Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and a natural anabolic steroid. It is responsible for many processes which keep you healthy and fit. It ensures that your body functions properly and helps your mind to stay sharper and more focused, much like a man during his youth. If the flow of testosterone becomes disrupted and reduced, many complications can arise that are difficult to overcome until T levels return to normal or treatment is initiated. Low testosterone causes a number of problems for men approaching their 30s and beyond. Here are five symptoms of low testosterone that you should watch out for.
Loss of Strength and Muscle Mass
Sculpting a body with solid muscle mass is a daunting task in and of itself. With your testosterone clock working against you, it can become even more of an issue. When testosterone levels sink, the body will very likely start shedding muscle mass, and strength will be lost as a result. This can be one of the most frustrating side effects for men whether or not they strive to be physically fit. If you feel you are losing muscle mass, and your efforts remedy or add bulk are seemingly going to waste, this could very well be an indicator of low testosterone level symptoms.
Decreased Sex Drive
When the testes stop producing testosterone at optimum levels, male reproductive issues certainly can arise. Men with low testosterone often suffer from decreased fertility or total sterility, erectile dysfunction, and decreased desire or loss of libido. A man’s sex life is an important part of his overall health, and should not be overlooked when diagnosing problems that could be the result of low testosterone levels.
Increased Irritability and Depression
As men age, they can become more irritable. This symptom of low testosterone sometimes gets brushed off as a natural part of life. However, it can often times be more serious than that. According to a 2015 article published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, “Irritable male syndrome, a behavioral state following the withdrawal of T in adult male mammals, shows a certain similarity to the symptoms of atypical depression in human adults.” Living with depression is not easy, nor does it provide for a high quality of life. As a result, you may experience a struggle to keep healthy and happy relationships with those around you, thus compounding the issue.
Decreased Bone Density
Diminishing testosterone levels can lower bone density and send you speeding towards a more fragile skeletal system and even osteoporosis. Studies have suggested that elderly men (age 65 or older in this case) who suffer from osteoporosis, can benefit from testosterone replacement therapy which can increase bone mineral density.
Weight Gain and Fat Distribution
The body needs fat to function properly, but when your testosterone machine is failing, you may very well experience weight gain and fat that is increasingly difficult to burn. If left unchecked the levels of proteins that trap fat within cells can become much higher, especially in certain areas of the body (such as belly and thighs). Once this happens, it is markedly more difficult to burn this fat until testosterone levels are corrected.
There is no simple answer on how to treat low testosterone. If you think you may be experiencing any of the symptoms of low T you should consult an experienced testosterone expert immediately. At Tampa Testosterone we provide a free consultation, a face-to-face chance to talk about the symptoms and issues you are experiencing, bloodwork/labs, and a physician’s analysis & recommendation. Don’t wait, schedule an appointment here or call us at 813.400.2746 today to get started taking your life back so you can look and feel your best!
