Low Testosterone Symptoms

What Are Low Testosterone Symptoms?

One of the most common symptoms of low testosterone in males is erectile dysfunction. Other symptoms include mood swings, sleeping disorders and a reduced sex drive.

Types of Low Testosterone

Low T can be divided into two main types;

Primary hypogonadism
Secondary hypogonadism

How Is Low Testosterone Diagnosed?

Some of the signs of low testosterone can be determined by a medical examiner. The doctor will also take into consideration the patient’s medical history to see if the patient smokes, drinks alcohol or takes certain medications, or has any underlying ailments that may be contributing to the condition.[¹] The doctor may also ask for a blood test in order to determine if the patient has low testosterone.

Low Testosterone staging

Adult males have a testosterone level between 265 and 923 nanograms per deciliter in the blood.[²] These levels vary from person to person and also differ throughout a person’s life. The amount of testosterone that’s present in the body depends on a number of factors, such as;

Age
Health
Sex
lifestyle

Is Low Testosterone Hereditary?

According to studies, scientists believe that having low testosterone can be hereditary. There have also been specific genetic markers that have been identified in individuals that have low testosterone. Individuals with these genetic markers are seven times more likely to develop low testosterone at some point in their lives.[³]

Low Testosterone Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of low testosterone in men include;

Less beard growth
Depression
Obesity
Less body hair
Erectile dysfunction

What Are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?

Symptoms of low testosterone could include:

Feeling tired
Loss of body hair
Loss of muscle mass
Lowered sex drive

What Are Some Signs of Low Testosterone?

As mentioned, signs refer to clinical manifestations, something that could be noticed during medical tests or examinations.[⁴] Some early signs of low testosterone could include:

Loss of facial and bodily hair
Lower sperm production
Loss of bone mass

Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women vs. Ssymptoms of Low Testosterone in Men

The symptoms of low testosterone in women are a bit different as compared to men. In women, low testosterone can lead to the following symptoms;

Balding
Sleeplessness
Bone or muscle loss
Mood swings
In men, the symptoms of having low testosterone include;
Excess body fat
Erectile dysfunction[⁵]
Depression

Risk factors for Low Testosterone

There are certain risk factors that have been associated with low testosterone levels. These risk factors include, but aren’t limited to;

Obesity[⁶]
Kidney disease
Hormone imbalances
Medications
Type 2 diabetes

Low Testosterone prevention

The most common prevention tips when it comes to low testosterone have to do with making certain drastic lifestyle changes, such as;

Proper weight management
Avoiding alcohol[⁸]
Regular exercise
Good nutrition

Low Testosterone Prognosis and Treatment

The prognosis for low testosterone is highly dependent on the stage and type of low testosterone. In general, low testosterone caught at earlier stages (stage 0/in situ, stage 1) has a better outlook. If the cancer has metastasized, treatment is more difficult, but it is important to maintain hope.

There is no quick fix when it comes to low testosterone. Hormone replacement therapy may be administered once it has been found that the patient has low testosterone. The doctor will order a blood test to measure the testosterone level in an individual. The normal testosterone level in an adult male is between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter.

Low Testosterone Survival Rate

According to a study, a low serum testosterone level is associated with a 35% increased risk of mortality.[⁹]

Low Testosterone treatment options

There are quite a few treatment options for individuals who have been diagnosed with low testosterone. The following are some of the most popular treatment options;

Testosterone patches – You can simply apply the patches every day or as directed by your doctor.
Intramuscular testosterone injections – This is another treatment option where you will need to have an injection every two weeks.
Testosterone skin gels – The gel will need to be applied to dry skin as directed by your physician. The treatment usually lasts a few weeks, after which the patient starts to see improvements.[¹⁰]

Conclusion

A low testosterone level can have a devastating impact on a man’s life. Taking hormonal therapy and regular follow-ups, along with adopting some healthy lifestyle changes, can all help in the recovery process.

Takeaway

Quick prognosis and treatment are key in getting cured of low testosterone levels in both men and women. This is the reason why it is advised to talk to your doctor as soon as you experience a low sex drive or erectile dysfunction if you are a man or hot flashes if you are a woman.