What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a sex hormone found in both men and women that impacts several functions of the body. For men, this includes libido, muscle mass, fat distribution, sperm count, and the production of red blood cells. For women, it helps in the overall functioning of health, reproduction, sex drive, bone mass, and growth.
As we age, testosterone levels tend to decline. The decrease begins around the age of 30 for men and during menopause for women. It often occurs slowly, making it difficult to recognize if one’s levels need to be checked. In fact, 1 out of 4 men over the age of 30 has low testosterone levels. However, only 1 out of 20 men have symptoms associated with it.
What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
Symptoms of low testosterone levels vary in men and women, and many are similar.
Men with low testosterone levels may experience:
- low libido
- loss of muscle mass
- increased body fat
- fatigue
- erectile dysfunction
- hair loss
- decreased bone mass
- low blood counts
Women with low testosterone levels may experience:
- low sex drive
- increased body fat
- memory loss
- decreased bone mass
- mood swings
- exhaustion
- difficulty losing weight
- anxiety
Why is it important to maintain healthy levels of testosterone?
If left unchecked, low testosterone can lead to weak and brittle bones, also known as osteoporosis, as well as heart disease. Not to mention the symptoms associated with it can make everyday life difficult and impede one’s ability to thrive.
What are the treatments for low testosterone?
There are several treatments that can be prescribed by one’s doctor. This may include:
- skin patches
- gels
- injections
- oral capsules
- injections
The good news!
Low testosterone is fairly easy to diagnose and treat. When properly treated, negative symptoms will be reduced and one’s quality of life can skyrocket.
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with low testosterone, are a man over the age of 30 or a woman who is going through menopause, set up an appointment with your provider. They will be able to diagnose if there is an issue and recommend necessary treatment.
References:
Harvard Health Publishing: Harvard Medical School (2019). Treating Low Testosterone Levels. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/treating-low-testosterone-levels
Endocrine Society, news release. (2007). Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/Health/Healthday/story?id=4508669&page=1#:~:text=THURSDAY%2C%20Sept.,linked%20to%20such%20a%20deficiency.
Healthline (2017). Can Women Have Low Levels of Testosterone? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/low-testosterone-in-women
Endocrine Web (2018). Low Testosterone: When Do Men Need Treatment? Retrieved from https://www.endocrineweb.com/news/hypogonadism/59530-low-testosterone-when-do-men-need-treatment
