COMMON SYMPTOMS OF LOW TESTOSTERONE
If Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is confirmed as the nation’s next secretary of Health and Human Services, the 70-year-old will likely be the fittest person ever to hold the office. The controversial politician attributes his incredible fitness level to a vigorous exercise routine and, in part, to taking testosterone as part of his anti-aging regimen. Given that testosterone is a hormone and an anabolic steroid, it undoubtedly helps Kennedy maintain a level of physical fitness and strength that tops that of most men in their 20s.
Given that boosting testosterone levels in older men appears to help them build and maintain muscular strength, it begs the question of how a lack of significant testosterone might affect older, and even younger, males. Naples, Florida, internal medicine specialist Dr. Diane Brzezinski, D.O., her partner physician Dr. Michael Hellman, and lead MSN, ARNP, Kelly Fennemore know the answer and will tell you that low testosterone levels can have a significant negative impact on men’s health. In fact, Dr. B’s clinic has helped hundreds of Southwest Florida area men overcome symptoms arising from low testosterone levels with testosterone replacement therapy. Let’s take a closer look at what causes testosterone deficiencies in men and highlight the common symptoms that arise in men whose testosterone levels are in decline.
PRIMARY CAUSES OF DECREASED TESTOSTERONE LEVELS
While hormone levels constantly fluctuate, the medical field has determined that healthy testosterone levels range between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl) of blood. Although, Dr. B notes that some patients may experience symptoms of low testosterone in ranges of 600-700. Prolonged drops below 300 ng/dl are considered unhealthy and medically termed testosterone deficiency syndrome (TD) or hypogonadism. According to the American Urological Association, aging is a primary cause of TD, with the condition present in about 20% of men over age 60 and up to 50% of men over 80. In younger men, other health issues like diabetes, cancer, autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndrome, HIV/AIDS, infections, obesity, specific injuries, and certain medications can cause unhealthy testosterone declines.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF LOW TESTOSTERONE
If you experience a prolonged decrease in testosterone levels below 300 ng/dl, your body will let you know it with changes that affect your mind and body. The nine changes listed below are the most common symptoms that arise with TD, though other diseases or medical issues could be responsible. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should tell your doctor and have your hormone levels checked.
- Low Sex Drive—All men tend to experience declines in their sex drive as they age, but when it happens to younger men or when older men experience a rapid, significant decrease in sexual desire, it could indicate TD.
- Inability or Difficulty Achieving an Erection—Numerous conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, stress, obesity, overindulgence in alcohol or drugs, and more can cause this symptom. However, in the absence of these, low testosterone is a primary candidate.
- Loss of Muscle Mass—Because of its anabolic steroid role, a drop in testosterone can cause a noticeable loss of muscle mass.
- Loss of Bone Mass—As with muscles, testosterone helps the body produce and maintain bone tissue and mass. A decrease in testosterone levels can impair this testosterone function, leading to reduced bone mass volumes and making bones more prone to breakage.
- Decreased Energy Levels—Men with TD experience significant fatigue and lack of energy, even when they get enough sleep.
- Body Fat Increase—With depressed energy levels, low testosterone levels can cause increases in body fat, with some men experiencing gynecomastia, a condition characterized by fat-induced breast enlargement.
- Depression and Irritability—Men with TD often experience greater levels of depression and increased irritability.
- Hair Loss—Balding and hair loss are common in many men, but decreases in facial and bodily hair are indicative of TD.
- Sleep Difficulties—TD can cause insomnia, and low testosterone levels have been linked to sleep apnea in some men.