Low Testosterone in Men: Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment

Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles. It is important for inducing sex drive in men. Testosterone also plays a role in bodily development and physical appearance. Certain health conditions, injuries, or excessive use of some medicines may lead to low testosterone levels, affecting a man’s mood, sex drive, and changes in muscles and fat. Testosterone levels may become low as you age. However, if medication or other factors are the cause, you may need to see a doctor for a suitable treatment.

Is Low Testosterone in Men Common?

According to recent data, 2 out of every 100 men may have low testosterone levels. As per the same reports, as few as 1% men may have low levels of testosterone. Men who are over 80 may have 50% reduced levels of testosterone. This condition is more common in men who are overweight or have diabetes.

What are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?

The symptoms of this condition may vary, particularly by age. When you visit a doctor for a diagnosis, they will look at the following symptoms:

• You may experience low energy levels. Even when you wake up after a good sleep, you feel lethargic, and the fatigue doesn’t go away.
• There is a noticeable reduction in your sex drive. You may not find sexual activity as satisfying as before.
• You may notice weaker or less frequent erections, especially during early mornings.
• You may notice a change in your mood. Men with low testosterone levels often feel more irritable and mentally dull. Some men may also feel less motivated or under-confident without any valid reason.
• Despite regular activity, your muscles may start feeling softer or shrink over time.
• You may witness excessive fat around the abdomen or a sudden shift in how your body looks, even when you have not altered your diet.
• You may struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep. Some men with low testosterone levels may also have sleep apnoea.
• It may become harder for you to focus or concentrate. You forget small details, and your attention span lowers.

How is Low Testosterone Tested?

In addition to discussing the symptoms, the doctor may order some tests to confirm the diagnosis of low testosterone levels before starting your treatment.

• Total Testosterone Level: This test is done at two different times before noon. Testosterone levels are lower during that time of the day.
• Luteinizing Hormone: This test helps find the cause of low testosterone levels. Abnormal levels indicate a pituitary gland problem.
• Blood Prolactin Level: In case your prolactin levels are high, the doctor may repeat the blood test to ensure there is no error.
• Blood Hemoglobin: The haemoglobin levels will help the doctor rule out the reasons for low testosterone levels.
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone: Also known as the FSH test, this test is carried out to check for sperm-making function. In addition, the doctor may run some semen tests.
• Estradiol Hormone Test: This test is conducted to check for breast symptoms.
• HbA1C Blood Test: As diabetes may be a cause for low testosterone levels, this test may be done to rule out diabetes.
• MRI: The doctor will perform a magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary gland to confirm the diagnosis.
• Other Tests: Other tests that may be used to confirm the diagnosis of low testosterone levels include bone density tests and karyotype or chromosome tests.

How is Low Testosterone in Men Treated?

The treatment of low testosterone depends on many factors, including the underlying cause of the problem and how low the testosterone levels are. After making the diagnosis and ruling out the cause, the doctor may choose from the following options.

Lifestyle Changes

The doctor will recommend that you make important changes in your lifestyle to boost your testosterone. If you are overweight, you should lose weight. You should also make changes in your diet and eat healthily. You will be advised to sleep well and exercise regularly to boost natural testosterone production. Making lifestyle changes improves mood, energy, and your overall health.

Testosterone Hormone Therapy

If the testosterone levels remain low despite making essential lifestyle changes, the doctor may suggest hormonal therapy in the form of injections. The injections may be given weekly or monthly, depending on how low your testosterone levels are. In addition, TRT may be given through implants under the skin, skin gels or patches, and tablets placed inside the mouth.

Regular Monitoring

Therapy is not a quick fix for low testosterone levels. In addition to hormone therapy, the doctor will perform regular monitoring to keep your hormone levels in check and to watch for the side effects, such as increased red blood cells or prostate issues. If your testosterone levels are low due to any other condition, they will manage the root cause to bring hormone levels back up naturally.

Takeaway

Low testosterone may quietly affect your mood, well-being, and sex life. Although not easy to spot, you must be watchful of the symptoms of this condition. If you experience tiredness, low sex drive, changes in mood, or increased weight very frequently, visit the doctor for a diagnosis so that they may start your treatment on time and improve your quality of life.