What are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?
Testosterone Deficiency in men is often undiagnosed. Most men do not initially recognize that symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, or low libido, or even difficulty concentrating, are in fact signs of Low Testosterone since these symptoms can be attributable to aging and many other conditions. Some men simply assume it is “normal” to have low energy or lose interest in sexual activity simply because they are getting older, but this is not always the case.
Testosterone levels naturally decrease with age over time. Symptoms typically manifest gradually, which is another reason that many men do not seek treatment for their symptoms early on.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, they could be the result of undiagnosed Testosterone Deficiency or Low T. Treatment options for Low T are highly effective and can help you regain your energy and restore your sexual health and libido. Dr. Steinberg is an expert at diagnosing and treating Low T.
Here are the most common signs or symptoms that you may have Low Testosterone/Testosterone Deficiency:
Fatigue/Decrease in Energy Levels
Testosterone is vital in regulating a man’s energy and physical performance. When testosterone levels are low, it can cause a dramatic drop in energy levels, leading to fatigue and loss of motivation. Low testosterone can also cause restlessness and difficulty sleeping, limiting your hours of restful sleep and adding to chronic fatigue, making it more difficult to stay active during the day.
Fatigue is frequently one of the first and most obvious symptoms of Low Testosterone and is often the first indication of a problem. However, while many men report that they don’t have their usual level of energy for exercise, work, or leisure activities, men often dismiss this symptom as simply a sign of aging rather than a sign of Testosterone Deficiency.
Decreased Libido and Sexual Difficulties
Low testosterone often causes a considerable decrease in Libido or a decline in sex drive for men. Men with Low T may find it more difficult to achieve and maintain erections during sexual activity.
Because hormonal imbalances like Low T can be linked to chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes, which often leads to poor circulatory health and reduced blood flow to the penis, it is not uncommon for men with Testosterone Deficiency to also experience symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction due to both low libido and decreased blood circulation.
Some men who experience Testosterone Deficiency notice a reduction in the size of their testicles, or that less semen is produced than usual
If you are experiencing Low Libido, it may be a sign of Low Testosterone.
Difficulty Focusing or Brain Fog
Many men with Low Testosterone report that they struggle to focus, or experience memory challenges. Others describe “brain fog”: difficulty concentrating or paying attention, or trouble thinking clearly.
Men who experience cognitive changes as they age shouldn’t ignore the symptoms. At the same time, there is usually no reason for worry. It’s very possible that hormonal imbalance may be contributing to these cognitive issues. It is important to find out if your symptoms may be due to Testosterone Deficiency. Dr. Steinberg is a urologist specializing in Low T diagnosis and treatment.
Learn more about the relationship between Testosterone and Cognitive Function here.
Changes in Mood
Certain Low T symptoms such as low energy, weight gain and low libido can also affect a man’s self-esteem and cause changes in mood. In addition, men with low testosterone typically have increased cortisol levels, a steroid hormone responsible for controlling the body’s stress response. Elevated cortisol levels can also lead to mood changes, such as irritability, anxiety and even depression.
Unexplained Weight Gain/Loss of Muscle Mass
While weight gain often occurs as men age, Testosterone Deficiency can cause loss of muscle mass, making it more difficult to prevent weight gain. Lean muscle tends to burn more calories than fat, while reduced muscle mass will cause the body to accumulate fat.
Many men with Low T experience weight gain in their mid-section, but it is also common for men to develop enlarged breast tissue because of Low Testosterone and their declining ratio of testosterone to estrogen levels.
Untreated weight gain due to Low Testosterone can lead to further weight gain, and eventually to obesity. Obesity causes testosterone levels to decline even further.
Hair Loss
Although there are several other natural causes for male baldness, such as aging, hormonal imbalances such as low testosterone have also been shown to affect hair loss. Testosterone is primarily responsible for regulating facial and body hair growth in men, so when testosterone levels decline, it can also cause the hair follicles to become weaker. As a result, men with low T levels may eventually experience hair thinning or even baldness.
What should I do if I have symptoms of Low Testosterone?
If you have been experiencing the symptoms of Low Testosterone such as fatigue, a low sex drive, a loss of mental focus or memory issues, low mood, or any other symptoms of low testosterone, scheduling an evaluation with a urologist who specializes in Low T is very important.
Untreated Testosterone Deficiency can impact your sexual health and contribute to other medical conditions such as obesity and high blood pressure, as well as mental health conditions.
Low Testosterone treatments are highly effective in helping men restore their energy and sexual performance.
Learn more about Testosterone Replacement Therapy Treatment here.
There is no need to suffer with symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency. Dr. Steinberg is a Male Sexual Health urologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating Testosterone Deficiency (Low T), and we want to help. To make an appointment for an evaluation with Dr. Steinberg in his Milford, MA office, please call Urology Specialists of Milford at (508) 473-6333.
