Signs of Low Testosterone You May Not Be Aware Of

Low testosterone, also known as Low-T, can make you feel like your world has been turned upside down. How do you get your life back when everything you used to enjoy suddenly seems out of reach? Fortunately, you have options.

At Lakepointe Direct Primary Care in Lewisville, Texas, Dr. Marcelo Brito helps patients who are struggling with a variety of men’s health issues that may be caused by low testosterone, including erectile dysfunction.

Testosterone basics

Testosterone, which is produced by the testes in amounts typically ranging from 6-7 mg per day, is what kicks puberty into gear and makes people start developing secondary male characteristics.

These changes include:

• Voice gets deeper
• Muscle mass begins to change
• Facial hair growth commences

In addition, testosterone also contributes to red blood cell production which improves bone health and energy levels. 

When you reach adulthood in your early twenties, testosterone peaks in your body. It stays fairly level until your mid-thirties, at which point you’ll start losing 0.4%–2% per year. 

Low-T is diagnosed when your testosterone levels drop to 300 nanograms or less in a deciliter of blood (<300 ng/dL). By age 60, 20% have lower than normal testosterone, and by age 70, the percentage of men with Low-T goes up to 30%. 

Low-T symptoms

There are five signs that you could be suffering from Low-T. The more symptoms you have, the more likely it is that your testosterone levels are below normal.

1. Fatigue

A sudden drop in energy without any other explanation is often the first sign for men that their testosterone production is decreasing.

2. Low sex drive

Think your failure to get or maintain an erection is ‘just stress’? Think again. Sexual dysfunction can actually be your body’s way of saying your testosterone levels are low.

3. Hair loss

Going bald may not just be hereditary male pattern baldness, but a sign of Low-T. This is even more likely if your head isn’t the only place you’re losing hair.

4. Altered memory and mood function

Getting forgetful, finding that you’re unreasonably irritable, having sudden mood changes, or experiencing sudden depression can all be signs that your testosterone levels are on the fritz.

5. Changes to physical health 

If you stay on top of your fitness but you’re suddenly facing extra fat, decreasing muscle and bone mass, or signs that you’re anemic, it could be Low-T. 

In addition, while Low-T doesn’t cause hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, hyperlipidemia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, all of these have been linked to testosterone deficiency as a contributing factor.

Fortunately, Low-T is fairly easy to treat with hormone replacement therapy. Rebalancing testosterone levels can give you your life back, restoring your energy, mood, and sexual drive.

Need help? Schedule an appointment at Lakepointe Direct Primary Care to start learning more about how low testosterone may be affecting your health and mood. To get in touch, call 972-573-7228 or book an appointment online.