Testosterone is a male hormone produced in the testicles. It isn’t just responsible for sperm production and a man’s sex drive, it also builds muscle and bone mass. A man is said to have low testosterone if the levels fall below 300 nanograms per deciliter. Low testosterone is also characterized by a range of other symptoms. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
1. A Dip In Sex Drive
A man’s testosterone is what fuels his sex drive and if he’s low on testosterone, he’s less likely to be interested in sex. Usually men might differ in how frequently they would like to have sex. But for someone with low testosterone, that drive may be totally missing.
2. Problems With Getting An Erection
Erections are triggered when our body releases a molecule known as nitric oxide and testosterone is what is responsible to trigger this release. If the body’s testosterone levels are low, then there wouldn’t be enough to trigger this release making erections either impossible or not firm enough to make intercourse possible.
3. Low Semen Volume
Testosterone plays a critical role in production and release of semen during intercourse. Semen is the fluid that helps with the mobility of sperm. Men with low testosterone will experience a decrease in the volume of the semen during ejaculation.
4. An Increase In Body Fat
A low level of testosterone in the body is characterized by an increase in body fat, specifically with the development of enlarged breast tissue, popularly known as man boobs. This is believed to be because of an imbalance in the testosterone and estrogen levels in the body.
5. Numbness In The Genitalia
Men with low levels of testosterone often experience numbness in their genitals. They may not be completely numb to the touch, but touching their penis and scrotum doesn’t give them the required spark that is necessary for a pleasurable sexual experience.
6. Shrinkage
With a dip in the levels of testosterone, the tissues in the penis and testicles may atrophy and shrink. The penis might lose its length and girth and the testicles can become half their original size and turn soft instead of being firm.
7. Feeling Fatigued
While it may be normal to feel tired at the end of the day, guys with low testosterone may feel depleted without much reason.
8. Mood Swings
Men with low testosterone may not be clinically depressed, but might end up feeling blue or down often. They may also start to feel less optimistic than they were before the decrease in testosterone levels.
9. Low Energy Levels
Men with low testosterone levels may show a loss of drive and energy and may experience low energy levels. They may be very active and always onto something earlier on, but the dip in their testosterone levels can leave them reaching for the couch more often than not.
10. Loss Of Muscle
Testosterone plays a vital role in building muscle and men with low levels of testosterone might notice a decrease in their muscle mass. Although they may notice a decrease in the muscle mass, their strength or function may show no such change or reduction.
11. Decreased Bone Density
Usually osteoporosis or thinning of bones, is a condition associated with women after they reach menopause. But men with low testosterone can also experience this condition with the thinning of their bone mass. That is because testosterone helps keep the bones strong. Low testosterone, especially when in older age, makes men develop low bone volume making them vulnerable to fractures.
12. Irritability
Low testosterone can leave men grumpy and irritable. And many a times, it’s the people around, like friends, colleagues and family, who notice it more than the men themselves.
