Low Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone that is produced by the human body. It is mainly produced in the testicles in men. It stimulates sperm production and a mans sex drive and also helps build muscle and bone mass.

Testosterone production typically decreases as men age. Men can experience a range of symptoms if it decreases more than it should. Low T is diagnosed when levels fall below a normal range (300- 1000 ng/dL, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration). A blood test (called serum testosterone level) is used to determine your level of circulating testosterone.

A range of symptoms can occur if testosterone production drastically drops. Signs of low T (also called hypogonadism) are often subtle and can be mistaken for a natural part of aging.

Testosterone plays a key role in libido (sex drive) in both men and women. Men may experience some decline in sex drive as they age. However, someone with low T will likely experience a more drastic drop in his desire to have sex. Low T can also decrease the sex drive in women, along with other factors, such as other hormonal and mood changes.

Testosterone stimulates a mans sex drive and it also aids in achieving an erection. Testosterone alone doesnt cause an erection, but it stimulates receptors in the brain to produce nitric oxide a molecule that helps trigger an erection. When testosterone levels are too low, a man may have difficulty achieving an erection prior to sex or experience spontaneous erections (for example, during sleep). Other health problems can influence erectile function, so it is important to determine whether low T is causing this symptom.

Testosterone plays a role in the production of semen, which is the milky fluid that aids in the motility of sperm. Its pretty simple: The more testosterone a man has, the more semen he produces. Men with low T will notice a decrease in the volume of their sperm during ejaculation.

Testosterone plays a role in several body functions, including hair production. Balding is a natural part of aging for many men. However, men with low T may experience a loss of body and facial hair.

Men with low T have reported extreme fatigue and a noticeable decrease in energy levels. You might be experiencing symptoms of low T if you are tired all of the time, despite getting plenty of sleep, or if you are finding it harder to get motivated to hit the gym or exercise.

Because testosterone plays a role in the building and strengthening of muscle, men with low T might notice a decrease in both muscle mass and strength, according to the Mayo Clinic. Those who try to reverse the muscle loss through weight training might find it difficult to build or rebuild muscle.

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9 Warning Signs of Low Testosterone - Healthline