Do I have low testosterone?

Testosterone, a male sex hormone, is responsible for many key functions in your body. Although usually associated with sexual functions like fertility and libido, testosterone also affects your mood, the quality of your sleep, your muscle mass and even your bone density. If you are experiencing low testosterone levels, also called hypogonadism, there are a number of symptoms you may experience. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, reach out to one of our friendly doctors here at Ted’s Health to discuss treatment options.

Symptoms of low testosterone can include:

Lowered libido
A decrease in sexual desire can be a sign of low testosterone, although not all men with low testosterone experience low libido.

Erectile dysfunction
Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.

Fatigue
Low testosterone can impact your quality of sleep, meaning that feeling more tired than usual may be a sign of low testosterone.

Decreased muscle mass
Testosterone is important in muscle building, meaning that if your levels are low, you may find it harder to build or maintain muscle.

Increased body fat
Low testosterone levels may lead to an increase in body fat, which can result in obesity or the development of breast tissue in men.

Reduced bone density
Low testosterone can lead to weaker bones, which can cause back pain or a loss of height. This also makes you more prone to breakages.

Hair loss
Facial and body hair loss can sometimes be a sign of low testosterone.

Low sperm count
Low levels of testosterone can cause a reduction in sperm count.

Anaemia
As testosterone affects the production of red blood cells, a low level of testosterone can lead to anaemia.

Mood changes
Much like with other hormones, testosterone can affect mood. If you are experiencing irritability, hopelessness, a chronic low mood, or find that you are not enjoying activities as much as before, it may be a result of low testosterone.

It is important to note that individuals may experience all, some, or none of these symptoms, and a definitive diagnosis can only be made by measuring testosterone levels through blood testing.

If you suspect that you may have low testosterone levels, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your healthcare provider can order tests to determine if you have low testosterone or if there is another underlying health issue that needs to be addressed.

If low testosterone is confirmed, there are many options for treatment. One treatment option that may be recommended is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). TRT is a way of increasing testosterone levels in the body. It is available in various forms, including topical gels, and injections.

Written by Ted’s Health and medically reviewed by Professor Mike Kirby