8 Signs of Low Testosterone in Men

With the drop in testosterone levels, physical and psychological changes begin to occur in men. In this article, I will explain in detail the most common symptoms in cases of low testosterone in men.

But first, I want to give brief information. Low testosterone in men is a condition with quite negative consequences for both sexual life and general health. Low testosterone can be detected with hormone tests; after the causes are determined, personalized plans are carried out with medications or injections within the scope of treatment. This hormone is produced in the testes by Leydig cells. Various diseases that damage testicular functions can result in low testosterone. However, it is not a correct approach to talk about a single factor that creates a decrease in testosterone levels.

Why Does Low Testosterone Occur in Men?

Low testosterone in men can occur as a result of many different factors:

• Drugs used within the scope of cancer treatment (chemotherapy/radiation),

• Systemic diseases such as diabetes and kidney diseases,

• Advancing age,

• Health problems affecting hormones (pituitary disorders),

• Genetic diseases (like Klinefelter syndrome),

• Exposure to long-term stress,

• Smoking,

• Testicular trauma can result in a drop in testosterone.

What Happens If Testosterone Decreases?

1. If Testosterone Levels Drop, Sexual Desire Decreases

Research shows that sexual reluctance (low libido) increases with low testosterone in men. Sexual reluctance seen with advancing age is also associated with the decrease in testosterone hormone and the onset of vascular problems due to chronic fatigue, disruption of sleep patterns, and weight gain associated with this decrease.

2. If Testosterone Levels Drop, Erectile Problems Begin to Appear

Just as testosterone affects sexual desire, it also plays a role in the process of the penis reaching ideal rigidity for sexual intercourse and maintaining its rigidity. Since testosterone triggers the release of nitric oxide, which ensures the occurrence of a series of chemical reactions to achieve an erection, low testosterone levels can indirectly cause erectile dysfunction. Nevertheless, it would not be correct to reduce the sole cause of erectile problems occurring due to advancing age to the drop in testosterone levels. A person's smoking and alcohol consumption, diabetes, high blood pressure problems, stress, and anxiety can also lead to erectile problems.

3. If Testosterone Levels Drop, Semen Volume Decreases

Since testosterone also plays a role in the production of seminal fluid (semen) which aids sperm motility; low testosterone can reduce the amount of fluid expelled during ejaculation.

4. If Testosterone Levels Drop, Hair Loss Occurs

Testosterone has many effects on body metabolism. The main cause of male pattern baldness is the decrease in testosterone levels due to advancing age. When testosterone levels drop, a decrease and graying occur in men's hair and body hair. A man who is already losing hair may observe an increase in the amount of hair lost due to the drop in testosterone.

5. If Testosterone Levels Drop, Chronic Fatigue Begins

Complaints of low energy and chronic fatigue are commonly observed in men with low testosterone levels. Even if the person does not have any sleep problems, feeling weak all day long is accepted as one of the most specific signs of a drop in testosterone levels.

6. If Testosterone Levels Drop, A Decrease in Muscle Mass Occurs

Testosterone has important roles in muscle building and the preservation of muscle mass. If testosterone levels drop, melting (atrophy) can be seen in muscle mass even if there is no change in the function or strength of the muscles.

7. If Testosterone Levels Drop, Bone Density Decreases

It is known that one of the main causes of the decrease in bone density is the drop in testosterone levels. Since testosterone is a hormone that increases bone density, a drop in its level increases the risk of experiencing bone diseases (such as osteoporosis), especially in older people.

8. Mood Changes Are Experienced with Testosterone Level Drop

Testosterone affects brain function; when testosterone levels drop due to advancing age, it leads to psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, restlessness, and mood swings in men. Experts argue that the decrease in testosterone can cause men to experience physical and psychological changes simultaneously.

What is Good for Low Testosterone?

Before answering this question, we need to know about "How is testosterone deficiency detected in men?". It is important for men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone to first be examined by urology and andrology specialists, and subsequently, total testosterone measurement and hormone tests should be completed.

By combining examination and test results with the disease history, the causes of low testosterone are determined. Thus, more specific answers to the question "How to raise testosterone in men?" can be determined, and firmer steps can be taken with treatment processes.

Low testosterone treatment is planned in line with the cause. Sometimes, adopting habits such as making lifestyle changes, quitting smoking, and losing weight can increase testosterone levels. In some cases, the use of hormone supplementation (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) is required. As I just mentioned, treatment is planned specifically for the cause and the patient.