7 Signs You Have Low Testosterone
Low testosterone is a condition that is commonly diagnosed in men over the age of 40. Testosterone is produced in the testicles and plays various roles in the body, including sexual development and appearance. It also stimulates sperm production and sex drive while supporting muscle and bone mass.
As men age, the body naturally produces less testosterone. This causes a natural decrease in testosterone levels, which can eventually drop below a healthy threshold. Low T is diagnosed when levels fall below 300ng/dL.
If you’re a man who is getting up in age, it’s never too early to start preparing. At the very least, it helps to be informed about what you should expect if you are in fact suffering from low testosterone.
Keep reading to learn about 7 of the most common side effects that men with low T experience.
1. Loss of Muscle & Increased Body Fat
Low levels of testosterone can have a profound impact on the male body. Testosterone plays an important role in building muscle, so having low levels can cause a loss of muscle mass. However, the good news is that a loss of muscle doesn’t necessarily also mean a loss of function or strength.
At the same time, low T can also cause an increase in body fat. Particularly, men with low testosterone are likely to develop enlarged breast tissue, also known as gynecomastia. This side effect is thought to be linked to the imbalance between testosterone and estrogen.
2. Erection Problems
Testosterone is one of the must-have hormones in order for a man to achieve and maintain an erection. While testosterone doesn’t cause an erection, it stimulates brain receptors to produce a higher amount of nitric oxide.
This is the molecule that’s responsible for triggering a series of chemical reactions that are needed in order for a man to get an erection. If testosterone levels are too low, men may experience difficulty in achieving an erection before or while having sex.
Low T can also cause spontaneous erections, such as during sleep.
3. Low Sex Drive
Testosterone plays an important role in sex drive in men. While it’s not uncommon for men to experience a decline in libido as they get older, someone with low T is likely to experience a more noticeable, drastic drop.
If you find that you’re no longer interested in or have the desire to have sex, low testosterone levels could be the underlying culprit.
4. Low Semen Volume
As discussed earlier, testosterone contributes to the production of semen. This is the milky fluid that helps with the motility of sperm. Men who have low testosterone levels are more likely to notice a decrease in semen volume during ejaculation.
It’s important to note that there are other factors that impact semen volume, including smoking status, diet, heredity, and overall health.
5. Fatigue
Men who have low testosterone often experience a decrease in energy levels, which can lead to extreme fatigue. If you feel tired all the time despite getting quality sleep at night, you may have low T.
Low testosterone levels also make it harder to get motivated to exercise or do anything physical.
6. Hair Loss
Testosterone not only contributes to sexual health and function. It also plays a role in other areas of the body, including hair production. Most men experience thinning hair and balding as part of natural aging. Others have balding due to genetics.
However, men with low T don’t only experience hair loss on their head. Low testosterone can also cause a loss of body and facial hair.
7. Mood Changes
Not only do men experience physical changes due to low testosterone. The condition can also cause changes in mood. This is because testosterone influences mood and mental capacity. Low T increases the risk of irritability and depression, along with the inability to focus or be productive.
Supplement to Increase Low T Levels
If you’ve been diagnosed with low testosterone, there are all sorts of treatments that are effective in encouraging the body to produce more testosterone. This allows levels to be restored to a healthy range.
At Elm & Rye, we offer various supplements that are formulated to boost testosterone levels while supporting other aspects of male health. While our Testosterone Booster supplement is the go-to product, others such as Fish Oil and Magnesium may also be beneficial for men with low T.