The human body produces testosterone, which is a hormone. The testicles are the major producers in men. Testosterone has an impact on a man’s sexual development and looks. It increases sperm production and sex drive in men. It also aids in the development of muscular mass and bone density.

With age, testosterone production usually drops. According to the American Urological Association, approximately two out of every ten men over the age of 60 have low testosterone levels. In their 70s and 80s, this percentage rises to 3 out of 10 males.

If testosterone levels go below normal, men may experience a variety of symptoms. When testosterone levels fall below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), it is referred to as low testosterone, or low T.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, the normal range is between 300 and 1,000 ng/dL. To establish your level of circulating testosterone, a blood test known as a serum testosterone test is used.

If testosterone production falls below normal levels, a variety of symptoms can develop. Low T can manifest itself in a variety of ways. The indications of low T in men are listed below.

1. Sex with a low libido

Men’s libido (sex drive) is largely influenced by testosterone. As men get older, they may notice a drop in sex desire. Someone with a low T level, on the other hand, is more likely to feel a significant decrease in their desire for sex.

2. Erection issues

While testosterone aids in obtaining and keeping an erection, it also boosts a man’s sexual urge. Although testosterone does not create an erection on its own, it does increase the production of nitric oxide by brain receptors.

Nitric oxide is a substance that aids in the initiation of a chain of chemical processes that lead to an erection. When a man’s testosterone levels are too low, he may struggle to get an erection before intercourse or experience spontaneous erections (for example, during sleep).

However, testosterone is simply one of a number of elements that contribute to good erections. The role of testosterone replacement therapy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction is still under investigation.

Nearly half of the studies that looked at the benefit of testosterone in males with erection problems found no improvement with testosterone treatment. Other health issues frequently contribute to erectile dysfunction. Diabetes, thyroid disorders, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, alcohol abuse, depression, anxiety and stress are all examples.

3. Insufficient sperm volume

Testosterone aids in the mobility of sperm by assisting in the formation of semen, a milky fluid. During ejaculation, men with low T often feel a decrease in the volume of their sperm.

4. Loss of hair

Testosterone is involved in a variety of bodily functions, including hair growth. For many men, balding is an inevitable aspect of growing older. While baldness has a genetic component, men with low T are more likely to lose body and facial hair.

5. Exhaustion

Men with low T have complained of acute weariness and a lack of vitality. If you’re weary all the time despite getting plenty of sleep or can’t seem to get inspired to exercise, you may have low T.

6. Muscle loss

Because testosterone is involved in muscle development, men with low T may experience a reduction in muscular mass. Studies According to Trusted Source, testosterone affects muscle mass but not strength or function.

7. Excess body fat

Body fat levels may also rise in men with low T. Gynecomastia, or increased breast tissue, is a common side effect. This effect is thought to be caused by a testosterone-estrogen imbalance in men.

8. Bone mass loss

Osteoporosis, or bone weakening, is a disorder that is frequently connected with women. Men with low T, on the other hand, may suffer from bone loss. Testosterone aids in the formation and strengthening of bones. As a result, men with low T, particularly older men, have less bone volume and are more prone to bone fractures.

9. Mood changes

Men with low T can have mood swings. Because testosterone affects a variety of bodily functions, it can also affect mood and mental capacity. According to research, males with low T are more prone to experience melancholy, irritation, or a lack of focus.

10. Impaired memory

With age, testosterone levels as well as cognitive skills, particularly memory, decline. As a result, experts believe that decreased testosterone levels may play a role in memory loss.

Some smaller research studies have associated testosterone supplementation with enhanced memory in men with low levels, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Trusted Source. However, memory improvements were not shown in a study of 493 men with low testosterone levels who were given testosterone or a placebo.

11. Testicle size is smaller

Low testosterone levels in the body might result in testicles that are smaller than typical. Because the body needs testosterone to produce the penis and testicles, low levels may result in a penis or testicles that are disproportionately smaller than those of a man with normal testosterone levels.
Smaller-than-normal testicles can be caused by a variety of factors other than low testosterone levels, thus this isn’t always a low testosterone symptom.

12. Blood counts are low.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Trusted Source, low testosterone is associated to an increased risk of anemia.

Researchers found that when anemic men with low testosterone were given testosterone gel, their blood counts improved compared to men who were given a placebo gel. Anemia can produce a variety of symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, dizziness, leg cramps, sleeping issues, and an excessively fast heart rate.

Outlook

Unlike women, who experience a fast reduction in hormone levels during menopause, men’s testosterone levels decline more gradually over time. The older a man gets, the more probable he is to have low testosterone levels.
Low testosterone symptoms can occur in men whose testosterone levels are less than 300 ng/dL. Your doctor can run a blood test and, if necessary, prescribe therapy. They can also talk about the pros and drawbacks of testosterone medication.