How Low Testosterone Can Affect Your Health

Testosterone affects more than muscle growth and libido; it intricately influences an array of bodily functions, from cognition to bone density. 

So, when this potent hormone dwindles below normal levels, the male body and mind face significant changes.

Men’s health remains a somewhat under-discussed topic despite a surge in awareness campaigns and a growing interest in personal well-being. Dr. James Lee and our Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care team in Woodstock, Georgia, want to change that.

In that spirit, we’ve compiled this testosterone overview to shed light on the topic. If it spurs any questions or concerns, we’re here to help.

What is testosterone, and why does it matter?

Testosterone is a steroid hormone that is produced primarily by men's testes, although a small portion also comes from the adrenal glands. From adolescence through adulthood, testosterone participates in developing and maintaining muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, and fat distribution. 

Besides these functions, testosterone controls secondary sexual characteristics, like the deepening of the voice and the growth of body hair. It also impacts behavior, the regulation of mood, and the maintenance of healthy endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels.

Despite being frequently associated with “maleness,” testosterone plays varied roles in both men and women, and low levels pose health concerns.

Symptoms of low testosterone

Low testosterone (“low T) triggers various physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms, each interlinked yet distinct in their impact.

Physical symptoms

The physical spectrum of low T symptoms often emerges silently and insidiously. They include:

• Reduced body hair
• Loss of muscle mass
• Increased body fat
• Gynecomastia, the growth of breast tissue
• Osteoporosis or diminished bone density
• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased energy levels and fatigue

Physical symptoms alone don’t constitute a low T diagnosis, as these may also indicate other conditions. 

Emotional symptoms

Low T also has an emotional impact. Mood changes may include:

• Depression
• Irritability
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

Again, these symptoms alone don’t necessarily mean you have low T, but it’s a good indicator that you should get tested. 

Behavioral symptoms

When low T affects your behavior, you might notice:

• Reduced motivation and determination
• Diminished competitive spirit
• Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns

These symptoms warrant attention for their individual weight and the collective toll they may take on your overall health and well-being. 

Health consequences of low testosterone

The repercussions of chronically low levels of testosterone aren’t confined to moods and physicality; they can wreak havoc on your health.

Impact on physical health

In the physical realm, low testosterone can trigger:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome
• Cardiovascular disease
• Infertility
• Sleep disturbances

Evidence suggests a positive correlation between high BMI and low T levels. With obesity rates climbing, this association should be on every man’s radar.

Impact on mental health

Most men overlook mental health in casual conversations about testosterone. Low testosterone and depression often go hand in hand in men, and addressing this underlying hormonal imbalance could help you deal with this mental disorder.

Long-term implications of low T

Research shows that low T can have some long-term consequences, namely a higher risk of developing cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

Low T diagnosis and treatment

Dr. Lee can diagnose low T with a blood test that measures your body's testosterone level. This might include measuring the total testosterone level or the bioavailable testosterone, which is the portion of testosterone not bound to proteins but can exert its effects.

Treatment strategies

Upon diagnosis, Dr. Lee may recommend bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. This approach boosts low testosterone levels through different delivery methods, including injections, gels, patches, and pellets.

Lifestyle changes 

The impact of low testosterone also warrants a reflection on your lifestyle. How you live profoundly influences your hormonal balance, and simple modifications can sometimes yield significant improvements.

For example, a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are cornerstones of maintaining optimal testosterone levels. 

Studies suggest that resistance training can significantly boost testosterone levels, while obesity and chronic stress levels have been consistently linked to lower testosterone concentrations.

Addressing other health concerns, such as sleep disturbances and alcohol consumption, can also contribute to maintaining normal testosterone levels. Adequate sleep and moderation in alcohol intake can protect your testosterone profile.

What to do if you suspect low T

Dr. Lee recommends regular medical checkups for all men, particularly after age 45, to detect hormonal imbalances early. 

Getting a testosterone blood test is simple. Call Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care or book an appointment online, and stop wondering about your hormones.