Low Testosterone: Is It Time To Talk To Your Doctor?

Dear Men, you will be surprised to know that testosterone naturally diminishes as age advances. Yes! As men get older, the hormones in their body gradually reduce over time. Studies show that about 20% of men in their 60s and up to 50% of men in their 80s experience low testosterone. This could also lead to symptoms such as reduced sex drive, extreme tiredness and difficulty concentrating.

To effectively address this condition, let's first understand what low testosterone is, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

What Is Low Testosterone?

Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, affects about 2% of men. It happens when the testicles don’t produce enough testosterone. This causes a drop in hormone levels and affects the body, including the bones, muscles, and overall energy. 

The Role Of Testosterone

Testosterone is a key hormone responsible for several critical functions in the body. It plays a crucial role in regulating sex drive, maintaining muscle mass, supporting bone density, and producing red blood cells and sperm. When testosterone levels decrease, these functions get disrupted, affecting everything from energy levels to mood. 

​​Who Is at Risk for Low Testosterone?

Low testosterone is more likely to affect individuals who:

• Are older (60 & above)
• Have type 2 diabetes
• Are overweight or obese
• Have chronic medical conditions (such as kidney dysfunction or liver cirrhosis)

Low testosterone: Symptoms

Men with low testosterone may experience:

• Reduced Sex Drive: One of the most noticeable symptoms in men with low testosterone is decreased sexual desire which can affect overall quality of life.
• Erectile Dysfunction: Men with testosterone deficiency may find it difficult to achieve or maintain erection which can affect their sexual health and intimacy.
• Decreased Sperm Production: Testosterone is necessary for the production of sperm. Low testosterone may lead to low sperm count, which may impact fertility.
• Trouble Sleeping: A lack of testosterone can disrupt sleep patterns causing insomnia, frequent wakings, or restless nights. This can contribute to fatigue and irritation.
• Increased Body Fat: As testosterone levels drop, it becomes easier to accumulate fat, especially around the abdominal area, leading to a more prominent belly.
• Reduced Muscle Mass & Strength: Muscle development and maintenance depend primarily on testosterone. A deficiency of this hormone can lead to a loss of muscle mass, weakened strength, and a noticeable decline in physical performance.
• Difficulty Concentrating or Focusing: People with low testosterone experience poor memory, decreased concentration, and cognitive impairment that affects work and other daily activities.
• Testosterone levels influence hair growth, and a decrease may lead to thinning or loss of body, facial, and pubic hair.

Moreover, children born with low testosterone may show symptoms such as:

• Stunted growth
• Underdeveloped genitals
• Lack of body and facial hair growth
• Delayed or incomplete puberty
• Less deepening of the voice (​​The deeper voice is often a sign of physical maturation during adolescence.)

What Causes Low Testosterone Levels?

Two major causes of low testosterone are: 

1. Primary Hypogonadism:

Primary hypogonadism occurs when the testicles fail to produce adequate testosterone due to damage or dysfunction. The following are some causes of this condition:

Klinefelter Syndrome

This is a genetic disorder where a man has an extra X chromosome (XXY instead of XY). This usually interferes with normal testicular development and leads to poorly developed testicles that cannot produce adequate sperm and testosterone levels.

Aging

Testosterone declines naturally with age, peaking in the late 30s and dropping drastically in the 40s. Low levels of testosterone often cause fatigue, reduced muscle mass, and lowered libido.

Testicular Problems

Accidents or injuries may damage tissues responsible for producing testosterone. Infections, such as mumps orchitis, can impair testicular function. Additionally, conditions like testicular cancer and its treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, can further decrease testosterone levels.

2. Secondary Hypogonadism

Secondary hypogonadism occurs when the brain does not send appropriate signals to the testes, preventing them from producing testosterone. The following are the direct causes of this condition:

Problems With Pituitary Gland:

The pituitary gland is situated at the base of the brain and controls various hormones. It produces luteinizing hormone, which signals the testicles to produce testosterone. Also, damage to the pituitary gland resulting from tumours or other head injuries or disorders may also cause improper signalling leading to low testosterone levels.

Sleep Disorders: 

Conditions like sleep apnea and chronic insomnia can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance. Testosterone is usually elevated in deep sleep; therefore, disrupted sleep patterns will cause drastic dips in testosterone. Furthermore, the lack of sleep elevates the levels of cortisol -a stress hormone, that lowers testosterone even more. That's why addressing sleep problems is important to maintain healthy hormone levels.

How Is Low Testosterone Diagnosed?

Diagnosing low testosterone begins with understanding the symptoms. Doctors may study your medical history and look for signs such as reduced body hair or testicle size to identify potential causes. They may also run a blood test in the morning when testosterone levels are highest. If required, additional tests like imaging scans or semen analysis may be done to uncover the underlying cause.

Low Testosterone: Treatment

There are viable treatment options for men with low testosterone which include:

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

It is the most common treatment for low testosterone levels in men. Most importantly, with TRT, you get to replace the testosterone hormone that your body fails to produce. TRT is available in injections, gels, patches, or pellets and can help improve: 

• Energy levels and mood
• Muscle mass and strength
• Sex drive and performance.

However, this does not mean that TRT is suitable for all. That is why its benefits and risks should be discussed with a doctor.

Side Effects Of Testosterone Replacement Therapy:

• Acne or oily skin
• Swelling in ankles due to mild fluid retention
• Enlarged prostate causing trouble passing urine
• Breast enlargement or tenderness
• Worsened sleep disorder
• Reduced testicle size
• Skin irritation from topical testosterone
• Higher red blood cell count
• Lower sperm count, leading to infertility

How to Manage Low Testosterone Levels

Low testosterone is managed through simple, healthy lifestyle changes, such as adopting a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress effectively, and ensuring adequate sleep. Additionally, losing weight, especially around the belly, can significantly improve testosterone levels.

Conclusion

Low testosterone levels can lead to problems like reduced sexual desire, extreme tiredness, and difficulty concentrating. In some cases, it may also affect fertility. That is why it’s best to consult your doctor for personalised treatment and a recommended course of action tailored to your specific needs.

Also, if you are concerned about your testosterone levels and their impact on your sperm health and fertility, consider LifeCell's SpermScore Kit —an at-home self-collection kit. It assesses 10 sperm health parameters and 14 conditions right from the comfort of your home, providing you with valuable insights into your reproductive health. For more details, visit our website www.lifecell.in.