Signs of Low Testosterone You May Not Be Aware Of

Testosterone is a hormone that plays a significant role in your health. It stimulates the development of male traits, such as increased body hair and muscle mass, and makes sperm production possible. 

And when your testosterone levels drop significantly, it can have ripple effects throughout your well-being.

At Kane Health, serving the Silicon Valley, Atherton, and the San Francisco Bay area of California, our expert team offers a range of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to treat declining levels of testosterone.

The basics of low testosterone

If you’re diagnosed with low testosterone, or “low T,” it means your levels have dropped below 250-300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), and you’re experiencing adverse symptoms as a result. If you were assigned male at birth, low testosterone is also known as male hypogonadism.

Almost anyone can develop low T, but it’s more likely if you:

• Are middle-aged or older
• Carry excess weight
• Have poorly managed sleep apnea or type 2 diabetes 
• Have another chronic condition, like cirrhosis, HIV/AIDS, or kidney disease

And while some decline in testosterone is normal with age, research shows that an estimated 2-8% of men aged 50-79 have diagnosable low testosterone.

Lesser known signs of low testosterone

Because testosterone is known as the “male sex hormone,” you may be aware that low levels can interfere with sexual desire and function. In other words, low T may lead you to feel less sex-inclined and cause erectile dysfunction.

Lesser known low testosterone symptoms may include:

• Depressed moods
• Less beard growth and body hair
• Loss of muscle mass
• Feeling perpetually fatigued
• Poor sleep quality
• Unintentional weight gain

You might also have less energy and a difficult time enduring physical activities that used to feel easy. Low testosterone is also linked with memory problems, struggling to find words you wish to say, and poor focus. As a result, you may find that your work performance dips.

If you previously had an active and gratifying sex life or exercise routine, you may experience reduced confidence and relationship difficulties as your testosterone levels decline. Changes in your appearance may fuel confidence challenges, too.

What to do about low testosterone

Low testosterone is typically treated through hormone replacement therapy, which comes in a variety of forms, such as gels, injections, implanted pellets, patches, and pills.

Once our team has diagnosed you with low T, we’ll recommend a customized treatment plan based on your overall health and goals. Once you start TRT, we’ll track your progress, adjusting your dosage as needed. In general, we find that levels and symptoms improve within weeks of starting treatment.

To learn more about low testosterone or to get the care you need, you can read more our about Testostosterone Replacement Program by clicking here or call Kane Health or request an appointment through our website today.