Testosterone is a sex hormone produced by both men and women, but it’s especially important for men. It helps maintain muscle mass, bone density, and a sense of well-being, but after age 40, levels in men decline by about 1%-2% annually.
Some men don’t experience any troublesome symptoms, but for others, low testosterone can significantly impact mental and physical health.
At Advanced Southern Westchester Medical in Yonkers, New York, urologist Sherif S. El-Masry, MD, offers expert treatment for men suffering from a testosterone deficiency. This blog describes common signs of low testosterone to help you recognize potential problems so you can take action.
If you’ve been feeling more tired than usual or you’ve noticed other physical changes that you can’t quite explain, low testosterone could be the reason. Here are five telltale signs of low testosterone to watch out for:
Testosterone plays a central role in sexual desire. It also helps you get and maintain erections long enough to have sex. Most men experience erectile dysfunction occasionally, due to stress and other factors, but if it becomes a persistent problem — one you didn’t have before — low testosterone could be to blame.
Everyone feels tired from time to time due to poor sleep or a busy schedule. However, exhaustion stemming from these causes tends to improve with additional rest.
Because testosterone helps regulate energy levels, many men with a deficiency report feeling drained. For example, you might go to bed earlier and avoid caffeine but still feel sluggish. If this sounds like you, don’t wait to get tested.
Testosterone plays an important role in building strength and muscle mass. In fact, it’s what helps you develop toned muscles after committing to regular workouts.
Unfortunately, a testosterone deficiency can cause all of your hard work to go to waste. For instance, you might notice that your muscles are shrinking or that your workouts are more difficult, despite maintaining a regular routine.
Although these changes often happen gradually, any signs of weakness are worth investigating.
Many men assume that testosterone affects only their physical health, but it can also impact mental well-being. Research shows that men with low testosterone often report feelings of sadness, irritability, and lack of motivation.
You might blame these feelings on work- or relationship-related stress, but you’re not imagining it. If there’s no obvious reason for your mood changes, low testosterone could be the culprit.
Have you noticed a growing waistline? Maybe your favorite pants don’t fit as well as they used to? While you might attribute these changes to poor diet or lack of exercise, if you eat well and exercise regularly, low testosterone could be a contributing cause.
Hormones directly affect your body composition, especially around the midsection, so many men with low testosterone notice these changes. Similarly, some men develop gynecomastia, or enlarged breast tissue, which is another indicator of low T.
Discussing age-related hormonal changes with a medical professional can feel uncomfortable, but testosterone deficiency is more common than you might think. It’s important to seek an evaluation because treatments are available that can restore your testosterone levels and relieve many common symptoms.
To receive high-quality care for low testosterone, schedule an appointment with Dr. El-Masry today by calling the office at 914-375-5700.
