Although it's fairly new to mainstream discussion, low testosterone is a serious medical condition that can affect virtually any man at any age. It's important that men and women alike understand the signs of low testosterone so that they can tell when it's time to discuss the problem with their doctor. Aside from just your sex drive, testosterone actually affects a lot of things around your body. Here are some of the most common symptoms to watch for that may indicate that you should ask your doctor about low testosterone treatment.
Hair Loss Beyond Just Traditional Balding
Although most men are familiar with the traditional age-related or hereditary balding issues, what they don't realize is that testosterone levels directly contribute to your hair growth. If you're losing hair all over your body, including your face, chest, and arms, that's often an indication of low testosterone instead of just routine baldness issues due to aging or genetics. In that case, you'll want to reach out to your doctor about checking your testosterone levels.
Low Energy And Chronic Fatigue
If you're accustomed to being pretty active and suddenly have found yourself dealing with persistent fatigue and low energy, it could be an indication of low testosterone. It can be indicative of other health conditions as well, though, so be mindful to consider any other symptoms of low testosterone, too. In either case, it's certainly a symptom that warrants a call to your primary care provider.
Lost Muscle Mass Issues
While it's normal to lose some muscle mass as you age, especially if you're spending less time in the gym, it's not typical to suddenly start losing muscle mass. Testosterone is a key element in muscle development and maintenance, so low testosterone levels often result in decreased muscle mass. You may not necessarily notice a change in your physical strength as much as a change in your appearance and muscle tone.
Mental Health Effects
One thing that many people don't realize is that testosterone also helps to regulate mood and memory. If you're struggling with low testosterone, you might find that you struggle more with depression, anger, frustration, irritability, and similar mood management issues. Not only that, but you might have short-term memory issues and trouble with memory recall. If you're experiencing things like this and have any other symptoms of low testosterone, reach out to your primary care right away.
The good news is that low testosterone isn't unmanageable. Your doctor can prescribe a testosterone supplement or cream if necessary to help your body regulate your testosterone levels.
For more information on low T, contact a professional near you.