Testosterone is a vital hormone that is mainly produced in the testicles and ovaries. It is a primary sex hormone in males, which triggers physiological changes like muscle growth and development, facial and body hair growth, sperm production, penile growth, bone strengthening, and voice changes.
As men get older, the levels of this vital hormone in their bodies begin to decrease gradually. This happens naturally. With a decline in its levels, the risk of potential health problems also starts increasing.
A condition wherein the body does not produce adequate testosterone is termed hypogonadism. Men with hypogonadism are more susceptible to developing chronic illnesses. Fortunately, there are ways by which one can replenish the levels of lost testosterone naturally or through medical intervention by a certified healthcare professional.
But how come you indicate that your testosterone levels are low? This blog will make you aware of the signs to recognize you have low testosterone.
Understanding the importance of testosterone
Testosterone is a male steroid hormone, that is essential for regulating a range of operations in the body, which include, gaining muscle mass, bone density, body fat, mood, red blood cell production, penile development, sex drive or libido, hair growth, and so forth. It is needed by the body to facilitate overall well-being.
With an increasing age, the levels of these hormones decline in the body. Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in males that gives them masculine characteristics and maleness. Its levels naturally start to drop when males hit their 30s.
Symptoms and signs of low testosterone
The signs of low testosterone may differ from one person to another. Given below are the types of potential symptoms one might develop because of the drop in the levels of this hormone:
Low sex drive
A person with low testosterone might not feel inclined to be sexually intimate. They may lose interest in sexual activity. Their sex drive or libido goes down. As a result, such individuals avoid sexual activity, which affects their sexual health.
Even if they try to become intimate, they may lose interest and struggle to continue. Because of low sex drive, they may struggle to become sexually aroused and experience difficulties in getting and sustaining erections. They may temporarily develop erectile dysfunction (ED).
Fatigue and low energy
Fatigue is a common symptom of low testosterone. The person may lack the energy and motivation. They may lose their drive and feel constantly tired. This might trigger some psychological problems as well.
Loss of muscle mass
Testosterone has a crucial role in the growth and development of muscle mass. The decline in its levels leads to the weakening of muscles and a decrease in the muscle bulk.
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Testosterone regulates the sex drive or libido. Low testosterone impacts sexual performance negatively by lowering the sex drive and impacting the ability to become sexually aroused. As a result, the person fails to get and maintain firmer erections. They may refrain from having sex.
Decrease in bone density
Low levels of this key hormone in males can contribute to low bone density. It can lead to a decrease in bone density, causing weakness of bones. This may potentiate their risk of developing osteoporosis, thus making them prone to easy fractures.
Reduced facial hair growth and body hair
Testosterone is responsible for giving male characteristics. Men with low testosterone experience a reduction in beard growth as well as body hair growth.
Shrinking of testicles
Those with testosterone deficiency tend to develop issues with fertility. Since the hormone is produced by the testicles, its low levels can cause them to shrink. Sperm production will be badly impacted as well.
Due to the shrinking of testicles, the sperm will be deformed and lack motility. This gives rise to fertility problems in such males.
Mood changes
Testosterone decrease also causes extreme mood swings in males. They tend to become irritable, less focused, lack concentration, and become easily stressed and depressed.
Increase in body fat
Testosterone deficiency can make a person accumulate excessive fat, especially around the abdominal region.
All these are the signs of low testosterone. These can be managed by incorporating some natural techniques or seeking medical assistance.
Ways to boost testosterone
Some natural techniques to boost the levels of this hormone include exercising, weightlifting, or performing high-intensity interval training (HIIT), consuming foods that stimulate testosterone production, getting enough sleep, trying supplements, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing stress.
Apart from these natural methods, one can compensate for low testosterone with the help of testosterone replacement therapy. You need to talk to your healthcare provider to get this therapy.
It involves testosterone injections. This therapy is usually given by a certified and qualified medical professional in a healthcare clinic. A small amount of liquified testosterone solution is injected right into the muscle. However, it might be suitable for everyone.
