What Are the Effects of Low Testosterone?

As the male sex hormone, testosterone can be credited for your body hair, muscle development, and sexual health, among other important benefits. Testosterone is especially active while you’re growing, but it remains an essential hormone throughout your life. 

Like any hormone imbalance, a testosterone imbalance can cause a range of symptoms and health concerns. When testosterone runs low in men, many of the symptoms involve sex characteristics and sexual dysfunction. However, there are many other unexpected symptoms. 

As a seasoned primary care physician, Kelly DiStefano, MD, provides men’s health services at Montclair Concierge Medicine in Verona, New Jersey. Since symptoms of low testosterone (low-T) can be ambiguous, Dr. DiStefano can evaluate you and give you the answers you need. Fortunately, low-T is a treatable hormone imbalance. 

Exploring the physical symptoms of low testosterone

A testosterone deficiency can change the way you look and how you feel. Low testosterone can also cause health complications, like osteoporosis, that improve when you address the underlying hormone imbalance. The physical symptoms vary considerably and can include:

Sexual dysfunction

Many common low testosterone symptoms involve your sexual function. You might experience erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, low libido, or testicular atrophy (shrinkage). 

Reduced muscle mass

If you’ve always been muscular but suddenly notice a decline in mass or strength, you could have low testosterone. 

Changes in hair patterns

You may lose body hair, facial hair, or both with low testosterone.

Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in men, often causing asymmetrical growth of the breasts. 

More than a third of men over 45 have low testosterone, although many have mild symptoms that don’t impact their lives. If you experience physical signs of low testosterone, be sure to inform Dr. DiStefano during your next primary care visit. 

Low testosterone and the mind

Low testosterone can affect the way you feel mentally and emotionally. You might not link emotional symptoms to a hormone imbalance, but a hormone blood test can confirm whether low-T is a likely cause. 

Low testosterone in men can cause: 

• Irritability
• Memory and concentration problems
• Depression
• Fatigue or low-energy

You’ll probably only notice these symptoms if they represent a change from your typical temperament. 

Balancing your hormones for better well-being

At Montclair Concierge Medicine, Dr. DiStefano explores your symptoms and provides a detailed medical evaluation to determine their cause. A total testosterone level blood test can show your testosterone levels, and other tests can explore possible underlying causes of the imbalance. For example, a prolactin blood test can detect issues with your pituitary gland, which may affect testosterone production. 

Dr. DiStefano can guide you through the basics of balancing your hormones. Sometimes, it’s as simple as following a healthy diet and managing your weight, but you might also benefit from hormone replacement therapy. 

Do you have questions about low testosterone and your health? Don’t wait for answers. Call Montclair Concierge Medicine or schedule an appointment online to find out if you can benefit from hormone replacement therapy today.