5 Signs You’re Suffering From Low Testosterone

It can be said that testosterone is what makes men. The stereotypical traits of chest hair, strong muscles, and a deep voice all owe their existence to the male hormone testosterone. A normal level in most adult males is between 350-850 nanograms, which a simple blood test can determine.

Most men have the highest levels in their 20s and then experience a decline in their 30s and 40s. But insufficient levels of testosterone, or low T, aren’t just age-related; they can also stem from many different health conditions, including injury, infection, medications, and disease.

Whatever the cause of your low T, Weight Loss & Vitality team of experts can determine whether you have low T, what’s causing it, and how best to treat it.

Symptoms of low testosterone

There are many symptoms associated with low T, but none of them alone mean you have low testosterone levels. In and of themselves, the symptoms could also point to a number of other health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol, to name a few.

However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, it’s best to make an appointment to see us for a simple blood screening test, so you know what you’re dealing with for sure. Below are five of the most common signs of low testosterone.

1. Erectile dysfunction (ED) and low sex drive

One of the most frequently reported symptoms (and arguably one of the most dreaded) is erectile dysfunction, or the inability to get or sustain an erection. Although millions of men suffer from ED at some point in their lives, low T can make the problem chronic and cause-related complications, such as embarrassment and low self-confidence.

Along with ED, low testosterone can also cause a noticeable drop in libido or your interest in sex. What some men simply chalk up to getting older may actually be treatable low T.

2. Loss of muscle mass

One of the things that can contribute to low T is a sedentary lifestyle. The irony is that low testosterone can cause a decrease in muscle mass, which may cause you to lead a more sedentary lifestyle. Regardless of which came first — the laziness or the low T — the good news is that it’s not too late to address both issues.

3. Personality changes

Low T is known for causing some men to lose their vigor, motivation, and ambition. If you are easily fatigued and become irritable and grouchy, it may be a sign that your hormones are out of balance. You may notice that you lack patience even with those you love, you get angry over little things, or you even become depressed. If you or those who know you well have observed these personality changes, it’s time to get your testosterone checked.

4. Mental fog

The aging process takes its toll on your body and your brain. People tend to slow down physically and mentally as time ticks on. However, if you have a particularly difficult time concentrating on tasks at work, you can’t seem to pay attention as long as you used to, or you even have minor memory lapses, it could be due to low testosterone.

5. Weight gain

Because low T can decrease your drive to be active, it can also be responsible for your recent weight gain. Men with low T often notice an increase in body fat, especially around the belly, and may even develop larger breasts.

These are not the only symptoms of low T. Others include:

• Back and joint pain
• Infertility
• Loss of hair
• Loss of bone mass (osteoporosis)
• Smaller testicles

Fortunately, low testosterone is easily treated,

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or a combination of them, there’s hope. Call one the Weight Loss and Vitality offices to schedule an appointment. Our team is here to answer all your low T questions and get you back on track to living your best life.

Author

David J. Bauder, PA-C David Bauder, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant and the assistant medical director at Weight Loss and Vitality in Manassas and Alexandria, Virginia, Washington, DC; and Gaithersburg, MD. He enjoys helping patients optimize their physical and mental health to improve their overall well-being. He earned his physician assistant degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Afterward, he gained admission into the reputable graduate program for physician assistant studies at the University of Nebraska Health Science Center in Omaha. David has over 26 years of experience working as a physician assistant. He’s practiced in podiatry, family medicine, emergency medicine, general surgery, urgent care, and functional medicine.