Effects of Low Testosterone in Men: What You Need to Know

July 26, 2024 nutrivitalhealth.com

Effects of Low Testosterone in Men – As men get older, their testosterone levels start to drop. This happens at a rate of about 1 percent each year after they turn 30¹. This drop can lead to low testosterone, also known as testosterone deficiency.

This condition can affect a man’s health and happiness. We will look at how low testosterone affects men, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Testosterone is key for normal male growth and sexual function. But, some men see a bigger drop in testosterone levels. For men over 65, the goal is to keep levels between 350-450 ng/dL¹. Low testosterone, or “low T,” brings on physical, sexual, and emotional symptoms. These can really change a man’s life quality.

There are different ways to treat low testosterone, like injections, patches, gels, mouth patches, or pellets¹. These methods can help manage the symptoms of low testosterone. But, it’s crucial to remember that testosterone therapy isn’t for everyone. It’s not advised for those with a history of prostate cancer or a high risk of getting it¹.

Understanding low testosterone and getting the right medical help is key for men to keep their health in check. Next, we’ll go into the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for low testosterone in men.

Table of Contents

What are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?

Low testosterone can show in many ways, especially as you get older. Adults born male might notice they’re not as interested in sex, or they can’t get an erection. They might also lose hair in certain areas, see their testicles shrink, feel hot flashes, or have trouble making sperm, which can make it hard to have kids².

Other signs of low testosterone include feeling sad, having trouble focusing or remembering things, gaining more body fat, getting more breast tissue, and losing muscle strength and size².

Symptoms in Adults Assigned Male at Birth

Reduced sex drive²
Erectile dysfunction²
Loss of armpit and pubic hair²
Shrinking testicles²
Hot flashes²
Azoospermia (low or zero sperm count), leading to male infertility²

Other Symptoms in Adults

Depressed mood²
Difficulties with concentration and memory²
Increased body fat²
Enlarged male breast tissue (gynecomastia)²
Decreases in muscle strength, mass, and endurance²

The American Urology Association says low testosterone is when blood levels are under 300 ng/dL³. About 2.1% of men might have this condition, with younger men less likely to be affected and older men more likely³. Studies show it’s more common in overweight and diabetic men, with 30% of the former and 24.5% of the latter having it, compared to 6.4% and 12.6% of those who are normal weight and not diabetic³².

Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Children

Children assigned male at birth may show signs of low testosterone before or during puberty. These signs include slow growth, less pubic hair, a smaller penis and testicles, a softer voice, and less strength and endurance⁴.

Genetic conditions like Klinefelter syndrome, Noonan syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome can cause low testosterone in kids. This leads to issues with growth and development⁴⁵. Rare genetic defects and Kallmann syndrome, which affects smell and hormone levels, can also hinder the development of boys’ secondary sexual traits⁴.

It’s important to catch low testosterone early in children. Regular doctor visits can spot hormone imbalances and start treatment quickly. With the right care, kids with low testosterone can grow and develop normally⁵.

Condition	Prevalence	Impact on Testosterone
Klinefelter Syndrome	1 in 500 to 1000 male births	Decreased testosterone production, often leading to delayed puberty and infertility
Noonan Syndrome	1 in 1000 to 2500 people	Low testosterone levels and high gonadotropin levels
Prader-Willi Syndrome	70% of individuals	Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, resulting in genital abnormalities
Isolated LH Deficiency	Rare	Abnormal testicular growth due to Leydig cell atrophy and testosterone deficiency
Kallmann Syndrome	60% of congenital forms of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism	Anosmia, hypogonadism, microphallus, cryptorchidism, and other midline defects

Understanding the symptoms of low testosterone in children and the genetic causes helps doctors and families. They can work together for early diagnosis and effective treatment⁴⁵.

What Causes Low Testosterone?

Testosterone is a key hormone for men’s health and well-being. Some men have low testosterone levels, known as hypogonadism. This can be due to primary or secondary hypogonadism.

Causes of Primary Hypogonadism

Primary hypogonadism means a testicle problem. It can be caused by being born without testicles, having undescended testicles, or other issues like Klinefelter’s syndrome⁶. Other causes include testicle injury, certain tumors, and using anabolic steroids⁶.

Causes of Secondary Hypogonadism

Secondary hypogonadism is about a problem with the glands that control testosterone. This can be due to conditions like Kallmann syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome⁶. It can also be caused by brain injuries or some medicines⁶.

Other things like aging, being overweight, and some health issues can also lower testosterone levels⁷⁸. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment is key to handling low testosterone symptoms and staying healthy.

Late-Onset Hypogonadism and Risk Factors

As men get older, they might face a condition called late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). This is a type of secondary male hypogonadism caused by aging⁹. It happens when the hypothalamic-pituitary and Leydig cells don’t work well, leading to less testosterone and sperm production. Men who are overweight, obese, or have Type 2 diabetes are more likely to have LOH and low testosterone levels⁹.

Research shows that up to 30% of overweight men and 25% of men with Type 2 diabetes have low testosterone⁹. Also, testosterone levels drop by 100 ng/dL every 10 years. By age 45, about 40% of men are hypogonadal. By the 80s, it’s 50%⁹.

Low testosterone isn’t affected by race or ethnicity⁹. But, obesity, diabetes, and aging increase the risk of late-onset hypogonadism⁹. Men with these risks should watch for low testosterone signs and get medical help if needed.

Many men on testosterone therapy haven’t had their levels checked before or after starting treatment⁹. This shows how important it is to diagnose and monitor testosterone levels for safe and effective treatment.

Condition	Prevalence of Low Testosterone
Overweight Men	30%
Men with Type 2 Diabetes	25%
Men Older than 45	40%
Men in their 80s	50%

In summary, late-onset hypogonadism is common in aging men. Obesity, diabetes, and aging increase the risk. It’s key to diagnose and monitor testosterone levels for managing this condition and promoting good health⁹¹⁰.

Effects of Low Testosterone in Men

As men get older, their testosterone levels start to drop, often around 30 to 40 years old¹¹. This can also happen due to certain health issues or side effects from treatments like chemotherapy¹¹. Some men with low testosterone might not even notice any changes¹¹.

Those who feel the effects of low testosterone face many challenges. They might have a lower sex drive, trouble getting an erection, and fewer sperm¹¹. They could also gain more body fat, lose muscle and strength, and have weaker bones¹¹. Emotional changes, like feeling sad, irritable, and less motivated, and sleep issues like insomnia and sleep apnea, are also common¹¹.

For men with low testosterone, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is often used¹¹. TRT can be given as pills, gels, patches, injections, or implants and may help with symptoms, especially in younger men with very low levels¹¹. But, TRT has risks, including infertility, a bigger prostate, blood clots, worse heart disease, sleep issues, and cholesterol problems¹¹.

Choosing to start TRT is a big decision, balancing its benefits and risks¹¹. It’s key to talk with a healthcare provider to see if TRT is right for you¹¹. If you don’t see improvements after 3 months, it might not work well for you¹¹. Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are important if you start TRT¹¹.

Low testosterone affects more than just sexual health and physical appearance. About 40% of men over 45 have low testosterone¹². It can raise the chance of anemia, and treatment can help improve blood counts in men with low testosterone and anemia¹². Yet, a 2016 review showed that nearly half of men with erection problems didn’t get better with testosterone therapy¹². A 2017 study also found that testosterone supplements didn’t help with memory in men with low testosterone¹².

The effects of low testosterone in men are broad and significant. While there are treatments, it’s vital to work with a healthcare provider to understand the risks and benefits. This way, you can find the best approach for your needs¹¹¹².

Diagnosis and Testing

Diagnosing low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, starts with a simple blood test. This test measures a man’s total testosterone levels. The American Urology Association (AUA) says low blood testosterone (Low-T) is less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)¹³.

If a man’s testosterone levels are below this level and he has symptoms of low testosterone, he might be diagnosed with testosterone deficiency syndrome or hypogonadism.

Healthcare providers might order more tests for an accurate diagnosis. These tests include measuring free testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These tests help tell the difference between primary hypogonadism (testes issues) and secondary hypogonadism (pituitary gland or hypothalamus problems)¹⁴.

Some cases might need imaging tests, like pituitary gland scans or genetic studies, to find the cause of low testosterone levels¹⁴. Early diagnosis and treatment are key. Low testosterone can greatly affect a man’s health and quality of life.

If you’re feeling the effects of low testosterone, talk openly with your healthcare provider. They can guide you on the best steps to take. This might include lifestyle changes, medication, or other treatments to fix the root cause of your issue¹⁴.

Treatment Options for Low Testosterone

If you’re a man facing low testosterone, there are many ways to help. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a common choice. It comes in forms like injections, patches, gels, or pellets under the skin. This therapy can boost your testosterone levels and ease symptoms¹⁵.

There are also natural ways to increase testosterone. Losing weight and doing more exercise, like resistance training, can help¹⁵. Your doctor might also suggest medicines for issues like erectile dysfunction or sleep problems¹⁵.

It’s key to work with your healthcare provider to find the right treatment for you¹⁵. They can explain the good and bad of each option. This way, you can find the best solution for your situation¹⁵.

Remember, finding the right treatment for low testosterone is a personal journey. The best option for you might not be the same for someone else¹⁶. By working with your healthcare provider and looking at your options, you can manage your low testosterone. This can improve your health and happiness¹⁵¹⁶¹⁷.

Conclusion

Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, affects a man’s health in many ways. Symptoms include a lower sex drive, trouble getting an erection, losing muscle, feeling sad, and having trouble sleeping¹⁸. Finding out why someone has low testosterone is key to treating it¹⁹. Luckily, treatments like testosterone replacement therapy can help men feel better and live better lives¹⁸. Men with these symptoms should talk to their doctors to find the right treatment.

Low testosterone can affect a man’s body, sex life, and mood¹⁸. Research shows it’s linked to higher death rates in men and is common in older men¹⁸. Studies also show how testosterone helps with sex and improves libido in older men¹⁸. Getting the right treatment is key to feeling good again.

It’s very important to deal with low testosterone¹⁸. By knowing the signs, causes, and treatments, men can take steps to stay healthy¹⁸. Working with doctors to get a treatment plan that fits them is important. This way, treatments can be tailored to each man’s needs.

FAQ

What are the symptoms of low testosterone in adults assigned male at birth?

Adults assigned male at birth may show signs like a drop in sex drive and trouble getting an erection. They might lose hair in the armpits and pubic area, see their testicles shrink, and experience hot flashes. They could also have low or no sperm count, leading to infertility.

What other common symptoms can occur in adults with low testosterone?

Adults with low testosterone might feel sad and have trouble focusing and remembering things. They could gain more body fat, grow breast tissue, and lose muscle strength and size. They might also find it harder to keep up with physical activities.

What are the symptoms of low testosterone in children assigned male at birth?

Children assigned male at birth with low testosterone might grow slower and not develop pubic hair. They could have a smaller penis and testicles, a softer voice, and less strength and endurance.

What are the main causes of low testosterone?

Low testosterone can come from two main types: primary and secondary hypogonadism. Primary is due to testicular issues, while secondary is from problems with the pituitary or hypothalamus. Both can be caused by congenital or acquired conditions.

What is late-onset hypogonadism, and what are the risk factors?

Late-onset hypogonadism is a type of male hypogonadism that happens with aging. It’s more common in men with Type 2 diabetes, obesity, or being overweight.

How are low testosterone and its effects on men described?

Low testosterone can make sex harder, causing less desire, fewer erections, and infertility. It can also make men gain fat, lose muscle, and have weaker bones and less hair. Emotionally, it can lead to depression, irritability, and less motivation. It can also cause sleep problems like insomnia and sleep apnea.

How is low testosterone diagnosed?

Doctors use a blood test to check testosterone levels to diagnose low testosterone. The American Urology Association says levels below 300 ng/dL are low.

What are the treatment options for low testosterone?

There are several ways to treat low testosterone. Doctors might suggest testosterone therapy through injections, patches, gels, or pellets under the skin. Losing weight, exercising more, and taking certain medicines can also help manage symptoms.