5 Symptoms of Low Testosterone

While everyone has testosterone in their bodies, the levels each person has can vary greatly. A proper amount of testosterone is necessary for your body to function properly and to keep you in good health. When you have low testosterone levels, it can impact you both physically and emotionally in some very alarming ways.

How to tell if you have low testosterone

1. Mood Changes

Because testosterone is a hormone, a lack of it can cause noticeable swings in your emotional state. From inexplicable tears to depression, improper testosterone levels may change your mood and even your entire personality.

2. Increased Body Fat

Many people aren’t aware that testosterone is actually responsible for the rate at which your body metabolizes fat. When you have low testosterone levels, your body is not able to regulate the amounts of insulin and glucose in your system as well or break down fats as quickly. This can lead to weight gain and increased body fat percentages, even if you eat a fairly healthy diet.

3. Low Sex Drive

Testosterone is most commonly associated with the sex drive, but also has an impact on your energy and confidence levels. Without the proper amount of testosterone in your body, your sexual activity can decrease from a lack of desire as well as a lack of vitality and a poor self-image.

4. Reduced Muscle Mass

A healthy amount of testosterone allows your body to turn fat cells into muscle cells. Without enough testosterone, your ability to build muscle can be reduced. In addition to making it difficult to build new muscle, low testosterone can cause the muscle that you do have to shrink. This means that you may not be able to lift as much weight or be as active as you normally could be.

5. Unhealthy Bones

Since testosterone helps to decrease bone reabsorption and stimulate bone mineralization, improper testosterone levels can cause your bones to lose their density and become hollow and brittle. This means that your bones will be prone to breaking, and even a slight bump can do serious damage. It can also prevent your bones from being able to sustain your body weight, and can keep you from being active as you age.

There are many factors that contribute to your ability to live a long and healthy life. Testosterone is a large factor, more important than most people understand. If you notice any changes in your mood or physical condition that seem sudden or without explanation, it may be the result of low testosterone. Don’t allow something very treatable like improper