Low Testosterone Low T: Symptoms, Causes, and More

10 Alarming Signs of Low Testosterone Levels

This may happen due to a congenital condition (something a man is born with), an injury, cancer treatment, or other reasons. In addition, men’s testosterone levels decline as they get older. Hypogonadism means diminished functional activity of the gonads—the testicles or the ovaries—that may result in diminished production of sex hormones.

It may sound counterintuitive, but TRT can actually suppress sperm production. We source research from peer-reviewed medical journals, top government agencies, leading academic institutions, and respected advocacy groups. We also go beyond the research, interviewing top experts in their fields to bring you the most informed insights. Every article is rigorously reviewed by medical experts to ensure accuracy. Some other symptoms of anemia include problems concentrating, dizziness, chest pain, an abnormally rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and pale skin. "Bone metabolism is complex and related to two main cell types," says Calvert. There are osteoblasts, which build the bone, and osteoclasts that break it down.

Testosterone undecanoate is not used as a first-line agent but rather in patients without access to other treatment forms. Clomiphene or hCG therapy may be used together with testosterone supplementation to help maintain testicular size and fertility. Often, we find that anxiety or depression – not hormonal imbalances – are the root cause of low-T-like symptoms. Suppressing your emotions can interfere with normal functions, such as focusing at work or maintaining an erection. If you truly have low-T, underlying stressors can make symptoms worse. Unfortunately, this is a vicious cycle, as these health problems can actually cause low testosterone, as well as being side effects of this condition.

Balding can be a natural part of aging, but low testosterone levels can lead to a loss of body hair and facial hair as well. Speaking with your doctor is essential if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. A simple blood test can confirm your testosterone level and help determine if low testosterone is the cause of your symptoms. Depending on the severity, your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy to boost testosterone or other treatments to help improve your symptoms and overall health.

No, there is no evidence that connects testosterone therapy to prostate cancer. However, a man’s PSA levels might increase during testosterone therapy, so it is important to monitor them. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a substance that brings oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body.

Hematocrit is a measure of the percentage of red blood cells on the blood. As mentioned earlier, polycythemia— excess amounts of red blood cells—is a possible side effect of TRT. Polycythemia can thicken the blood and raise a person’s risk for stroke or blood clots. About 2 to 4 weeks after starting testosterone therapy, patients need to return for a checkup. If results are satisfactory, further assessment is recommended every 6 to 12 months. If a man has one or both testicles surgically removed, his body will produce less testosterone.

Chemotherapy and radiation can low testosterone cause memory loss affect testosterone production, too. Children with intersex conditions (development of both male and female reproductive organs) may also have trouble with testosterone production. On example is Klinefelter syndrome, when a genetically male child is born with an extra X chromosome. Children with Klinefelter syndrome may have smaller testicles that produce less testosterone.

A healthcare provider can evaluate if a person has low testosterone and what may be causing it. Once the cause is determined, the right treatment course can be decided. Below are medical treatments that can be used to treat low testosterone. Testosterone levels tend to decrease in men as they age, so low testosterone is a fairly common condition. You may feel like you don’t have as much energy as usual despite having plenty of sleep.