Loss of body hair. Less beard growth. Loss of lean muscle mass. Feeling very tired all the time (fatigue)
Low testosterone levels in males can lead to erectile dysfunction. They can also affect sleep, mood, the size of the testicles, and more. In both males and females, low testosterone can lead to lower bone mass and reduced sex drive.
Acquired circumstances that can lead to secondary hypogonadism include: Normal aging: Aging affects production and response to hormones. Obesity: High body fat can affect hormone production and response. Medications: Opioid pain meds and steroids can affect function of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.
Low testosterone is linked with many other health problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes. The FDA has approved testosterone therapy for men with low T due to disorders of the testicles, pituitary gland, or brain.
Testosterone replacement therapy, in the form of injections, pellets, patches or gels, can improve the signs and symptoms of low testosterone in these men.
Symptoms of low testosterone in a man—especially low energy levels, moodiness, and reduced sex drive—are usually first noticed by a spouse or significant other. Men tend to shrug symptoms off until they start to affect their work and home life.
Age-specific middle tertile levels were 409-558 ng/dL for men 20-24 years old, 413-575 ng/dL for 25-29 years old, 359-498 ng/dL for 30-34 years old, 352-478 ng/dL for 35-39 years old, and 350-473 ng/dL for 40-44 years old.
Sometimes, however, testosterone levels drop too low. This can reduce your bones' strength and muscle mass, exacerbate sexual issues, and lead to a host of health issues. Low testosterone can be dangerous if not treated.
Testosterone home testing kits are widely available from several companies, including LetsGetChecked, Everlywell, and Progene. They use your blood or saliva to test your hormone levels. After taking the test, you'll send your sample to a laboratory for testing.
Encourage exercise.
Beyond the medical treatments for low testosterone symptoms, Werner is a big believer in the power of exercise. If you can get your partner on the right track or exercise with him, it can really help. “The first step is to begin exercise, even modest exercise, as soon possible,” he says.
A man's ability to produce testosterone starts to decline at about 40 years of age, and levels continue to drop 1 – 3% a year thereafter. It is important to note that just because the levels are dropping after 40 doesn't necessarily mean that all men are candidates for therapy. There must be certain symptoms present.
Excess weight, hair-loss treatments, and a sedentary lifestyle are among the factors that can lower testosterone levels. If you're concerned about low testosterone levels, take a look at your everyday habits and way of life. They could be contributing to a drop.
Resistance training, such as weightlifting, has been shown to boost testosterone levels in the short term ( 13 ). High intensity interval training (HIIT) can be very effective as well, although all types of exercise should work to some extent ( 14 , 15).
The American Urology Association (AUA) identifies low blood testosterone (Low-T) as less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). These symptoms or conditions may accompany Low-T: Low sex drive.
“Exercise will boost testosterone, though certain types of exercise increase testosterone more than others,” says Richard Jadick, D.O., a Piedmont urologist. Exercise can raise testosterone because it promotes: Muscle building. The more muscle you have, the higher your testosterone levels.
Men with high testosterone can experience a variety of troubling symptoms and possible health consequences. Excess testosterone can lead to more aggressive and irritable behavior, more acne and oily skin, even worse sleep apnea (if you already have it), and an increase in muscle mass.
Among men, consumption of caffeinated coffee increased total testosterone and decreased total and free estradiol. Among women, decaffeinated coffee decreased total and free testosterone and caffeinated coffee decreased total testosterone.
Bananas contain an enzyme called bromelain which is known to help boost testosterone levels.
Controlled consumption of egg yolk will help boost testosterone levels over time, and reduce any risks of cholesterol-induced diseases. Egg yolks contain a great source of vitamin D and can help boost testosterone levels.