Testosterone is a hormone present in both male and female but it is often called the male hormone because men have a much higher percentage than women. Testosterone surges during puberty and is critical in the development of distinctly male features — a deeper voice, facial and body hair, muscle strength, and sperm.
As men age, testosterone production naturally wanes; in fact, about 40% of men over age 45 have lower levels of testosterone — technically called hypogonadism. But if yours is significantly low, your body starts showing signs.
Here are some of the signs that your testosterone level may have dipped below normal.
Low libido
Testosterone fuels the male sex drive, so when you’re running low, you may lose interest in sex.
Sexual signs
Produced in the testicles in men, testosterone is responsible for the development of your male sex organs, so an imbalance of this vital hormone causes changes in sexual function.
Reduced semen output
Low testosterone often results in low semen volume, which may affect fertility because your sperm rely on this milky substance for maximum motility.
Erectile dysfunction
When your testosterone level is low, you may not be able to get or keep an erection.
Physical signs
Testosterone is a key player in the development of men’s physical characteristics, so it stands to reason that a lack of testosterone would have the opposite effect. Here are a few physical signs that point to low Testosterone:
- Loss of body hair
- Waning muscle mass
- Chronic fatigue
- Swollen, tender, or growing breasts
- Weight gain
Emotional signs
In addition to physical and sexual changes, low testosterone may affect your moods and mental wellness. Many men with low T experience mild to moderate depression, feelings of apathy, and a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
These are classic consequences of decreasing testosterone levels, but they may also indicate other conditions. The only way to know for sure is to visit our Endocrinology clinic for a simple test.
Restoring your testosterone
Several conditions can lead to a drop in testosterone, including infections, testicle injuries, viruses, certain medications, obesity, alcohol abuse, HIV or AIDS, Type 2 diabetes, pituitary disordsers and thyroid problems.
A blood test and a physical examination can confirm your low T. But it’s important to get to the bottom of the problem so we can treat it properly.
Based on what we find, you may need to undergo a few more tests to determine the cause of your decreased testosterone.
Getting your low T back into balance isn’t complicated. In fact, sometimes all that’s needed is a change in diet, exercise, and sleep habits.
If you suspect a decline in your testosterone levels by experiencing these above signs, reach out to us to take a test or book an appointment at our endocrinology clinic in Lagos, call +234 817 365 1737 or email frontdesk@thelecc.com
REFERENCE
ENDOCRINE CENTRE https://www.endocrinecenter.com/blog/signs-of-low-testosterone-you-may-not-be-aware-of