Men produce the highest levels of testosterone at the age of 30. Thereafter the levels start diminishing. In some men, the symptoms of low testosterone levels might never show. Neither do they feel the side effects of the plunging levels. However, in some cases, men might show many symptoms but are not able to associate it with low testosterone levels. Testosterone is closely associated with male infertility. Low production may mean opting for infertility treatment. You and partner could also opt for IVF if you experience low testosterone production.
How does low Testosterone show?
You might experience some symptoms which point towards Testosterone levels-
- Fatigue all the time :
Although feeling tired all the time may be due to aging and stress, it might also be due to low testosterone secretion by your body.
- Low libido:
Testosterone is closely related to your libido so less testosterone means low libido. If you don’t feel like getting intimate with your partner without any apparent reason, then it may be a warning about low testosterone levels.
- Erectile Dysfunction:
Your ability to get an erection and sustain it suffers a lot with low production of testosterone. One school of thought believes this is a natural process. The body perceives that since the levels are low, the man will not be involved in producing children. The body thus switches off the production of the hormone.
- Depression and stress:
People with low testosterone are likely to be stressed out and depressed, not only because they are not interested in intimacy. It might be due to the mood swings they experience as is seen in menopausal women who have low estrogen levels.
- Unexplained Weight Gain:
Testosterone performs a significant role in the metabolic rate. As the levels drop, you may experience increased fat storage in the body accompanied by weight gain. The doctor may advise you to opt for lifestyle changes like a workout schedule and changes in your diet.
- Low Strength:
Testosterone influences the growth and strength of the body. It leads to less muscle and loss of strength. It might not be a reason big enough to put you on testosterone replacement therapy though.
- Hot Flashes:
You might have associated this symptom only with women. Actually, men too experience it. Men also go through hot flashes when their testosterone levels fall. They are generally cured by using hormone replacement therapy.
The symptoms stated above point to a condition usually known as andropause or male menopause. It’s a normal phenomenon and one doesn’t have to suffer due to low testosterone levels. Treatment is readily available for such problems. Approach a doctor if you feel that you are also suffering from low testosterone levels.
