Your Memory And Concentration Have Gone To Pot
While you can blame forgetfulness or not feeling as sharp as you once were on getting older, these could also be signs that your testosterone is low. A 2021 study found that men with higher concentrations of testosterone reported better scores on the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimers Disease test compared to men with lower concentrations.
Research into how low T levels affect memory hasnt come up with a definitive cause-and-effect relationship. But its clear that as men age and their T levels drop, their cognitive abilities decline, too. And anecdotally, many men express that they feel a mental fog lifting off of them when they start on TRT, says Calvert.
Anemia Is Another Low T Red Flag
If your testosterone levels drop significantly, it puts you at greater risk of anemia, a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your bodys tissues, per the Mayo Clinicwhich may explain some of your exhaustion and disinterest in doing much. Severe hypogonadism can lead to mild anemia, and that can add to the fatigue and tiredness, confirms Dr. Ghalib. Sometimes, this becomes particularly apparent in the evenings. A less common symptom you might experience is the inability to stay awake after dinner, says Dr. Ramasamy.
Youre Moody And Irritable
The grumpy old man trope exists for a reason: many men get cranky with age. But if you notice that youre feeling depressed or irritable without reason, it could be a sign of low testosterone. One small 2016 study found that men with low T between the ages of 21-41 were more likely to be diagnosed with depression than the control group.
Researchers are still trying to understand the link between testosterone and mood, but they know that testosterone does cross into the brain where it may affect the production of brain cells, create new neural connections that skew thoughts toward the positive , and regulate feel-good neurotransmitters. Without enough circulating testosterone, those brain benefits may not happen.
Many men with diagnosed testosterone deficiency notice a dramatic improvement in their mood after starting testosterone replacement treatment, says Calvert.
Find out with Hones at-home assessment. If your T levels are low, you can meet with a physician, and if appropriate, get a prescription.
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How Can I Get Treated For Low Testosterone Symptoms
If you think you may have low testosterone, make an appointment to see your doctor. He or she will likely order a blood test and discuss your symptoms with you. Depending on the cause of your low testosterone, there are treatments available that can help increase your levels.
These include hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. If you have low testosterone due to an underlying health condition, treating that condition may also help increase your testosterone levels.
Testosterone supplements can help with low testosterone symptoms by increasing your levels of the hormone. This can help you feel more energetic, have an improved sex drive, and regain lost muscle mass. Additionally, testosterone supplements may help improve mood and cognitive function.
If you have low testosterone, there are treatments available that can help. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and options for increasing your testosterone levels. Testosterone supplements may help improve some of the symptoms associated with low testosterone.
However, these supplements can also have side effects, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before beginning any treatment.
Reasons For Low Testosterone In Women
If youâre experiencing low testosterone symptoms, there are several possible causes for your imbalance, including:
- Long-term use of birth control
- Ovarian failure, which is where your ovaries stop functioning properly, can also lead to low testosterone levels
- Certain medications, as well as glandular tumors, can contribute to low testosterone symptoms
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What Does Testosterone Do
Before diving into the primary 11 signs of low testosterone in men, its important to understand what testosterone does. Testosterone affects many different parts of the body, from cognitive functioning to metabolism. It regulates fertility, muscle mass, and how our blood cells replicate.3 When testosterone levels get too low in men, men become infertile.3 In general, testosterone imbalances can have a wide ray of affects on the body depending on the person, so if you suspect that you have an imbalance3, its important to talk to your doctor about treatment options.
There are a number of different reasons that testicular imbalances occur. Injury or infection could be the cause along with hormone disorders, medications, chronic disease, or genetic disease.3 Because of the wide variety of potential causes, talking to your doctor is essential to finding out the underlying problem. To make sure that youre staying healthy and getting enough testosterone, look out for common symptoms and signs of decreased testosterone, especially as you start to get older. Here are 11 of the most common symptoms and signs of low testosterone in men.
If youre having difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, dont jump to testosterone supplements. Talk to your doctor to determine the underlying cause and then discuss testosterone treatment options.
How Does A Doctor Test For Low Testosterone Levels
There are a few different ways to test for low testosterone levels. The most common way is to measure the level of testosterone in the blood. This can be done with a simple blood test. Other ways to test for low testosterone levels include measuring the level of the hormone in the saliva or urine or doing a skin patch test.
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How To Get Help For Symptoms Of Low Testosterone
When symptoms of low testosterone affects your sexual health, relationships, or quality of life, the team at Urology Specialist Group recommend scheduling a diagnostic evaluation. They offer in-office blood testing that allows the urology specialists the opportunity to assess your testosterone levels and rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
Your urologist may also recommend other diagnostic tests to determine if the imbalance in testosterone relates to the natural aging process or because of another underlying health issue, such as a thyroid disorder or diabetes.
For many men, simply rebalancing the levels of testosterone in the body is a highly effective treatment for low-T symptoms. This process involves hormone replacement therapy that the Urology Specialist Group providers customize to your needs.
Intestosterone replacement therapy, synthetic hormones that are structurally similar to your natural hormones are used to restore balance in testosterone levels. You may take the hormone therapy or opt for another type of delivery system, such as:
Urology Specialist Group also offers replacement testosterone in the form of pellets. Your urologist places a hormone pellet just beneath the surface of your skin during a minor surgical procedure. The pellet delivers a steady stream of testosterone directly into your bloodstream.
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Foods That Boost Testosterone Levels
Many foods can increase testosterone levels naturally.
Some of the foods in question include the following:
- Fortified cereals
There are several recipes one can use to prepare these foods to their liking. Feel free to research online in case you are out of ideas. There, you will find thousands of recipes to prepare any of the foods mentioned above.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Low T In Men
Have you noticed some significant changes in your energy levels, sexual desire, or body composition? Even if you work out regularly or try to stay active, you will likely notice some significant emotional and physical changes if your testosterone levels have dropped.
Thats because testosterone plays a starring role in the influence of fat distribution, bone density, and red blood cell production. Its also a critical factor in building muscle and bone mass, producing sperm, and driving sexual desire and function.
Nearly 40 percent of men over 45 have abnormally Low Testosterone levels. Testosterone is a male sex hormone important for sexual and reproductive development. In fact, the National Institutes of Health consider it the most important male hormone.
Signs Of Low Testosterone In Women
Testosterone is one of the sex hormones present in womens ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat cells. Its ratio in women is slightly lower than other sex hormones. Also, this ratio continuously decreases with age and other health issues. Signs of low testosterone vary with respect to medical history and health issues. Major variation in the testosterone level is observed during the menstrual cycles. Some of the most common signs of low testosterone in women include:
- Dry skin and hair loss
- Sleep deprivation
According to the University of Rochester medical center, testosterone levels should remain between 15-70 nanograms per deciliter blood for normal and healthy women. Anything lower than that can cause one or multiple symptoms of testosterone deficiency. Low testosterone levels may lead to some fertility issues and a significant decrease in blood cell production.
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Understanding The Symptoms Of Low Testosterone
A persons medical history and certain diseases such as autoimmune and inflammatory diseases like tuberculosis also reduce the testosterone levels in men. Other causes of low testosterone include depression, chemo and radiotherapy, genetic disorders, pituitary disorder and excessive use of steroids, etc. Understanding an issue helps in avoiding it so lets get to know more about it.
Who Does Low Testosterone Affect
Male hypogonadism is a medical condition that can affect people with testicles at any age from birth through adulthood.
Low testosterone is more likely to affect people who:
There are several possible causes of low testosterone. The two types of male hypogonadism are:
- Primary hypogonadism .
- Secondary hypogonadism .
Causes of primary and secondary hypogonadism are also divided into either congenital or acquired .
Causes of primary male hypogonadism
Primary hypogonadism happens when something is wrong with your testicles that doesnt allow them to make normal levels of testosterone.
Another name for primary hypogonadism is hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. In this type, your pituitary gland produces more luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in response to low testosterone levels. The high levels of these hormones would normally tell your testicles to produce more testosterone and sperm. However, if you have damaged or missing testicles, they cant respond to the increased levels of gonadotropins. As a result, your testicles make too little or no testosterone and sperm.
Sometimes in primary hypogonadism testosterone levels are within the normal range and gonadotropins are high. Your specialist will help you understand if you need treatment, even with normal testosterone levels.
Congenital conditions that affect your testicles and can lead to primary hypogonadism include:
Acquired conditions that affect your testicles and can lead to primary hypogonadism include:
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How Is Low Testosterone Treated
Healthcare providers treat low testosterone with testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone replacement therapy has several different forms, including:
- Testosterone skin gels: You apply the gel every day to clean, dry skin as directed. Its important that you dont transfer the gel to another person through skin-to-skin contact. Testosterone skin gels are one of the most common forms of treatment in the U.S.
- Intramuscular testosterone injections: You or a provider can administer the injections into a muscle every 1 to 2 weeks. Providers can administer long-acting testosterone by injection every 10 weeks. There are also subcutaneous injection options.
- Testosterone patches: You apply these patches every day to your skin as directed. You usually have to rotate their location to avoid skin reactions.
- Testosterone pellets: A specialist implants these pellets under your skin every three to six months. The pellets provide consistent and long-term testosterone dosages.
- Buccal testosterone tablets: These are sticky pills that you apply to your gums twice a day. The testosterone absorbs quickly into your bloodstream through your gums.
- Testosterone nasal gel: You apply a testosterone gel by applying it into each nostril three times a day.
- Oral testosterone: A pill form of testosterone called undecanoate is available for people with low testosterone due to specific medical conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome or tumors that have damaged their pituitary gland.
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.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Low T
Testosterone naturally decreases in males as they age. However, Low Testosterone may affect specific physical characteristics like:
- /Reduced Sex Drive
Other signs and symptoms of Low Testosterone include:
- Sleep Problems or Sleep apnea If you have this condition, and if it gets worse, you could have Low T.
- Congestive heart failure Progressive congestive heart failure could indicate Low T.
Changes In Memory And Cognitive Ability
A mans memory and cognitive ability may go down along with his testosterone levels, report researchers who tested, over a five-month period, a group of men aged 70 and older who were participating in the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project. But the researchers caution that the finding, published in the April 2015 issue of The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, doesnt explain what underlies the correlation.
Another change related to testosterones possible effect on cognition is its impact on the ability to carry out visual motor tasks. Researchers found that men who undergo androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer perform worse on tests of visual motor skills than do their peers, according to a study published in the August 2014 issue of Supportive Care in Cancer.
Researchers are only now beginning to explore the many ways that low testosterone can affect your health. If youre wondering whether there might be a connection between your symptoms and low testosterone, ask for a testosterone blood test. Thats the only way to get a definitive diagnosis.
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What Are Some Other Natural Ways To Increase Testosterone
In addition to exercise and a healthy diet, there are a few other natural ways to increase testosterone. Getting enough sleep is critical for proper hormone production. Managing stress levels is also important, as high levels of stress can lead to lower testosterone levels. Finally, abstaining from alcohol can help increase testosterone levels.
Another important factor to consider when looking for natural ways to increase testosterone is to take a natural testosterone support supplement. We’ve taken the time to grab our top favorite testosterone products below so you can pick one that suits your needs today!
Image courtesy Elm & Rye
Trouble Building Or Maintaining Muscle And Strength Can Also Be A Symptom
Since testosterone is an important hormone for muscle building, low levels can lead to loss of muscle or strength, or an inability to make gains, according to Dr. Gabe Mirkin, a sports medicine specialist.
However, it’s important to get tested, since using testosterone therapy to boost strength and muscle mass when you don’t have a deficiency can have unanticipated side effects, Mirkin said.
“If it’s normal, you’re in no man’s land when you take testosterone,” he said.
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What Counts As Low Testosterone
If youre tempted to try a home test, take note: your T-levels fluctuate throughout the week , so you need to test yourself at least twice.
< 150 NG/DL: This is very low for an adult man. Speak to your GP and get a formal test.
150-263 NG/DL: Below optimal, though anything above 215 isnt unusual if you’re over 50.
264-916 NG/DL: The normal range for men under 40. If youre close to 300 and feel fine, youre no less healthy than a guy whos at 700.
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Your Bones May Be Weaker
Men with low T may be more prone to broken bones.
Bone metabolism is complex and related to two main cell types, says Calvert. There are osteoblasts, which build the bone, and osteoclasts that break it down. Testosterone stimulates osteoblasts to deposit bone, so if your T levels are low, you may make less bone.
Whats more, estrogen , stops osteoclast activity. If your T is low, your estrogen levels will also be low, and youll have more bone breakdown.
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Top 10 Most Common Low Testosterone Symptoms In Men
There are many low testosterone symptoms in men, ranging from mild to severe. Because of this, understanding when to visit a medical professional is essential.
Testosterone is a hormone classified as an androgen, which is responsible for the regulation of many bodily functions, such as fertility. Ordinarily, testosterone levels drop by approximately 1% every year after the age of 30.
However, there are many other causes of low testosterone levels such as:
- Medication complications, side effects, or drug abuse
- Injury of the testes, metabolic disorders
- Excessive estrogen
In this article, we are going to discuss low testosterone symptoms in men so that you can seek out medical care and assistance to remedy this issue as soon as possible.