Signs of Low Testosterone can be a cause of concern in a male’s life. As men age, the level of testosterone starts to decrease. Testosterone is primarily responsible for a male’s sexual desire, strength, looks, muscle development, and ability to produce sperm.
Common Symptoms to Know
While most males know the significance of testosterone levels, most fail to acknowledge the signs of decreased testosterone because they start to experience them first. Many common symptoms occur when testosterone levels are decreased. Some of the symptoms include lack of desire for sex, erectile dysfunction, loss of energy, decreased libido, inability to maintain an erection, and sleep problems. However, when these symptoms occur, most men chalk it up to old age. In reality, there are effective treatments available to treat these symptoms.
Going for Treatment
A physician can examine your testosterone levels and help determine if you are experiencing some of these symptoms. Your doctor will usually write you a prescription for an antiandrogen that can be used to treat the symptoms. You should not take this medication without discussing it with your doctor first. Discussing the side effects and the risks can help you make an informed decision about these medications.
Blood Testing
Blood tests can also provide some of the signs of low testosterone. These include the results of blood chemistry tests. A halo test, which measures the HGH levels in your blood, can indicate low testosterone levels. A testosterone metabolite, aromatase, can also be tested with a blood test.
Hair Loss
Signs of low testosterone can also include hair loss. The condition causes the hair to lose its natural color as well as its strength and thickness. Hair loss caused by the decreased production of testosterone may affect male-pattern baldness, which commonly results in receding hairlines and hair loss in men.
Why Treatment is Necessary?
Signs of low testosterone sometimes manifest themselves in increased levels of anxiety, anger, and irritability. These can result in negative self-talk and depression, which can further impair the patient’s sex drive. These symptoms are often ignored or misdiagnosed as mental problems or addictions. It is not uncommon for men who experience significant dips in their sex drive to become extremely depressed. If depression is left untreated, it can lead to physical complications like congestive heart failure. Some signs of low testosterone levels are similar to signs of other psychological illnesses and must be treated separately.
