Can’t concentrate? Lacking libido? Feeling fatigued? You could be going through male menopause.
Testosterone therapy among young American men is on the rise. And while a gradual decrease is expected with age, recent studies have shown that men aren’t producing as much testosterone as the previous generation. Asking why requires dismantling a complex framework of social, environmental, and behavioral factors — questioning ancient ideas about masculinity and putting evolving gender roles in the spotlight.
Identifying the symptoms of low testosterone, however, is far less complicated. While some of them are subtle enough to carry on with your normal lifestyle, others are slightly more disruptive and require treatment like testosterone replacement therapy. If you’re wondering whether you’re part of the 39% of males over the age of 45 with low levels of T, keep reading to discover some of the common signs of this health condition:
Low Testosterone Symptoms
Low Energy Levels
It’s normal to feel fatigued from time to time. But when it starts to disrupt your work and social life to the point where you’re under-performing and no longer able to enjoy your favorite activities for a prolonged period — you could be lacking in testosterone.
Declining Libido
Testosterone plays a major role in sex drive. When your levels fall outside of the normal range, a decrease in libido is often one of the most obvious tell-tale signs. This can be a touchy subject for most men and can significantly impact relationships.
Performance Issues
Weak erections can be a result of stress, illness, or simply low levels of testosterone. Performance issues can often be treated when the root cause is diagnosed. Hormone replacement therapy may be the simple solution to an embarrassing experience.
Poor Sleep Quality
Sleep and testosterone are just like the chicken and egg dilemma: Low testosterone levels compromise sleep quality, but a lack of sleep is also a leading cause of a dip in hormones. In fact, a 2011 study found that a single week of sleep loss lowered testosterone levels in young healthy men by as much as 15%.
Decreased Muscle Strength
Muscle mass degrades as you age. It’s a fact. But if you’re experiencing a sudden and inexplicable loss of strength, your testosterone levels may be declining. This is because testosterone is essential for gaining and retaining lean muscle mass.
Lack of Concentration
If you’re struggling to perform even the most basic tasks at work or simply remember where you put your car keys at home — you could be experiencing a deficit in testosterone. Low levels of T affect your cognition skills and ability to concentrate.
Emotional Changes
Experiencing a surge (or lack) of emotions lately? There could be a deeper issue rooted in your biology. According to Healthline, low testosterone can lead to feelings of sadness and depression. Decreased motivation and self-esteem are also common.
Need to Top Up Your Testosterone?
If any of the above symptoms apply to you, the first step is to arrange a blood test with your doctor to measure your testosterone levels. If they do come back as lower than average, you can undergo testosterone therapy to put a spring back in your step!
