When it comes to the hormones we men like to imagine being in high supply in our bodies, testosterone is usually the first to come to mind. However, while we assume these sex hormone levels are through the roof, this isn’t always the case.
It’s helpful to know some of the most common signs of low testosterone levels, so you know when it’s time to speak with a doctor and investigate steps to boost this vital hormone.
Erectile Dysfunction
One indication of reduced testosterone that shows up a lot is erectile dysfunction. If you have trouble getting or maintaining erections, this could stem from having low levels of the sex hormone. Testosterone stimulates the penile tissues to produce nitric oxide. This, in turn, is what begins a variety of reactions that lead to an erection.
When a man has low testosterone, the chemical reaction can’t work as it should, and erections thereby become more difficult. Do keep in mind, though, that other issues can cause problems with erections, so the challenge is not necessarily due to low testosterone levels.
Lowered Sex Drive
If you notice that you don’t feel like sex as much as you used to, it pays to get your testosterone levels checked. One of the most crucial hormones when it comes to libido levels is testosterone, after all. It’s natural for the male libido to decrease as a man ages. However, this reduction in interest tends to be slower and less apparent. If you notice a rapid descent in this area, it’s time to investigate if you have a testosterone imbalance.
Reduced Testicle Size or Semen Levels
Another sign to look out for is a diminishing testicle size unrelated to exposure to cold temperatures. Shrinking testicles are a notably physical sign of low testosterone levels. Men have varying testicle sizes, so if yours have always been on the smaller side, that’s likely nothing to concern yourself with, especially if there aren’t any accompanying symptoms. Rather than comparing your testicle size to others, look at whether yours change over time. A reduction in size indicates lower testosterone levels.
You might also notice that you have a smaller semen output if your testosterone decreases. Testosterone plays a key role in how men produce semen, so if you observe a decline in volume over time, it’s worth getting some tests done. Note, though, that there are specific supplements you can buy to help improve your testosterone levels, too, such as the boosters found at https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/c/testosterone-boosters/N-cp99ji.
Hair Loss or Less Hair Growth
Do you feel like your hair is growing a lot more slowly in recent times, or that you’ve started losing more hair than normal? While this could simply be to do with the change in seasons or even your diet, stress, aging, or various other factors, it could also stem from a drop in testosterone.
This vital sex hormone plays a role in numerous body functions, including the production of hair. Testosterone is involved in the creation of not just the hair on your head, but also facial and body hair. Men with low testosterone levels often experience follicular changes.
Trouble Sleeping and Less Energy
Millions of people across the country have trouble getting to and staying asleep each night, no matter their health status. However, men with a testosterone imbalance often suffer even more from insomnia and other sleeping troubles. Low testosterone can potentially increase your likelihood of developing sleep apnea, which can exacerbate sleep disorders, too.
Plus, if you have less energy than you used to and are continually battling fatigue, this is an indication that your testosterone levels may be out of whack. Again, exhaustion can stem from all sorts of factors, but a general sense of tiredness all the time could be stemming from low testosterone.
Reduced Muscle Mass and/or Weight Gain
As we age, or if our lifestyles change and we become more sedentary, it’s normal to lose muscle mass and gain weight (fat). However, if you feel like you’re just as active as you used to be and taking steps to build your muscles, yet your efforts seem hindered, the cause may be a drop in testosterone. This hormone is one of the essential components of both building and maintaining muscle mass.
Furthermore, if you’re eating a protein-rich diet to build muscles, yet seem to be getting an increase in body fat instead, this could be due to low testosterone. Instead of building muscle, you’ll store the additional weight as fat. You may even notice enlarged breast tissue. Known as gynecomastia, this growth can arise when you get an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen hormones.
As you can see from above, low testosterone can cause many symptoms that can be stressful, upsetting, painful, and even sometimes dangerous. If you notice any of the signs mentioned, book an appointment with your medical practitioner as soon as possible.
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