Low testosterone is a problem for many men, so many that almost 40% of men over 45 experience it. While it is common, it doesn’t mean you should suffer through the symptoms.
Higher testosterone levels as men age correlate with improved quality of life. Don’t assume that you’re doomed to experience a lack of testosterone production as you grow older.
Do you think you’re experiencing low T? There are symptoms you should know. Check out our guide for the top 5 and when to take action.
1. Low Sex Drive
Male testosterone is the hormone responsible for body hair growth, muscle mass, assertiveness, and sexuality. For most males, the production peaks around 30 and drops as we age. Some men, however, experience rapid declines before they reach the age of 40.
Do you lack interest in sex?
Libido loss isn’t always related to a drop in testosterone levels, but it’s one of the most common signs. A lack of desire as you age into your late 30s isn’t something to ignore because it doesn’t only impact you. Your partner will feel the effects, too.
For some men, loss of interest in sex is a more gradual process. Of course, we’re not going to be as interested in sex as we were in college. That said, a complete loss should concern anyone.
Men who experience a loss of sex drive may regain their stride if they artificially increase testosterone levels. You and your lover will reap the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy.
2. Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is an issue related to libido loss and a drop in testosterone production. Testosterone causes your body’s release of nitric oxide, an erectile essential. When you can’t develop or maintain an erection, your body doesn’t have enough testosterone to trigger the necessary nitric oxide.
Gone are the days of rock-hard erections and even those random ones in the morning.
Though erectile dysfunction can be related to low T levels, you shouldn’t begin testosterone treatments immediately. ED affects nearly 30 million men, and the causes aren’t always related to testosterone loss.
Stress, chronic diseases, depression, and anxiety can all cause erectile issues. Whatever you do, don’t blow off your erectile dysfunction. Seek treatment immediately, and you’ll improve your quality of life.
3. Hair Loss
Hair loss is another one of those inevitable things that happen to men as they age. Male pattern baldness is so common it’s not worth addressing with a medical professional, right? Wrong!
Of course, genetics play a role in male pattern baldness, but losing hair on your head or your body isn’t always a fact of life.
Signs of Low Testosterone Hair Loss
Typical male pattern baldness often occurs in two places on the scalp. Your hair will thin around the crown and form a “bald spot.” The hair at the front of your scalp may recede in an ‘M’ shape.
These are the common signs. Abnormal hair loss due to low testosterone may look like male pattern baldness, but there are some subtle but noticeable differences.
When you lose hair on your scalp from low testosterone, it may fall out in clumps. It may also thin all over without any typical pattern.
With low testosterone, hair loss isn’t only on the scalp like typical male pattern baldness. Men experiencing low T hair loss lose body hair, too. Hair on your arms, legs, chest, and neck may disappear.
If you notice this type of hair loss, you’re wise to seek a testosterone therapy plan.
4. Weight Gain or Increase in Body Fat
Men do tend to gain weight as they age. It’s not as easy for you to stay at your college weight as push 40, but significant weight gain and a significant increase of body fat could be a sign of low testosterone.
Consider your diet and habits. If you’re pounding beers every night, eating poorly, and not exercising, low T isn’t your problem. The only way out of that type of weight gain is through diet and exercise. A diet and exercise plan that doesn’t yield results is a sign of low T.
Gynecomastia
Related to loss of muscle, weight gain, and increased body fat due to low T is gynecomastia or male breast development. Men who experience low levels of testosterone may grow breasts.
Symptoms of gynecomastia include swollen and tender nipples. You may feel growth in glandular tissue behind your nipples, and this growth may feel rubbery. Your body’s testosterone and estrogen production are out of whack, and these “man boobs” will often look like female breasts rather than an overweight man’s chest.
5. Mood Swings and Fatigue
Research suggests that low testosterone correlates with increased depression and anxiety. If you’re feeling depressed or irritable for long periods, your testosterone level may be the cause.
Men with low T tend to lose their drive and motivation. Testosterone is associated with assertiveness and aggression, and a sudden shift in our hormones can cause men to lose their drive to perform.
Concurrent with the loss of drive and mood swings is fatigue. Are you too tired to get up from the couch on your day off? Would you rather curl up in bed than hit the town?
Your testosterone level could be to blame.
Boost Your Testosterone Levels
Men experience a natural decline in their testosterone levels as they age. A severe drop in this hormone can cause serious health issues. Abnormally low testosterone reduces your quality of life.
Why put up with it when you don’t have to? Testosterone replacement therapy can help you regain your vitality and live a fulfilling life well into middle age.
Don’t delay. Contact us at Tampa Testosterone for a free consultation. We’re here to help you live your best life.
