The Most Common Symptoms of Low Testosterone

9 Signs of Low Testosterone In Men

Testosterone levels change as a person ages, and they may drop as a female approaches menopause. If a female experiences symptoms of low testosterone, the results of a blood test can help a doctor make a diagnosis. This article explains when doctors may consider testosterone levels low in a female as well as the symptoms, causes, and treatments for low testosterone. Low testosterone (male hypogonadism) is a condition in which the testicles do not produce enough testosterone (the male sex hormone). Our team at The Endocrine Center sees the effects of low testosterone (low T) in men of all ages, and we offer several quick and painless treatments that rebalance their hormones. Here are some of the signs that your testosterone level may have dipped below normal. Though present in both men and women, testosterone is often called the male hormone because men have a much higher percentage than women.

„A lot of guys walk into clinics running on fumes when it comes to their testosterone levels,” says Calvert. „Recent studies have shown an all cause mortality increase in men with lower testosterone levels,” says family medicine doctor and Medical Director for Broad Health Jim Staheli, D.O. „Early mortality may not be entirely related to low testosterone levels, but may be caused by that which lowers a man’s testosterone level”—such as toxin exposure and obesity. Based on this assessment, your doctor will create a customised treatment plan with the right medication and dosage tailored to your specific needs.

According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), testosterone levels in a female typically decrease throughout life. At this time, there are no conclusive guidelines for what should be considered „low” testosterone levels in females. Many people think of testosterone as a male sex hormone, but everyone requires a certain amount. While males have more testosterone than females, female adrenal glands and ovaries produce small amounts of this hormone. Produced in the testicles in men, testosterone is responsible for the development of your male sex organs, so an imbalance of this vital hormone causes changes in sexual function.

The bottom of a man’s normal total testosterone range is about 300 ng/dL, and the upper limit is about 800ng/dL, depending on the lab. In general, levels below 300 ng/dL combined with symptoms are indicators of testosterone deficiency. However, if you struggle with erections, this does not necessarily mean that your body has trouble producing testosterone. Fat cells in the body produce aromatase, which is an enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen and thereby reduces the male sex hormone’s prevalence in the body. What’s more, many medical professionals believe that insulin resistance caused by either diabetes or obesity can further reduce the amount of testosterone present.

So while low testosterone can indirectly influence hair loss by affecting DHT production, hair loss itself is not an immediate sign of low testosterone levels. The key factor remains a genetic sensitivity to DHT, not testosterone levels in the body. If you’re starting to notice a little less hair on your scalp, your testosterone levels – whether high or low are not to blame. Low testosterone is 4 mg of testosterone a lot for a woman often mentioned in discussions about hair loss, however, this hormonal deficiency isn’t a direct cause of balding.

A reduction in your testosterone levels can lead to decreased sexual need and activity, which may negatively affect relationships and your overall quality of life. First, your healthcare provider does a physical examination and talks to you about your symptoms and medical history. Many providers hesitate to diagnose low testosterone because research on the link between testosterone levels and specific symptoms isn’t well known. Low testosterone is often hard to diagnose because its symptoms mimic other conditions like depression, thyroid issues or low iron (anemia).

Weight loss and exercise can often increase testosterone levels naturally. Testosterone production generally begins to decrease after the age of 30 and after menopause. Low testosterone levels may lead to an increase in body fat mass.

Treating normal aging with testosterone therapy is not advisable. It is also necessary for energy, bone density, and red blood cell production. Because testosterone plays a vital role in men’s physical, emotional, and sexual health, they may begin experiencing changes in their bodies by their mid-30s. Your ovaries, adrenal glands and other tissues and cells produce testosterone. Too little or too much testosterone can affect your overall health and impact the levels of other sex hormones in your body. The side effects of testosterone on females aren’t fully understood.