What Is Low Testosterone? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

What Is Low Testosterone? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

If you have signs and symptoms of low testosterone, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam. They’ll also ask questions about your medical history, medications you take or have taken, smoking history and any symptoms you currently have. Rare genetic disorders such as Klinefelter syndrome, where males have an extra X chromosome, may also affect testosterone production. Diets high in trans-fats can negatively impact a person’s testosterone levels, while zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidant vitamins can support testosterone production. It is important to remember that males typically lose testosterone as they age, and the potential benefits of lifestyle changes also decrease over time. Some evidence suggests that people with low testosterone levels are likely to experience a lack of focus, irritability, and depression. But while lifestyle factors can improve testosterone levels, Dr Foster says that in most men, this is only a small contributing factor.

Meanwhile, some studies have found associations between low testosterone levels and symptoms like reduced cognitive function, brain fog, decreased motivation, and mood changes, according to Bailey. “A decline in testosterone can impact libido and sexual performance, which may strain intimate relationships and reduce quality of life,” he says. “Lifestyle changes across generations, such as reduced physical activity and unhealthy diets, further exacerbate the problem,” says Bailey. But by and large, he says this lack of movement and nutrient-dense food leads to low T by contributing to fat mass, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction, which are linked to lower testosterone levels.

Decreasing levels of testosterone are a natural part of the aging process. The older a man gets, the lower his testosterone levels may drop. Several causes other than aging can also lead to low testosterone.

Still, the associations between low testosterone and other medical conditions are interesting and worth a look. A lack of testosterone can sometimes have long-term, serious effects on the body. In men with very low levels, the bones can become weak, potentially causing a condition called osteoporosis. Low testosterone can have real and important health effects, especially on a man’s sex life. Men with low testosterone may have trouble getting and keeping an erection. The erections they how do you test your testosterone levels at home have may come less often and not as strongly as before.

But hypogonadism is usually reversible when you stop using these substances. One small study of 10 healthy young men found that just one week of not getting enough sleep negatively affected testosterone levels. Getting just five hours of sleep a night decreased their T by 10 to 15 percent.

As listed above (see Causes and Risk Factors of Low T), many conditions, such as obesity or heart failure, relate to or potentially contribute to low T. The widespread decline in T levels also has implications for society as a whole, says Houman. There are no medically recommended over-the-counter treatments for low testosterone. A carefully formulated TRT treatment plan should avoid many of these undesirable side effects.

Testosterone creams and injections can replace a significant amount of lost testosterone, but since each person reacts differently to these treatments, it’s possible that your T levels won’t be fully replenished. Side effects may vary based on the type of testosterone therapy you use. Additionally, these products aren’t closely regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that they aren’t tested or evaluated for their effectiveness and could contain undisclosed ingredients or have unexpected side effects. Consider talking with a doctor before taking a “testosterone booster” and discuss with them alternative treatments that are FDA-approved and clinically proven to work.

People who have prostate cancer are advised not take testosterone replacement therapy. It is important for all males considering testosterone replacement therapy to speak to their healthcare providers and undergo prostate screening before starting this therapy. If you have symptoms such as reduced sex drive or erection problems, you should see your healthcare provider.