Testosterone plays a significant role in the body. While it may be known as the male sex hormone, it impacts many systems in the body beyond the reproductive area. When levels of testosterone are low, it can result in many negative consequences. There are many symptoms that are linked to low testosterone or “low T” which can be dissipated with the right hormone therapy.
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The Role of Testosterone in the Body
Testosterone is the most prominent male sex hormone, but its role extends to many areas in the male body. It is responsible for the development of the penis and testes and is needed for normal libido and sperm production. It also impacts bone and muscle strength, as well as hair growth throughout the body. The hormone affects when boys hit puberty and changes like the deepening of the voice. Testosterone is also important for mood balance, metabolism, and fat storage.
While testosterone is a male sex hormone and is made in the testes and adrenal gland in men, it is also important in females. Women create testosterone in the ovaries and adrenal gland, and it plays a role in female health, including bone growth, libido, and ovarian function. Low levels of testosterone can impact both men and women, but the effects and symptoms can be slightly different. When you hear of low T, it is usually in reference to men with lower levels of testosterone.
What Causes Low T?
Testosterone is made from cholesterol in the body. The pituitary gland signals the testes, ovaries, and adrenal glands to produce testosterone and helps control the correct levels in the body. When levels are too low, the pituitary gland signals higher production and when levels are too high, it signals the adrenal gland and testes to decrease production. While testosterone is made from cholesterol, high cholesterol does not mean there will be higher levels of testosterone. The pituitary gland and brain work together to determine the right levels in the body.
Testosterone levels do decrease naturally with age. Men will have a gradual decrease in testosterone as they get older and increases in binding proteins that reduce free testosterone in the body. However, there are unnaturally low levels that can occur for many reasons. Some of the possible causes of low T include:
- Injury to the testes
- Removal of the testes or ovaries
- Diseases impacting the pituitary, adrenal, and hypothalamus glands
- Infection in the related glands or organs
- Certain medications, especially steroids
- Certain autoimmune diseases
- Radiation or chemotherapy
- Stress
- Genetic conditions or diseases
When testosterone levels are too low, it can have detrimental impacts on both men and women, although the symptoms are much more pronounced in men. All genders can experience symptoms that affect their health, well-being, and quality of life if they have low T, but treatment can restore a normal hormone balance.
Symptoms of Low T in Men
As men get older, the levels of testosterone, especially free testosterone, drop in the body. This contributes to many of the normal signs of aging in men, but when levels drop suddenly, it can have specific symptoms.
Lower Libido
Sex drive tends to wane as men get older, but a sudden decrease in libido can be a sign of low T. Testosterone is very important for maintaining the desire to have sex, so dwindling levels will change this natural drive.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
There are many causes of ED, but low T is a possibility. Men who suddenly have issues achieving an erection could be experiencing low levels of testosterone, especially if they are having other symptoms.
Changes in Muscle and Fat Ratio
Gaining fat and losing muscle mass can be signs of lower testosterone. Men may not lose muscle strength, but they could have less muscle and increased fat storage. Some men with low T begin increasing fat in the breasts (gynecomastia) due to an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen.
Bone Loss
Testosterone is important in producing and protecting bone mass. When levels drop, the bones can lose volume, which can contribute to a higher risk of bone fractures. While there may not be any specific symptoms of bone loss, reducing the risks of fractures is a benefit of receiving treatment for low T.
Fatigue
Low energy levels can be tied to drops in testosterone levels. Men who suddenly feel sluggish and fatigued even when well-rested could be suffering from low T.
Hair Loss
Testosterone is linked to hair production, along with other factors. Men do tend to lose hair as they get older and due to genetic conditions but drops in testosterone can increase hair loss on the scalp as well as on the face and body. A diminishing beard and receding hairline may be due to low T.
Mood and Mental Focus
The mind is also impacted by testosterone, Men with low T may notice differences in the mood balance, including depression, irritability and anxiety. Mental focus and memory can also be affected by the reduction in testosterone.
Smaller Testes and Semen Volume
Men with low T may notice a smaller testicle size and reduced volume of semen. Testosterone is responsible for the development of the penis and testicles, and men with lower levels may have smaller than average sex organs. Sudden drops in testosterone can result in lower semen production.
Pharmaceutical and supplement companies have been advertising heavily for the last few years, targeting men with low testosterone. They claim to help those suffering from low T restore more youthful levels to resolve the symptoms associated with a hormone imbalance. While restoring normal testosterone levels can reduce these symptoms in those with low T, not everyone experiencing the symptoms has abnormal levels. Testing must be performed to determine hormone levels and whether therapy could be beneficial.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women
The symptoms of low T in women are not as drastic as in men, but they can have undesirable effects. They can experience many of the same symptoms as men with low T, including:
- Bone and muscle loss
- Lower sex drive
- Mood changes, especially depression
- Decreased mental focus
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
These symptoms are also linked to normal aging, but when they occur suddenly, especially in premenopausal women, it can be a sign of hormone imbalance.
Treatment for Low Testosterone in Phoenix
The first step in determining treatment for low T is testing. Since many of the symptoms of low testosterone are also linked to aging and other causes, it is important to check the hormone levels to see if they are indeed lower than normal. At Arcadia Wellness Center, we offer lab testing to check hormone levels in our patients, followed by personalized hormone replacement therapy if needed.
Low T can be treated with testosterone injections. We offer hormone therapy for low T that can be performed at home by the patient. This reduces trips to our office weekly or monthly for treatment, which is more convenient for our patients.
Are you experiencing any of the symptoms of low testosterone? If you want to feel better and improve your health, come see us at Arcadia Wellness Center. We can perform hormone level testing and determine whether hormone therapy may be right for you. Call our office in Phoenix, AZ to schedule your appointment.
