Low levels of testosterone in the body can compromise healthy living. The good news is that treatments for this condition are widely available, but early diagnosis and treatment are essential. This page content can help you if you are struggling with low testosterone symptoms.
Understanding testosterone and low testosterone levels
Testosterone is a male sex hormone that plays a significant role in the development of male reproductive organs, including the testes and prostate. During puberty, this hormone promotes secondary sexual characteristics as well, such as long bone mass, increased muscle, and growth of body hair. Testosterone plays a vital role in adulthood; it maintains the sexual desire in men. In the majority of males, the level of testosterone hormone in the bloodstream remains normal for the rest of their life. However, some men have a low level of testosterone, which can affect their sexual health. In fact, studies have linked low testosterone levels to health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Low testosterone is a condition that has been gaining a lot of attention due to increasing awareness about the condition and its impact on a man’s life. The common sexual conditions associated with the impacts of low testosterone include decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction. Decreased sex drive can significantly impact a couple’s relationship. A man suffering from low testosterone should not take this condition lightly and should put his best efforts to get rid of it. Find below to identify if you are looking for how to know if you have low testosterone issues.
Common symptoms associated with low testosterone
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- Decreased energy
- Decreased sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased exercise tolerance
- Loss of muscle mass
- Osteoporosis (brittle bones)
- Depression
- Iron deficiency
- Change in cognitive function
If you are struggling with a majority of these symptoms, you may likely have low testosterone. Furthermore, to get a fair idea about your condition, you can check out the warning signs of having low testosterone.
Warning signs of having low testosterone
Some warning signs could indicate having low testosterone levels. The best and easiest way to be sure about it is to schedule an appointment with a healthcare specialist who specializes in male reproductive problems. The commonly reported sexual issues experienced by people having low testosterone levels are:
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- Low sex drive – A majority of men experience some decline in their sex drive as they age. However, in some men, a rapid decline in sex drive can also indicate low testosterone levels. If the drop in sex drive persists for a long time, it could be the right time to consult an urologist or an expert who specializes in resolving male sexual health issues. He would examine and ask you to undergo a test for low testosterone confirmation.
- Trouble in getting an erection – If you find difficulty in attaining and keeping a penile erection to satisfy your partner, it could be a sign of low testosterone levels in your body. The condition is popularly known as erectile dysfunction. While testosterone is not the main cause of penile erection, it plays a vital role in promoting sex drive and sending a signal to your brain to build an erection. The erection issue can be serious in some cases and requires erectile dysfunction treatment.You must consider consulting a urologist for an erectile dysfunction cure. He may prescribe erectile dysfunction medication that best suits your condition. Sildenafil citrate is one of the most widely used erectile dysfunction drugs. It is necessary to treat erectile dysfunction as early as possible to avoid complications.
- Hair loss – Low testosterone is also associated with the production of hair. Hair loss is the most common indication that the man is ageing. A low testosterone level may cause loss of facial and body hair.
- Lack of energy – Men suffering from low testosterone have been shown to have a significant decrease in energy. Such men feel fatigued throughout the day, even after drinking plenty of water, and they get a lot of sleep. If you, too, experience the same condition, you could have low testosterone levels.
What is a dangerously low testosterone level?
The normal testosterone levels for men typically range from 300 to 1000 ng/dL ((nanograms per deciliter). Clinical reports suggest that a testosterone level of less than 150 ng/Dl in a man is considered a dangerously low testosterone level. This level is often associated with a higher mortality risk, particularly from cardiovascular issues.
Side effects of low testosterone or the risk factors for low testosterone
While testosterone levels in the bloodstream can decline as the man ages, health conditions can also affect testosterone levels, including:
Type 2 diabetes – According to studies, it has been shown that men with diabetes mellitus are more likely to have developed levels of testosterone. Also, the studies reveal that some men with low testosterone are more prone to diabetes as they age.
Sleep apnea, damage to the testes, infection or testicular cancer, obesity, chronic pain, and hypertension are also linked as side effects of low testosterone.
If you have developed any of these symptoms, you should discuss them with a urologist for evaluation and diagnosis, as well as the treatment options available that suit your condition.
Also Read: Boost Your Testosterone Levels
