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6 Unexpected Signs of Low Testosterone

Low Testosterone Low T: Symptoms, Causes, and More

One way to be certain if you think you have low testosterone is to have a blood test. Different types of blood tests are used to determine whether you have low testosterone and, if so, what has caused it. These include a total testosterone level blood test, a luteinizing hormone blood test, and a prolactin blood test. It’s common for testosterone levels to decrease with age, but some men experience a significant drop, leading to noticeable changes in both body and mind. Gynecomastia is more common in men over 60 since that age group is more likely to have low testosterone levels and increased body fat (another factor that may contribute to developing gynecomastia). Lastly, men with low T often experience low energy levels and feelings of fatigue.

Depression linked to low testosterone can manifest as a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, feelings of hopelessness, and a general sense of dissatisfaction with life. These symptoms can be debilitating, impacting work performance, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Recognizing the connection between mood changes and hormonal imbalance is essential for effective treatment. Therapy, lifestyle modifications, and medical interventions such as testosterone replacement therapy can help alleviate these symptoms, improving mood stability and enhancing mental well-being. A noticeable decline in libido or sexual desire is another significant indicator of low testosterone. Testosterone is a key hormone in regulating sexual function, and its deficiency can lead to a reduced interest in sexual activity.

Or, they might suggest a treatment tailored to your specific needs, which could include health testing, hormone therapy, or dietary adjustments. Research suggests that low testosterone levels may be more common among young men today compared to previous decades. Multiple large-scale studies have shown that average testosterone levels in men, including adolescents and young adults, have been on the decline over the past few decades, according to Houman. Low testosterone levels could lead to anemia, a blood disorder that may occur due to the decrease of RBCs. The exact reason low testosterone causes low energy levels isn’t fully understood.

Obesity, lack of sleep, stress, and poor nutrition can all tank testosterone levels. Regular exercise, weight loss, clean eating, and managing sleep hygiene can go a long way in restoring natural production or enhancing the benefits of TRT if you’re on it. The treatment may involve lifestyle changes or testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) delivered by pill, injection, topical cream, transdermal patch, intranasal gel, or an under-the-tongue tablet or film.

Hormone therapy is a standard treatment strategy for combating prostate cancer, as it works by depriving the cancer cells of testosterone. One key sign that hormone therapy isn’t working is a continuous rise in PSA blood levels despite a very low blood testosterone level, specifically one that is less than 50 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). One factor is that the genetic makeup of prostate cancer cells can change over time, allowing them to produce more androgen receptors (binding sites for testosterone). Christopher Wolter, MD, is an assistant professor in urology at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. In the past, low T was typically treated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). The American College of Physicians updated its clinical practice guidelines in 2020 to counsel that TRT should only be prescribed to men for sexual dysfunction. Generally, total testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter) may indicate low T, but it’s nuanced.

Lack of sleep, moodiness, weight gain and decreased strength can also influence these feelings. Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is a type of secondary male hypogonadism that results from normal aging. As males age they have a deterioration of hypothalamic-pituitary function and Leydig cell function that decrease testosterone and/or sperm production.

We also go beyond the research, interviewing top experts in their fields to bring you the most informed insights. Every article is rigorously reviewed by medical experts to ensure accuracy. Some other symptoms of anemia include problems concentrating, dizziness, chest pain, an abnormally rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and pale skin. According to research in the Journal of the American Medical Association, there is a link between testosterone deficiency and anemia in older men (8). “Bone metabolism is complex and related to two main cell types,” says Calvert.

While a reduced sex drive may also be due to age, low testosterone is known to cause a significant decrease in a man’s desire to have sex. However, some researchers and healthcare providers disagree with this and feel that levels below 250 ng/dL are low. Providers also take symptoms into consideration when diagnosing low zinc picolinate testosterone. Some people may experience a decline in sex drive as they get older, but those with low testosterone will likely experience a more drastic drop.

Therapy options available for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) include secondary or more intensive hormone medicines, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation-related agents. These treatments are not cures but can potentially improve symptoms and prolong life. Because testosterone levels can fluctuate from day to day, two to three consecutive low counts are needed to definitively diagnose male hypogonadism. The blood tests should be taken at least a week apart, ideally between 7 a.m. This is especially true for older males who are more likely to have low testosterone and will often discount their symptoms as being a part of aging.