9 Signs That You’ve Got Low Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone that occurs naturally in both men and women. While women produce relatively low amounts of it, men produce it in immense quantities. Most of the changes associated with boys entering are the result of increased testosterone. As men age, they naturally produce less of it; about 20% of men over the age of 60 suffer from low testosterone. Here are nine signs that your testosterone is low.

1. Fatigue

Lack of energy is the symptom that most men notice first. While this is true of many people as they grow older, in men with low testosterone, the fatigue is severe and sudden.

2. Mood Swings

Another sign of hormonal imbalance, men with insufficient testosterone often experience depression, irritability, or apathy. These emotional changes generally occur suddenly and without apparent cause.

3. Low Libido

A decreased sex drive can be the sign of a problem. While medication and age can also cause it, men with low T generally experience a more drastic drop than their peers.

4. Erectile Dysfunction

The inability to attain or maintain an erection is another sign that testosterone is low. This can be the result of many other disorders, so you may want to discuss this one with your doctor.

5. Less Semen Production

Because testosterone aids in the production of semen, men with low T may notice a decrease in ejaculate volume. This is a concern for couples attempting to have children, as the fluid assists sperm motility, which is a major component of male fertility.

6. Loss of Hair

Balding has a strong hereditary component in both men and women. If you notice you’re losing body and facial hair, however, this is probably due to testosterone.

7. Body Fat Increase

Sudden increases in body fat regardless of diet and exercise can also be a symptom. Gynecomastia, the enlargement of breast tissue, can occur as estrogen and testosterone levels become imbalanced.

8. Muscle Mass Decrease

Testosterone is one of many hormones involved in the production of muscle. Men with low testosterone often notice a decrease in the size of their muscles.

9. Osteoporosis

Decreased testosterone may cause thinning of the body’s bone mass. This is a concern because it makes you more susceptible to bone fractures.

It can be difficult to differentiate the symptoms of low testosterone from signs of aging. If you have more than a few of the above issues, you should get your hormone levels checked. While having decreased testosterone can be frustrating, replacement therapy can mitigate many of the problems associated with it.