The symptoms featured below should not be taken as concrete evidence of low testosterone levels alone. In order to confirm a diagnose, you will need to have two blood tests showing T levels at or below 300ng/dL. Two tests showing those levels would allow a doctor to make an official diagnosis of low testosterone.
There is some good news if you have low testosterone levels, however, as most of the health consequences can be reversed, or certainly significantly improved, with a course of natural testosterone boosting therapy.
Low T Symptom #1: Low or zero sex drive.
Arguably the most notable and common side effect of low testosterone in the system is a low libido according to Philip Werthman, M.D, a urologist and Center Director for a top male reproductive health specialist clinic in Los Angeles.
Apparently, almost every patient who visits his office with suspected low testosterone levels complains about an absent sexual appetite. In addition to craving less sexual intercourse, those with low T might also report experiencing fewer erotic dreams and masturbating less frequently.
The brain sections responsible for sexual desire, such as the amygdala, are dense with testosterone receptors.
The hormone slots into these receptors like a key into a lock causing them to activate and make you feel aroused. Without it, a crucial step in the process of getting sexually aroused is missing.
This absence of desire for sex can also cause erection issues, however, low testosterone doesn't directly impact the mechanisms and plumbing responsible for getting and remaining hard.
Low T Symptom #2: Muscle size decreases.
When you have the correct levels of testosterone in your bloodstream, your body is in an anabolic state, as the hormone stimulates the production of muscle tissues.
When T levels fall, your body enters a catabolic state, which means muscle tissues start to break down and is converted into energy.
At first, you will probably just find that it's harder to lift as much weight in the gym as you're used to. After several weeks with low levels of T in your system, however, you should expect to start losing muscle mass.
In a recent study from Japan, men who had low blood testosterone levels were found to have double to triple the chance of significant muscle loss as they aged compared to men with normal levels.
Low T Symptom #3: Shrinking penis.
Without a constant steady supply of testosterone, tissues in your scrotum, testicles, and penis can atrophy and shrivel.
As a consequence, your penis may lose girth and length. You might also see your balls shrinking - often they can shrivel to 50% of their original size and lose firmness.
While testosterone therapy can't restore your testicles to full volume, the treatment can restore your penis to its full length and girth.
Low T Symptom #4: Big belly.
You can lose mass in your muscles and gain it on your waistline.
One study from Australia showed that males suffering from prostate cancer gained 22% more visceral fat and 14% more body fat following 365 days of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). ADT is a treatment that turns off T's effects.
Visceral fat is found deep in the abdomen and a coats your organs, increasing your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
In men, low T may increase lipoprotein lipase enzyme activity. This enzyme is responsible for converting lipids into plumbed up visceral fat cells.
Low T Symptom #5: Memory recall problems.
Men with low T often have trouble concentrating and recalling information.
In a 2015 Australian study, men whose T levels fell over a 5 year period also experienced falling scores on tests for memory and mental function.
Besides the amygdala, sections of the human brain responsible for attention and memory recall, including the cerebrum, also have T receptors.
When there are insufficient amounts of the hormone reaching those receptors, brain cells may struggle to function optimally, the study's authors note.
So, if you think you might be a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy, ensure you discuss the risks and benefits thoroughly with your doctor.
Your doctor will probably test your testosterone levels soon after you begin therapy and every time you change doses. If you've opted to receive treatment by injection, it important to ensure your T levels don't get too high.
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