Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone that plays a major role in puberty, serving to spur the development of secondary sex characteristics and the male reproductive system. While testosterone is well-known for playing a major role in these processes, however, its importance lies well beyond the scope of sexual function. This essential hormone also regulates muscle mass, red blood cell production, and fat distribution.
While the levels of testosterone in a man will naturally decrease as he ages, some men may end up dealing with significantly lower levels at a much younger age. But exactly what does low testosterone look like, and how does it impact individuals who are not producing enough? If you believe you may be suffering from low testosterone levels, here are five signs of low testosterone that you should know about (and what you can do if you have it).
5 Signs of Low Testosterone
1. Low sex drive or erectile dysfunction
Being that testosterone plays a key role in your sexual health, it is only logical that one side effect of low testosterone is low libido and difficulty getting or keeping an erection. If you have found that your sex drive has been gradually losing steam or you have problems getting physically excited in the bedroom, this may be a good indication that your testosterone levels are beneath what is required to adequately regulate bodily processes. With that in mind, it is important that you speak with your doctor to make sure that there are no other health problems at play hindering your sexual performance.
2. Increased fatigue and irritability
Hormonal changes can have major impacts on our physical body, influencing areas like our energy levels and our mood. Those who have healthy testosterone levels are often full of energy and more emotionally stable while those with low testosterone levels feel fatigued and may experience mood changes like irritability or even depression. While these symptoms alone are not enough to indicate a testosterone problem, you may be able to better determine if it is an issue when paired with other symptoms on this list.
3. Loss of muscle mass and increased body fat
Some of the most troubling symptoms of lower testosterone production for many men include the loss of muscle mass and increased body fat. While these changes don’t affect your overall strength or how well your muscles function, they can result in lower self-confidence, issues with health (should you give up on your current fitness and diet regimen), and the potential development of an issue known as gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue), which occurs in men with extremely low testosterone levels. Even though these developments may not have a massive impact on physical performance in the short-term, keep an eye out for these issues to prevent low testosterone from becoming a major problem moving forward.
4. Issues with memory and concentration
As we’ve already covered, testosterone has an impact on both mind and body. One of the symptoms associated with low testosterone is, as those affected describe it, a “brain fog” that makes it more difficult to concentrate and remember things that you normally wouldn’t have trouble remembering. Getting help for low testosterone now is essential to prevent further cognitive decline that can impact you more directly down the road.
5. Smaller testicle size and lower semen production
The physical symptoms of low testosterone are often the easiest to spot. One way to notice if you are experiencing low testosterone is to take a look at your reproductive organs and processes and see if there are any noticeable changes, especially when it comes to testicle size and semen production. In some cases, shrinking testicle size and changes in the scrotal region can be indicative of a testosterone problem. Additionally, lower semen production, which will present itself as ejaculating less when you orgasm, can also point to a problem with the male sex hormone. Keep a close eye on your testicles and semen production to catch a problem early on.
What Can I Do About Low Testosterone Levels?
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to begin boosting your testosterone levels. One common remedy that men turn to for testosterone support is natural supplements like TestRX, which contain a host of vitamins and herbal substances designed to boost male virility (make sure that you check out a TestRX Review before you try it out). There are also several natural ways to boost your testosterone levels by making simple lifestyle changes like working out more, eating a healthier diet, and eliminating stress where possible. If you feel like you need medical support during this journey, you may even wish to reach out to your doctor to see what treatments are available if your testosterone levels are extremely low.
Low testosterone is something men experience as they age, but having a major deficiency is something that can heavily impact your mental and physical health. If you believe that your testosterone levels are lower than they should be, use the guide above to learn more about how low testosterone levels can impact you and what you can do to remedy the problem.