5 Common Signs Of Low Testosterone

Abundant in males and responsible for most masculine features, testosterone is a sex hormone that starts developing during puberty. While excess testosterone can put you at risk of prostate cancer and other lifestyle diseases, low levels of this hormone are equally bad for your health. Data from the American Urological Association (AUA) indicate that 2 in every 10 men above 60 years of age have low testosterone. However, this condition can exist at any adult age due to factors such as an unhealthy lifestyle. Keeping this in mind, here is a look at some of the common signs of low testosterone.

Fatigue

While fatigue is commonly associated with factors such as physical exertion, obesity, emotional stress, and sleep deprivation, low testosterone levels, too, can cause fatigue, especially in older males.

Low Sex Drive

Male sex drive and sexual performance are typically tied to testosterone levels. To put it another way, normal testosterone levels mean high libido and vice versa. With that in mind, low libido, especially in older males, is a common sign of low testosterone levels because testosterone plays an important role in enhancing sex drive and sexual performance in men.

Reduced Bone and Muscle Mass

According to the National Institute of Health, decreased testosterone can result in the loss of bone and muscle mass. This is because this hormone is responsible for the development of bones and muscles in both genders. Take note that testosterone may not necessarily affect the strength or function of the muscles.

Mood Changes

Testosterone greatly influences your physical and mental health. In fact, research by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) shows that there is a correlation between testosterone levels and mood. This means that in case of low levels of this hormone, you may become irritable, lose focus, and experience emotional stress and depression.

Obesity

Low testosterone can cause an increase in the fat levels in the body, which may eventually lead to obesity. In worst cases, the imbalance between estrogen and testosterone in men can cause gynecomastia, a condition in which the breast tissue swells or enlarges, as reported by the Medical News Today.

Conclusion

These are some of the signs of low testosterone in men. Some of the things to maintain normal testosterone levels include eating a healthy diet and adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as exercising, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress. Regular intake of supplements can also help a great deal.