in a reduction in testosterone levels.
Chronically low caloric intake, coupled with intensive training, is a sure-fire way to tank your testosterone levels. Now this isnt a recommendation to be shoveling excess calories from bad food sources in post workout, but eating more of the foods outlined later in the article will help.
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