5 Signs You May be Suffering From a Testosterone Deficiency

Low testosterone is a condition that affects aging men. Shortly after you reach your thirties, your body doesn’t produce quite as many hormones as before. This puts you at an increased risk of low testosterone, or male hypogonadism, which can lead to an array of uncomfortable symptoms and possible complications that might seem to have nothing to do with each other at first. Factors like uncontrolled diabetes or obstructive sleep apnea can increase your risk, so you should talk to your physician about the risk factors you can control.

Board-certified physical medicine specialist Nikki Fox, DO, BS can provide you with a simple blood hormone test to either diagnose or rule out low testosterone as the cause of your body’s sudden changes. At DFW Spine Joint and Pain in Fort Worth, Texas, you can get hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on a monthly subscription or pay as you go to reverse or reduce your low testosterone symptoms. 

When you start feeling different, or noticing unusual events involving your body, it’s time to take inventory and consider the possible hormonal causes. Here are five of the most common indications of low testosterone:

1. Reduced sex drive and erectile function

Erectile dysfunction, which is the inability to get or maintain a firm erection, can have multiple factors at play. Your mental health can influence your erectile function as can your habits such as smoking. Low testosterone is another cause and can also lead to reduced sexual desire.

If you experience erectile dysfunction just once or twice, you might not need to worry about your hormones. If it becomes a persistent issue that affects your relationships, confidence, and overall well-being, it’s time to take note of any other unusual symptoms and consider hormone testing at DFW Spine Joint and Pain. 

2. Increased weakness with lower muscle mass

One of testosterone’s greatest roles inside your body is increasing the size and strength of your muscles. It helps keep your body fat to a minimum while maximizing your energy and physical strength. 

Muscle wasting, or loss of muscle mass that you usually maintain with your typical routine, is a later sign of low testosterone. Before you notice any difference in the size of your muscles, you’ll see a decline of your muscles’ abilities. This means you’ll have trouble lifting the weights you normally lift at the gym and may find yourself reaching for weights that are a few pounds lighter to complete your reps. 

3. Body hair loss

If you’ve never been very hairy to begin with, a reduction in body hair might not strike you as being unusual. Low testosterone can lead to reduced body hair in areas like your armpits and genitals. Hair loss can also occur on your scalp and face. You may notice that your beard grows slower than before, too. 

4. Persistent fatigue

Feeling tired all the time? If even your morning cup of coffee doesn’t do much to fight off sleepiness, consider the possibility that your hormones are changing. Although fatigue and low energy are difficult to measure in a clinical setting, these symptoms are frequently reported by men with testosterone deficiencies. 

Dr. Fox asks about your habits, diet, and tendencies to explore other possible reasons why you suddenly have less energy, but when fatigue occurs alongside other symptoms of low testosterone, a hormone imbalance is very likely. 

5. Breast enlargement

Gynecomastia is the growth of breast tissue in men. While natural body types of course vary, breast growth in men during adulthood is hormonal. There are a few different hormone imbalances that can increase your breast tissue and low testosterone tops the list. 

Do you have concerns about your testosterone?

If you’re feeling less energized, physically weaker, or are noticing changes to the shape or size of different body parts, it’s time to get a hormone test. Schedule your visit by phone or online at DFW Spine Joint and Pain today.