You might think it’s just stress that’s lowering your sex drive and making you feel tired or down, but it could in fact be low testosterone (also called male hypogonadism). Here are four common symptoms related to low testosterone:
- Sexual health is often among the first flags. Low libido, erectile dysfunction (ED) and reduced spontaneous erections are well-documented in hypogonadal men.
- Men with low testosterone often report reduced muscle mass and strength, greater fat accumulation and slower recovery from exercise or injury.
- It also contributes to bone health; low levels are linked with lower bone density and higher fracture risk.
- Mentally, low testosterone is associated with depression, irritability, fatigue, poor concentration and diminished motivation.
Beyond quality of life, observational studies also suggest low testosterone may correlate with higher cardiovascular risk and greater mortality in men.
While testosterone levels naturally decline with age – typically by about 1% per year from the time a man reaches his 30s – the hormone never depletes completely.
Low testosterone can result from two main categories of causes.
- Primary hypogonadism originates in the testes themselves, where the glands are unable to produce adequate testosterone.
- Secondary hypogonadism, on the other hand, occurs when the brain, specifically the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, fails to send the proper signals to trigger testosterone production. These can be caused by a myriad of factors including obesity, type 2 diabetes, HIV, chronic illnesses, certain medications, poor sleep and lifestyle elements like excessive alcohol use and major stress.
There is also what’s known as late-onset or adult-onset hypogonadism, which tends to develop gradually as men age. This form is more common in those who are overweight or obese, or who live with chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Recognising it early and seeking medical advice can make a big difference to your long-term health and quality of life. If you think you might have low testosterone levels, Pharma Dynamics has digitised the internationally recognised ADAM Screening Questionnaire for Low Testosterone where you can assess your risk online, download the results and share them with a doctor.
Find out more by visiting Pharma Dynamics.
