Testosterone is one of the main androgens (sex hormones). Although men produce much larger quantities of this hormone in their testes, women also produce a small amount in their ovaries and adrenal glands.
Testosterone is essential for men to develop masculine traits and secondary sex characteristics, such as facial hair or Adam’s apples. For this reason, testosterone is naturally higher during puberty and the early twenties. After this point, it naturally begins to drop.
For women, testosterone is partly responsible for sex drive and red blood cell production. It also plays a role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle by influencing the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland.
When there is an imbalance in the levels of testosterone for either men or women, it can have negative effects. These adverse effects differ between each gender.
For makes, low testosterone is defined as serum (blood) testosterone levels of below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). In women, anything below 15 ng/dL is a cause for concern.
Although levels of the hormone naturally decrease with age in both men and women, having low testosterone can cause a range of problems in the body.
When you spot the signs of low testosterone, it’s essential that you consult a healthcare professional. They will be able to take a sample of your blood to check how much testosterone is present.
Here are some of the key symptoms of low testosterone to look out for if you’re a male.
- Low libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased muscle mass
- Loss of body hair or facial hair
- Low mood or depression
- Irritability and mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Development of breast tissue
- Infertility
- Low bone density (osteoporosis)
For women, the symptoms of low testosterone are slightly different, although there is a lot of crossovers with the symptoms seen in males. If you have low testosterone as a woman, you may experience:
- Low libido
- Vaginal dryness
- Low mood
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Muscle weakness and fatigue
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Infertility
- Low bone density (osteoporosis)
If you are diagnosed with low testosterone, you may be offered testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Alternatively, they may suggest taking the best testosterone supplements to try and increase your levels back up to a healthy range.
The exact supplements that are best for you depend on the cause of your low testosterone. Generally, TRT is more appropriate for males as there are many side effects and risks associated with testosterone replacement therapy in women.
It’s important to note that, no matter how many 5-star reviews a testosterone supplement has online, it doesn’t mean it will be suitable for you. Everybody is different and the optimal supplement for your needs depends on the causes of your low testosterone levels.
That’s why it’s always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any testosterone supplements. They will provide expert advice and can carefully monitor your blood testosterone levels to determine whether or not the supplements or working for you.
