Low Testosterone Symptoms

Testosterone declines with age, and you can have too little.

But it is difficult, and controversial defining an exact value for what your testosterone level should be, other than a broad range.

All individuals are different, from lifestyle to health. All these can impact on testosterone levels and what is a healthy level. Information on normal testosterone levels can be viewed here. Information on low testosterone levels is here.

How to use this 

What are the broad symptoms of low T (testosterone), and how can you best interpret these for yourself?

There are many random and somewhat useless lists of low testosterone symptoms around the web. We tried to try and help prioritise and categorise these so you could better use them. But this is not a diagnostic tool or meant to help you diagnose low testosterone or any other health condition, it is still general information to help you understand one of many potential indicators as to whether you might want to get your testosterone levels tested.

Symptoms of low testosterone

• Sleep
  Finding it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. Low T is also common in men with sleep apnoea.
• Energy

  Reduced energy levels and fatigue. Feeling tired even after resting and a lack motivation to exercise or move. Note there are however multiple conditions that can drive a "lack of energy".

• Mood changes

  Experiencing irritability or depression. Keep in mind, poor quality of life in other key areas as a result of low T could drive these symptoms indirectly. Read the study here.

• Concentration
  As with mood, low T may affect your ability to focus and concentrate and thus result in reduced cognitive ability but results from studies are mixed in this regard.

Physical changes include:

• Drop in desire for sex (Lower libido)

  Males would notice a significant reduction in sex drive. But stress and other factors can also be drivers. Stress does result in the release of cortisol which tempers testosterone. 

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
  Problems with erections, reduced semen volumes and smaller testicles. Not what you want to hear, but nevertheless an important potential indicator. Difficulty in getting or keeping an erection. Testosterone stimulates tissues in the penis to produce nitric oxide, which starts various chemical reactions which result in an erection.  Note: ED can also be caused by smoking, diabetes, stress, anxiety, alcohol etc. Smaller testicles and a softer scrotum, and reduced volume of semen as testosterone helps stimulate the production of semen.
• Body and facial hair
  Hair loss can also just be related to old age.
• Body shape
  Muscle mass, bone mass and fat mass. Testosterone plays a key role in the development of muscle mass. Reduce the levels and you lose muscle! The good news is you do not lose muscle function as in this 2016 study.
• Penis size (Sexual features)

  Lower testosterone can mean disproportionately smaller penis. Penis size can also be driven by aging, obesity, prostrate surgery. But definitely has an impact. 

• Bone mass.
  Testosterone helps produce and maintain bone tissue and volume. Reduction in bone mass can lead to easier injury.

So, these are all the broad and reported symptoms of low testosterone. The challenge being some might be harder to notice than others, or very gradual and many can be driven by unrelated issues or require expensive equipment to measure.

So, what to do?

Many of these symptoms are connected as per the illustration below:

• If you are not sleeping well, you are most likely tired.
• If you are tired, you may be irritable.
• If you are irritable, you may become stressed.
• Stress produces cortisol which impacts testosterone negatively.

If you believe any apply to you, think about the root causes, things you have noticed, changes in the last year, the last 3 years and what might be driving these. 

If you have some concerns, think about getting your testosterone levels checked. There is no downside other than the cost of a saliva test you can administer yourself, or a visit to your doctor and a blood test. You then will have some facts to work with.

Alternatively, read up on ways to boost or maintain testosterone levels naturally.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Old Bull Health in this article is for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Our content is not intended to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and thus reliance should not be placed on it. If you are experiencing testosterone related symptoms, please consult a healthcare professional.