Low testosterone is a condition marked by the low levels of testosterone hormone in the blood. The levels of testosterone drop under 300 nanograms per deciliter in the blood. It can occur in males at any age, but its chances increase with the aging more commonly in the 70s and 80s. it can be caused by an injury, infection or systemic illness or genetic anomalies. The person with low testosterone represents the symptoms such as delayed puberty, low sexual desire, erectile problems, and diminished masculine features.
What Are Signs of Low Testosterone In Males?
The normal levels of testosterone in the blood of males range from 300-1000 nanograms per deciliter. Testosterone determines the masculine features and sexual growth in the males. It stimulates the production of sperm and sexual desire in the man. It is secreted majorly by testes and trace amount by adrenal cortex and ovaries. This hormone is secreted most in adolescence and early adulthood. With the increasing age, its levels reduce 1 to 3% every year from the age of 40 years.
The signs of low testosterone in males are-
Delayed Puberty– young boys who have low testosterone have a delay in puberty i.e. growth of pubic hairs, mustache, beard, and sex organs. They may have underdeveloped male gonads and a abnormal growth of breast tissue.
Low Libido – low testosterone leads to a reduction in sexual desire or sex drive or libido. Patient with low testosterone may feel a drastic loss of desire for sex.
Erection Problems- the testosterone levels determine male’s sex drive which stimulates and maintains an erection. With the fall in the testosterone, the problems related to achieving an erection or maintaining it arises. Even spontaneous erections for example during sleep may also occur with low testosterone.
Low Semen Volume- testosterone is important for secretion of semen. Low levels of testosterone lower down the volume of the semen during ejaculation.
Loss Of Hair– this hormone plays an important role in the production of hair in body and face as the mustache, and beard. Low testosterone may induce loss of hair from the body or face.
Reduced Muscle Mass- in males, testosterone assist in building muscles as one of a masculine feature. Reducing testosterone may cause a gradual decrease in the muscle mass.
Loss Of Bone Mass- testosterone plays a vital role in the production and strengthening of bone similar to estrogen in females. With the reduction of testosterone, bone volume and its density reduce which may lead to frequent fractures in the bones especially in old age.
Lethargy- drop in the levels of testosterone may cause a decrease in the energy levels of males resulting in extreme weakness and lethargy. The individual with low testosterone may feel tired even after sufficient sleep and he cannot be encouraged to exercise.
Increased Body Fat- low levels of testosterone may result in an increase in body fat. Fat deposition is marked in the thighs and breast tissue leading to a condition of the breast called gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is believed to be caused by an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone in men.
Mood Fluctuations- testosterone affect a number of physical changes in the body, it may also influence one’s mood and mental capacity. Low testosterone leads to changes in mood. It may also cause depression, sadness, irritability, poor memory and loss of focus.
Overweight – men with low testosterone are more likely to gain weight, and become obese due to an increase in body fat.
Insomnia– low testosterone may lead to problems related to sleep i.e. insomnia.
Conclusion
Low testosterone is also known as male hypogonadism in which the levels of testosterone falls under the normal level. It affects the masculine features. Low testosterone signs include impaired development of muscles, sex organs, delayed puberty, loss of facial or body hair, erectile problems and others discussed above.
- “Male Hypogonadism (Low Testosterone).” Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-hypogonadism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354881.
- “Low Testosterone (Low T).” Urology Care Foundation, www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/low-testosterone-(hypogonadism).
- “Low Testosterone: 12 Signs and Symptoms.” Healthline, www.healthline.com/health/low-testosterone/warning-signs#12.-increased-body-fat.
- Bhasin, Shalender, and Glenn R. Cunningham. “Testosterone Deficiency in Men.” UpToDate, Wolters Kluwer, www.uptodate.com/contents/testosterone-deficiency-in-men.
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