Low Testosterone Symptoms: Mood, Weight, and Sex

Low Testosterone: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

If you’re taking hormone replacement therapy, regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are important. For congenital hypogonadism, testosterone replacement therapy often helps prevent problems related to delayed puberty. Get the details about low testosterone, from its symptoms and causes to how it’s diagnosed and treated.

Most people will notice relief from symptoms within 3–60 weeks of starting TRT. However, anyone who experiences one or more of the above symptoms should seek medical attention. A male with low testosterone may notice a reduction in the size of their testicles that is not related to cold temperatures.

Low testosterone can directly impact your mood, leading to feelings of depression or anxiety. This is partly due to the hormone’s role in regulating brain areas linked to emotional well-being. Additionally, the physical symptoms of low T, such as weight gain or sexual dysfunction, can further contribute to a decline in mental health. If you’ve been feeling unusually down or irritable, it’s worth exploring whether low testosterone symptoms in women T is playing a role. Testosterone helps your body build and maintain muscle by promoting protein synthesis.

If you have any urological questions or need personalized, confidential services, our customer service team is here to help. Low testosterone is a common side effect of the aging process in males. Most cases of low testosterone are treatable, and being aware of the symptoms can help a person to receive an early diagnosis and treatment. Studies have shown testosterone affects muscle mass, but not necessarily strength or function.

TRR is also avoided in people with a recent heart attack or stroke as well as those with advanced heart failure due to the risk of clotting. This is especially true when physical symptoms like gynecomastia and muscle wasting start to undermine a person’s confidence and self-esteem. These changes are also linked to an increased risk of stigma, both real and perceived, particularly when hypogonadism occurs at an early age. The total testosterone (TT) test measures testosterone in nanograms per deciliter of blood (ng/dL). In adult males, readings that fall anywhere between 300 and 1,000 ng/dL are considered normal.

Specific nutrients may also have closer links to male sexual function than others, but the whole picture matters. When fatigue and low motivation strike, your testosterone levels might be the real culprit. Once dismissed as a rare condition affecting older men, low T (testosterone deficiency) is now understood as a far more widespread issue. Thanks to a mix of modern stress, environmental exposures, and plain old aging, more men are hitting their 40s and 50s feeling like shadows of themselves — and many don’t even know why. Instead, gonadotropins like FSH and LH would be administered by injection along with another hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). FSH directly stimulates sperm cell production, while LH and HCG increase the production of testosterone to support the growth of sperm cells.

Generally, total testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter) may indicate low T, but it’s nuanced. Free testosterone (the active form) also matters, as does the patient’s overall health picture. These emotional and mental challenges can significantly degrade the quality of life, making it difficult to maintain healthy relationships, succeed in the workplace, and feel positive about one’s self and future. Addressing these symptoms through proper medical care, lifestyle changes, and possibly counselling is crucial for improving overall well-being and restoring balance in life. These physical symptoms not only impact a man’s health and appearance but also affect his ability to perform daily tasks, contributing to a decreased quality of life. Recognizing and addressing these symptoms through appropriate medical consultation and treatment is essential for restoring vitality and well-being.

The diagnosis of male hypogonadism typically starts with a physical exam and a review of your medical and family histories. This may include a gloved examination of your scrotum, testicles, penis, and breasts. Sleep deprivation can also result in increased irritability, a weakened immune system, weight gain, low sex drive and more.

A doctor will typically only prescribe TRT if the person has several symptoms of low testosterone and blood test results that indicate a deficiency. For example, a bone density test can show diminished bone mass, one result of low testosterone. To diagnose low testosterone, a doctor will often perform a physical evaluation and review the person’s symptoms.