How To Know If You Have Low Testosterone

How Do I Know My Testosterone Is Low? There are many signs that your testosterone level is low. Below, you will find the most common symptoms and how to deal with them. If your level is below 300 ng/dL, there is a chance that your Pituitary gland is malfunctioning. Other signs of low testosterone include: reduced muscle mass and decreased sex drive.

Less than 300 ng/dL

When a man’s testosterone level falls below the normal range of 300 to 800 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), he is diagnosed with low testosterone. This condition is known as hypogonadism. There is a range of acceptable levels for testosterone, which depends on age, lifestyle, and the bioavailable testosterone content of the blood. Bioavailable testosterone levels are measured by measuring the ratio of bound to unbound testosterone in the blood.

Pituitary gland issue

The pituitary gland is a small, yet important, part of the human body that regulates hormones in the body. When the gland isn’t working properly, the result can be a wide range of symptoms. An abnormal growth can obstruct the optic chiasm, a bundle of nerve fibers that transmits information from the eyes to the brain. This can lead to vision problems and headaches.

Reduced muscle mass

The deterioration of muscle mass and function is linked to reduced testosterone levels. While it is impossible to prevent muscle loss, there are several ways to increase testosterone levels and prevent the aging process. One of the most effective ways is through exercise, which not only burns calories but also builds muscle through resistance. To boost testosterone levels, get as much exercise as possible. Current recommendations suggest that men and women get at least 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise per week and two days of strength training. It is also important to get enough sleep; poor sleep is linked to low testosterone levels. When overtired, we are less likely to exercise our muscles, which will lead to lower testosterone levels.

Decreased sex drive

If you notice a significant decrease in sex drive, you should talk to your healthcare provider. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and suggest treatment options, including hormone replacement therapy. During menopause, some women experience decreased sex drive, too, and should also be evaluated by their doctor. Low testosterone levels can affect men in many ways. If you’re concerned about your partner’s feelings about your relationship, talk to them about possible causes and treatments.

Anemia

Studies have shown that testosterone can increase hemoglobin in men who have unexplained anemia. In the placebo-controlled trial, testosterone increased hemoglobin more than a placebo, and the study’s sample size was determined by the number of men with a hemoglobin concentration of 12.7 g/dL or lower with no known cause. With a 10% response rate, this sample size is sufficient to detect a difference between placebo and testosterone-treated men.

Osteoporosis

There are many factors that can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, such as low bone mass, smoking, and alcohol consumption. In general, women have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis than men do. Lifestyle and medical conditions can increase your risk as well. If you are obese, you are at higher risk of osteoporosis. Women who drink a lot of alcohol are more susceptible to osteoporosis than men.

Depression

Depression symptoms often occur with low levels of testosterone. In older adults, testosterone levels naturally decrease as they age, and obesity and diabetes can also affect them. However, when depression symptoms appear, primary care physicians often don’t know what to do next, and don’t test the patient for low testosterone. This is unfortunate because testosterone levels are essential to mental health in many men. Below, we’ll discuss how to know if you have low testosterone and depression.

Anxiety

If you have low testosterone levels, you may struggle to identify the next steps to take to improve your overall wellness. This condition can create many internal barriers that can make it difficult to make the best decision for your health. The first step is to visit a hormone health practitioner. They can help you determine the best course of treatment for your unique situation. In many cases, testosterone replacement therapy can offer significant relief from the symptoms of anxiety.