Common Side Effects of Low Testosterone in Men

Low testosterone: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Not only is testosterone a key building block for muscles, it also plays a role in regulating body fat distribution. Men with low testosterone levels may experience increased body fat, particularly in the belly area. This can affect a man’s physical appearance and increase his risk of developing health conditions such as heart disease. Testosterone is a hormone that plays an important role in a man’s health, particularly his sexual health. In other words, a variety of bodily functions rely on testosterone.

Data suggest that about 2 men in every 100 have low testosterone. As few as 1% of younger men have it, while as many as 50% of men over 80 years old may have low testosterone. Low testosterone is more common in men with diabetes and those who are overweight.

As they’re easier to use and more convenient to manage, testosterone gels are the preferred and most common delivery method for TRT. The need for daily application may create issues surrounding compliance with some patients, and others may find it irritates the skin at the application site. Sporadic mood changes are one of the more noticeable signs of low testosterone, especially in conjunction with other symptoms. Patients are typically monitored every 3-6 months for symptom improvement and adverse events with examination, total testosterone, PSA, and hematocrit levels.

Testosterone production declines naturally as men age, but sometimes levels drop abnormally low. Did you know that 25% of men over age 30 and close to 40% of men over age 45 have testosterone deficiency? “Low testosterone lowers your motivation to go out and do things, which might cause you to put on weight,” Dr. Nall says. Excess body fat can, through a complex interaction of hormones and enzymes lower testosterone levels.

The highest levels of testosterone are generally in the morning, near 8 a.m. As a man ages, the amount of testosterone produced in his body gradually drops. This natural decline starts after age 30 and continues at a rate of about 1% per year throughout his life. Healthy male testosterone levels range between 450 and 600 ng/dL.

Low testosterone may affect different body systems, resulting in symptoms that affect memory, mood, bone, muscle, sex drive, and the ability to get or maintain an erection. Low testosterone levels may lead to an increase in body fat mass. Unlike many low-T clinics, we calculate bioavailable testosterone by measuring levels of two proteins, sex hormone binding globulin and albumin, that typically bind to testosterone. It’s possible to have a normal total testosterone level and experience low-T symptoms if this balance is off. Many men experience symptoms of low testosterone, but it is easy to pass these symptoms off as another health condition or even just blame them on the natural process of aging. But the truth is low testosterone levels can result in symptoms that just shouldn’t be ignored. If you have low blood levels of testosterone AND symptoms that affect your daily life, your doctor may suggest taking supplemental testosterone.

To minimize exposure, eat and drink from glass and stainless steel containers, shop for fragrance-free products, and reduce your plastic use altogether. Sometimes, additional tests may be needed to check for related hormones or factors that could be affecting your testosterone levels. To ensure accurate results, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding preparation for these tests, such as fasting. Monitoring bone health is essential, especially if you suspect low testosterone levels. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious bone-related complications.

TRT is also available as injections, skin patches, and pellets placed under the skin. Safe, successful low-T treatments start with personalized conversations. For more research-backed information and resources, visit our dedicated men’s health hub. People with low testosterone may find it difficult to fall or stay asleep. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. The complications of untreated hypogonadism differ depending on when it develops — during fetal development, puberty or adulthood. Your doctor can also help you determine if there’s an underlying cause triggering your low testosterone.

It’s important to know that it is best natural way to increase testosterone; http://cultivodesetas.es/media/pgs/?vitaminas_para_aumentar_la_testosterona_1.html, for testosterone production typically to decrease with age. The Endocrine Society considers low blood testosterone to be a morning level of less than 300 nanograms per deciliter in adults. Testosterone levels vary throughout the day, so testing these levels at 8 a.m.