Our body is constantly regulated by hormones. From the moment we’re born, our body starts to produce and secrete certain hormones that control how our systems function, how we react to emotional and physical responses, and how our bodies start to develop. Testosterone is a hormone that’s naturally produced and found in men, women, and even many animals. Even though women have a much lower percentage of testosterone than men, this hormone helps keep bodily functions working in balance for both sexes.
During puberty, men’s bodies start to make higher levels of testosterone. The gradual increase of testosterone throughout the body helps build muscles, deepen the voice, and increase the size of the penis and testes. As men progress into adulthood, testosterone continues to help keep bones strong and creates a healthy libido. Unfortunately, after men turn 30, testosterone levels start to gradually decline. Most men don’t experience problems, as the decline happens slowly over time, though that’s not always the case. Some men start to show symptoms of low testosterone that affects their daily life and leads to distress or problems with their relationships. In this article, we’ll talk about a few of the most common low testosterone symptoms and how to treat them.
What Causes Low Testosterone?
As we mentioned, the main cause of low testosterone is the natural process of aging. According to the American Urological Association, about 2 out of 10 men older than 60 years have low testosterone. However, for those experiencing low testosterone symptoms and low levels of testosterone at an early age, there’s usually some underlying cause. Men in their 20s, 30s, and even 40s should not be experiencing such problems, especially when it comes to erectile dysfunction. Your testosterone level slowly dips at a rate of about 1 percent per year after the age of 30. In some cases, underlying medical conditions can contribute to low testosterone. If you have diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, are taking certain medications, have genetic conditions, or are experiencing hormone imbalances, you may experience low testosterone symptoms.
9 Common Low Testosterone Symptoms
Many men don’t notice signs of decreasing testosterone levels because the symptoms aren’t extreme enough. The gradual decrease that happens with aging often does not cause problems. Problems only start to occur when there is a hormone imbalance and testosterone levels drop below 300 ng/dL. When this happens, many of these common low testosterone symptoms may occur.
- Difficulty with Erections – Low testosterone levels can make it difficult to get or maintain an erection. While there are also many other causes of erectile dysfunction, hormone imbalances play a large role.
- Hair Loss – Hair loss happens over time, but low testosterone levels can quicken the process.
- Reduction in Semen Production – Testosterone helps your body produce semen, the primary fluid of male ejaculate. If you have low testosterone, these levels reduce and can subsequently cause fertility issues.
- Reduction in Testicle Size – Many men with low testosterone notice a decrease in testicle size and a softening of the scrotum.
- Sleeping Problems – Some men may experience problems falling or staying asleep if they have low testosterone. This problem can be worsened with a sleep apnea diagnosis.
- Diminished Sex Drive – Due to decreased levels of testosterone, many men experience a reduced libido. This can be more pronounced if you’re also experiencing trouble with erections.
- Fatigue – It’s not uncommon for men with low testosterone to experience a decrease in energy levels and higher rates of fatigue throughout the day.
- Decreased Muscle Mass – Testosterone is a key hormone in the development and maintenance of muscle, which makes sense when you discover that low testosterone can decrease your overall muscle mass. However, while you’ll experience a decrease in mass, it seems that function and strength remain the same.
- Mood Swings – Many men who experience low testosterone symptoms will notice a change in mood throughout the day. It’s common to go through different phases of focus, irritability, and even depression in some cases.
How to Treat Symptoms of Low Testosterone
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of low testosterone, there are ways for you to take back your life, increase your energy levels, and improve sexual function. One common treatment option for low testosterone is testosterone therapy. Testosterone therapy can help reverse the effects of hypogonadism, but has varying results on older men who are naturally losing the ability to make their own testosterone.
For a more naturopathic approach that can help you relieve your low testosterone symptoms, we recommend bio-identical hormone therapy (BHRT) for men. BHRT helps to improve your mood and well-being while reducing your risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and high cholesterol. BHRT is also successful in helping men maintain muscle mass and will improve your sexual health and function.
If you’re experiencing low testosterone symptoms, Atlas Health Medical Group can help. Contact us today to learn more about our bio-identical hormone therapy or schedule a free consultation. Our team of naturopathic doctors is here to help treat any signs of low testosterone so you can get back to enjoying your life.
