Testosterone is one of the most important hormones produced mainly by men in the testicles. The hormone is known for its effects when it comes to the sexual development and masculine appearance of men.
It also stimulates the sex drive and sperm production of men and plays a role in building bone and muscle mass. This shows just how important testosterone is in the life of men.
The production of testosterone can reduce due to several factors, key among them age. With reduced testosterone levels, men experience some symptoms that might make life difficult for them.
Before discussing the common signs of low testosterone levels, do you know what you can do if you are going through this condition?
Dealing with low testosterone levels
There are different ways of treating the low production of the testosterone hormone in men. The most common ones include testosterone booster supplements and testosterone replacement therapy.
Taking supplements to boost testosterone levels is the easiest way of dealing with this condition.
This is because of the multiple benefits the supplements bring in men, among them increased physical function and muscle mass, improving sexual functioning, reducing symptoms of diabetes, and improving cognition and mood.
Signs of low testosterone levels
Erection difficulties
In addition to stimulating the sex drive in men, testosterone plays an important role when it comes to achieving an erection and maintaining it. Even though it does not cause an erection alone, it is responsible for stimulating brain receptors to release nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide, on the other hand, triggers different chemical reactions that lead to an erection. If you have low testosterone levels, this process will be interfered with, something that might lead to difficulties in getting an erection.
Low sex drive
Testosterone improves libido, also known as sex drive in men. Even though sex drive can also be affected by age in some men, it is greatly reduced by low levels of testosterone.
People with severely low levels of testosterone will experience a drastic drop in their sex drive.
Loss of hair
Testosterone not only helps in improving sex drive and eliminating erection difficulties but also in other body functions such as the production of hair.
Even though balding is part of the natural effects of ageing in men and can also be inherited from older generations, men with low levels of testosterone have increased levels of loss of facial and body hair.
Low volume of semen
Testosterone hormone contributes to the production of semen. Semen is a milky-looking fluid that helps in sperm motility.
During ejaculation, men with low levels of testosterone will notice decreased or low volumes of semen. However, if this is not consistent, your testosterone levels might be normal, just that some conditions and situations might lead to decreased semen volumes.
Increase in body fat
Yes, you heard it right. Some men assume that their increase in body fat is caused by their unhealthy eating habits. However, low levels of testosterone can also lead to an increase in body fat.
Have you seen men with enlarged breasts? This is a condition known as gynecomastia mostly caused by an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone in men.
Fatigue
Do you often feel like you have decreased levels of energy in your body and extreme fatigue? Well, if you consistently experience this, then you need to check your testosterone levels.
However, you need to ensure that you are getting enough rest and sleep because if you are not, then it could be the cause of fatigue.
Mood changes
Low testosterone levels can make men get extra emotional. This is because of the influence that testosterone has on different physical processes in a man’s body.
Research has indicated that low levels of testosterone can lead to a lack of focus, irritability, and depression in some men.
Smaller size of testicles
Low testosterone levels can lead to a reduction in the size of testicles in men. This is because testosterone is used by the body in the development of testicles and the penis.
It, therefore, means that men suffering from Low T (another term used to refer to low testosterone levels) can suffer from smaller testicles and penis compared to other men.
However, this is not the only cause of small-sized testicles. You, therefore, need to see a professional if you are suffering from this condition.
If you see any of these signs, make sure to consider using testosterone supplements or even seeing a professional to guide you on what you need to do.
David Tobin did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.