Low Testosterone Symptoms Men Over 40 Should Know About

10 Alarming Signs of Low Testosterone Levels

Symptoms of low testosterone (“low T”) are easily missed, especially in older males who experience non-specific symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, low libido, and erectile dysfunction (ED). Spotting low T can even be more challenging in younger males, who often complain of tiredness in the absence of low libido and ED. It is helpful to distinguish between primary hypogonadism (which originates in the testes) and secondary (which originates in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland). A healthy lifestyle that includes good nutrition, exercise, weight management, and that avoids excessive use of alcohol and drugs can help keep testosterone levels normal.

The protocol of testing in the morning keeps measurements consistent. In other words, men whose total testosterone levels are below 300 ng/dL could be diagnosed with TD. For example, trouble with erections can be a sign of diabetes or heart disease.

It’s difficult for researchers to estimate how common low testosterone is since different studies have different definitions for low testosterone. If you do not notice any change in symptoms after treatment for 3 months, it is less likely that TRT treatment will benefit you.

When a male’s testosterone levels drop, called male hypogonadism, it can lead to one or many symptoms. The only way to know for sure if your testosterone levels are where they should be is to get a blood test to assess your hormones (including free and total testosterone levels). You can do this from your own home by ordering Hone’s testosterone test. But the symptoms below are all red flags that your testosterone levels might be in decline. Testosterone is the male sex hormone that is produced in the testicles. For men experiencing low levels of testosterone, it is common to have a reduced sex drive.

Even mild medications including asthma treatments, antifungals, and certain painkillers, can reduce testosterone. These factors can accelerate the decrease in testosterone concentration. Aging is a primary cause of decreased testosterone levels in men.

In younger men, the average testosterone level is in the range of 650. When the testosterone is under 300, that’s when we would consider an adult male to have low testosterone. High PSA could indicate a prostate condition, such as prostate cancer. Because testosterone replacement therapy, a typical treatment for TD, can be risky for men with prostate cancer, it’s important to screen for prostate cancer before any treatment begins. A telltale sign of low testosterone is persistent fatigue, despite adequate sleep and good nutrition. When testosterone levels drop, energy levels often follow, leading to reduced motivation and a general feeling of sluggishness. If you find yourself too tired for activities you once enjoyed, it may be due to low T.

Produced in cysts on the testicles 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. Second, the loss of muscle can lead to a gain in fat, as well as an uptick in your weight, which can zap your energy levels. Low testosterone, or testosterone deficiency (TD), affects between 10% and 40% of males in the United States. It can develop from any number of causes, and while side effects can vary, there are some commonalities. If you are experiencing symptoms that concern you, contact a healthcare provider. They can assess your symptoms, review your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and order appropriate tests. Men should seek medical attention when clinical signs and symptoms are present and before illness progresses too far.

If you’re over 40 and noticing changes in your energy, mood, or overall well-being, don’t brush it off as just getting older. Low testosterone is common, but it’s not something you have to live with. Experiencing one or two of these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you have low T. But if you’re noticing multiple changes that are affecting your quality of life, it’s time to talk to one of our specialists. Testosterone helps regulate mood, so low levels may lead to irritability, anxiety, or even depression. Talk to us if you notice changes in your mental and emotional health, and we’ll check for a hormone issue.