Is Your Testosterone Low? Here are Some Signs to Look For
Most people know that testosterone is an essential part of building muscle and fueling your sex drive. But did you also know that testosterone is crucial for maintaining bone mass, producing red blood cells, and a host of other bodily functions? Low testosterone doesn't only mean consequences in the bedroom and in the gym, but also well beyond.
According to Men's Health, most men see their testosterone drop naturally with age, but some can experience low testosterone — or low T — in their 20s or 30s. "Testosterone deficiency is considered a medical condition and is different than age-related decline in testosterone levels," says Darshan Patel, M.D., assistant professor of urology at the University of California San Diego's Men's Health Center.
According to Dr. Patel, low T affects people in different ways: Physical, cognitive, and sexual. Few men experience all symptoms, but most exhibit a few. And remember: The following symptoms aren't proof of low T — you'll need to get a blood test for that.
Low Sex Drive
The most common symptom of low T is low libido, according to urologist Philip Werthman, M.D, and nearly every patient who comes to his office with suspected low T complains of lack of sexual appetite. Not only do some men want less sex, but they masturbate less and report fewer fantasies and erotic dreams.
Difficulty Getting an Erection
"Testosterone is necessary for the development and maintenance of erectile function in men," says Brian Black, D.O., osteopathic board-certified physician in family medicine. To make matters more confusing, low T could make it difficult to get an erection, but it can also cause spontaneous erections. However, some men with low testosterone have no trouble getting an erection.
Your Muscles Shrink
Putting aside the specifics of the science behind it, when testosterone levels drop, muscle tissue can break down instead of build up. After a few weeks of low T, you can expect to lose muscle mass.
Your Penis May Get Smaller
According to Men's Health, "without a steady flow of testosterone, the tissues in your penis, scrotum, and testicles can atrophy, or shrivel," says S Adam Ramin, M.D., urologic surgeon, and medical director of Urology Cancer Specialists in Lost Angeles. As a result, your penis might lost length and girth, and your balls might also shrink.
Your Belly Grows
According to William Nall, D.O., owner of Village Osteopath in Noblesville, Indiana, "low testosterone lowers your motivation to go out and do things, which might cause you to put on weight." Adding to the catch-22, excess body fat can also lower testosterone.
Your Memory May Suffer
There are testosterone receptors in the brain, and when there's not enough T available to those receptors, brain cells may not be able to function as well.
Your Mood Suffers
Not only can some of the symptoms of low T — like sexual dysfunction and weight gain — also bring about the blues, but there's also a direct connection between low T and mood, which is linked to empty testosterone receptors in the brain. In addition, this is another catch-22 situation: Low testosterone can bring about depression, but depression or anxiety can also suppress your testicles' ability to produce testosterone, which worsens the problem.
Your Bones Weaken
When testosterone levels fall, your bones break down faster than your body can build them back up. As a result, you're at a higher risk for low bone density, osteoporosis, and fractures.
Hair Loss
Of course, we all know what hair loss looks like on the top of our heads. But low T can cause facial and body hair growth to slow down to the point that you might not need to shave as much.
You Could Develop Anemia
This is one of the less common symptoms, but it is possible for low T to lead to anemia. Symptoms of anemia can include shortness of breath, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, headaches, and chest pain.
Low Energy
You might not feel like doing he things you usually do, or your usual activities tire you out more than usual. It could also be that you don't recover as quickly as you normally do from physical activity, or you need to take naps throughout the day.
You Develop Gynecomastia
When testosterone levels are low and estrogen levels increase, gynecomastia — also known as male breasts — is possible. In addition to swollen breast tissue, you also might experience pain, tenderness, and sensitive nipples.
Your Heart
The jury is still a little bit out on this one, but some studies have shown that men with low T had a greater risk of dying from heart disease than men with normal levels. The good news is that results are expected later this year from a "blockbuster testosterone trial" that should answer some questions about testosterone's cardiovascular effects.