Testosterone is an important hormone that both men and women make. It regulates many essential processes in the body, especially controlling puberty. Males make more testosterone than females, also known as the “male sex hormone”.
The normal testosterone levels in males can naturally decrease at about 1-3% from age 40. Low testosterone causes several health issues in the body, so the reduction must be handled early on. Here are eight signs you have a low testosterone level.
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is a natural hormone produced by both males and females. In males, it is made in the testicles and regulates many different processes in the body, such as puberty, bone development, muscle mass, red blood cell production, mood regulation, energy, and the production of sperm.
The normal testosterone levels produced by age in males are:
- 25–29 years: 669 nanograms/decilitre.
- 30–34 years: 521 ng/dL
- 35–44 years: 597 ng/dL
- 45–49 years: 546 ng/ dL
- 50–54 years: 544 ng/ dL
- 55–59 years: 552 ng/ dL
A low testosterone level brings about several health problems. Being the dominant hormone in males, it keeps many things in check. From controlling puberty to managing sperm production, testosterone is pivotal in both teen and adult males.
The chart shows that testosterone starts declining from the age of 40, but an initial drop of 1-3% does not require serious help immediately.
Testosterone performs similar functions in females combined with their dominant hormone, estrogen. The combination of testosterone and estrogen in females helps develop reproductive tissues, bone density, mood, brain function, and sexual performance.
In women, testosterone is produced in the ovaries. Normal levels range from 15 to 70 ng/dL. Therefore, increasing testosterone levels in females can be the cause of a lot of health issues.
Why testosterone is reducing
While a reduction in testosterone levels from the age of 40 is quite natural, there are a few other reasons that may support this decline,
- Hypothalamus problems, the area that controls hormones
- Chronic illness
- Obesity
- Low thyroid levels
- The pituitary gland is unable to regulate hormone production
- Puberty is delayed
Why high or low testosterone is concerning
As we learned, testosterone levels in males start decreasing from the age of 40. This brings on several problems in the body, some of which are
High
- Low sperm count
- Damage of the heart muscles, leading to risks of heart diseases
- Increase in bad cholesterol or LDL (low-density lipoprotein)
- Increased blood clots
- Prostate enlargement causes difficulty urinating
- Increased breast tissues causing sagging of the chest
- Increased risks of gynecomastia.
Low
- High blood pressure
- Type-2 diabetes
- Lethargy
- Sudden weight gain leading to obesity
- Clinical depression
- Arthritis
- Sleep apnoea
A reduced testosterone level is not only concerning when you’re nearing 40. However, it can occur at any age, and there will be signs that suggest the decline, so be observant to notice them.
Ways to deal with low testosterone
Low testosterone has several health issues, but they can be dealt with. Take a look at some ways to deal with decreasing testosterone levels. TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) is the most common way to deal with lower testosterone levels in men.
There are several methods of delivering TRT to men:
- Patches
- Gel
- Pallets
- Injections
- Nasal gel
Upon consulting a doctor, the TRT will be prescribed based on the testosterone levels. You can even find great medical websites where you can enlist methods of TRT online and have it delivered to your home.
- Other ways of dealing with low testosterone besides TRT are, eating foods rich in zinc, like crab, lobsters, and beans. Another natural way is to exercise daily and lose excess weight, helping you sleep better, which is also great for lowering testosterone.
Signs you have low testosterone Level
Thankfully, you can tell when your testosterone level is decreasing. Check out these signs that indicate a declining testosterone level.
- Hair thinning or hair loss in the face or body
- Osteoporosis is when bone density is low, as the body doesn’t have enough testosterone to fuse with estrogen to protect bones.
- Low testosterone levels can cause a low sex drive.
- Erectile dysfunction follows suit, with difficulty maintaining an erection and performing longer.
- Low testosterone reduces sperm count, which can cause infertility.
- Mood swings occur more frequently when testosterone lowers, from being depressed to exhibiting rage often.
- Difficulty focusing on tasks and tiredness are symptoms of low testosterone levels.
- Retaining memory is also a frequent issue in those with low testosterone levels.
Takeaway
Low testosterone levels give rise to many problems in both men and women. But being the dominant hormone in males, it is more of a cause for concern when their testosterone declines. So make sure you see a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned. We hope you found this article useful and share it with your friends and family.
FAQs
- What treatments should someone with high testosterone undergo? If someone takes testosterone-boosting supplements or injections such as anabolic steroids, it must be stopped. They need to consult with a doctor immediately. They will do blood tests and physical examinations on the patient and determine their levels. Doctors may prescribe medications to regulate their testosterone levels and bring them down to a normal level. Lifestyle changes are also mandatory in controlling testosterone levels. So those with a high testosterone count are advised to exercise regularly and be on a nutrient-rich diet. Sometimes high testosterone can be attributed to a tumour, which needs to be removed with surgery.
- Are testosterone boosters any good? Testosterone boosters are a popular choice for men with low testosterone levels. They elevate testosterone in those with very low levels. But they need to be taken upon consultation with a medical professional. Testosterone boosters help by counteracting symptoms such as regrowing hair, increasing sex drive, improving muscle mass, regulating mood swings, and bringing up energy. Athletes usually take them to boost their metabolism, increase their energy levels, and promote fat loss. In addition, they’ve proven to be beneficial for those experiencing low testosterone at unnatural ages, such as before the age of 40. When taken correctly, testosterone boosters can be very effective.
Zuella Montemayor did her degree in psychology at the University of Toronto. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
