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5 Warning Signs of Low Testosterone (and What You Can Do About It)
Testosterone is a powerful hormone. But did you know it starts declining once you're in your thirties? Low testosterone 一 sometimes called low T 一 affects as many as 5 million American men.
Low T can make you feel less like yourself, and if you’re unsure if you’re dealing with low testosterone, don’t wait until your next annual exam to speak up. Dr. N'Dama Bamba, MD, MPH, and our team can get your hormone levels tested so you can find the answers you need.
In the meantime, here are five warning signs of low testosterone and how our team at Dr. Bamba's Health and Medical Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland, can help.
1. You’re always tired
Do you often feel tired or lacking in energy even if you’ve had a full night's sleep? Low testosterone can contribute to fatigue and sluggishness, which impact your daily productivity, relationships, and quality of life.
If you're constantly struggling to stay awake and alert, it could be a sign of low testosterone.
2. Your libido is low
Low testosterone levels can significantly reduce your libido. If you find yourself less inclined towards intimacy, it might be time to consider if low testosterone is the culprit.
Low testosterone doesn’t just affect your sex drive. It can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Testosterone helps you achieve and maintain an erection because it tells your brain receptors to produce nitric oxide. This molecule kick-starts the chemical reactions that make an erection possible.
Remember, testosterone is a hormone, so when your levels are low, there aren’t enough chemical messengers to carry the “produce more nitric oxide” message to your brain.
3. Your muscle tone isn’t what it used to be
Testosterone helps build and maintain your lean muscle mass. Therefore, low levels can lead to muscle loss and decreased strength over time.
Testosterone deficiency is just part of the issue. A lack of exercise, poor diet, and low testosterone are the leading causes of muscle loss.
4. Your mood has changed
Low testosterone can affect your emotional and mental wellness in several ways. When your hormones dip, you may notice:
- Increased irritability
- Heightened mood swings
- Persistent feelings of sadness or depression
- Decreased motivation
- Difficulty concentrating
Note: mood changes can also be related to other conditions, such as thyroid disorders or depression.
5. You’re getting hot flashes
While hot flashes are primarily discussed in relation to menopause, men can also experience them. If you experience a hot flash due to low testosterone, you might feel sudden warmth spreading across your body, accompanied by intense sweating.
What you can do about low testosterone
If your hormones are imbalanced, Dr. Bamba may recommend hormone replacement therapy. Hormone replacement therapy uses creams, pellets, patches, or injections to provide the type and dose of hormones your body needs.
The first step is to confirm that low testosterone is the source of your symptoms. This is done with a quick and easy blood draw. Then, Dr. Bamba reviews your lab work and creates your hormone replacement therapy plan.
In addition to balancing your hormones with testosterone, you can benefit from lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise, sleep hygiene, and eating well-balanced meals.
If you spot these five warning signs of low testosterone, call our Glen Burnie, Maryland, office at 443-493-7760 or simply click here to schedule your next appointment.