Low Testosterone: Testosterone Testicles Sex Drive

Low testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone produced by the human body. It’s mainly

produced in men by the testicles. Testosterone affects a man’s appearance
and sexual development. It stimulates sperm production as well as a
man’s sex drive. It also helps build muscle and bone mass.
Testosterone production typically decreases with age. According to

the American Urological Association, about 2 out of 10 men older than 60
years have low testosterone. That increases slightly to 3 out of 10 men in
their 70s and 80s.
Men can experience a range of symptoms if testosterone decreases more

than it should. Low testosterone, or low T, is diagnosed when levels fall
below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).
A normal range is typically 300 to 1,000 ng/dL, according to the Food and
Drug Administration. A blood test called a serum testosterone test is used
to determine your level of circulating testosterone.
A range of symptoms can occur if testosterone production drastically drops

below normal. Signs of low T are often subtle. Here are 12 signs of low T in
men.
1. Low sex drive

Testosterone plays a key role in libido (sex drive) in men. Some men may
experience a decline in sex drive as they age. However, someone with low
T will likely experience a more drastic drop in their desire to have sex.
2. Difficulty with erection

While testosterone stimulates a man’s sex drive, it also aids in achieving
and maintaining an erection. Testosterone alone doesn’t cause an erection,
but it stimulates receptors in the brain to produce nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide is a molecule that helps trigger a series of chemical reactions

necessary for an erection to occur. When testosterone levels are too low, a
man may have difficulty achieving an erection prior to sex or having
spontaneous erections (for example, during sleep).
However, testosterone is only one of many factors that aid in adequate

erections. Research is inconclusive regarding the role of testosterone
replacement in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
In a review of studies that looked at the benefit of testosterone in men with

erection difficulties, nearly halfTrusted Source showed no improvement
with testosterone treatment. Many times, other health problems play a role
in erectile difficulties. These can include:
 diabetes
 thyroid problems
 high blood pressure
 high cholesterol
 smoking
 alcohol use
 depression
 stress
 anxiety
3. Low semen volume

Testosterone plays a role in the production of semen, which is the milky
fluid that aids in the motility of sperm. Men with low T will often notice a
decrease in the volume of their semen during ejaculation.
4. Hair loss
Testosterone plays a role in several body functions, including hair
production. Balding is a natural part of aging for many men. While there is
an inherited component to balding, men with low T may experience a loss
of body and facial hair, as well.
5. Fatigue
Men with low T have reported extreme fatigue and decrease in energy
levels. You might have low T if you’re tired all of the time despite getting
plenty of sleep or if you’re finding it harder to get motivated to exercise.
6. Loss of muscle mass

Because testosterone plays a role in building muscle, men with low T might
notice a decrease in muscle mass. StudiesTrusted Source have shown
testosterone affects muscle mass, but not necessarily strength or function.
7. Increased body fat

Men with low T may also experience increases in body fat. In particular,
they sometimes develop gynecomastia, or enlarged breast tissue. This
effect is believed to occur due to an imbalance between testosterone and
estrogen within men.
8. Decreased bone mass
Osteoporosis, or the thinning of bone mass, is a condition often associated
with women. However, men with low T can also experience bone loss.
Testosterone helps produce and strengthen bone. So men with low T,
especially older men, have lower bone volume and are more susceptible to
bone fractures.
9. Mood changes
Men with low T can experience changes in mood. Because testosterone
influences many physical processes in the body, it can also influence mood
and mental capacity. ResearchTrusted Source suggests that men with low
T are more likely to face depression, irritability, or a lack of focus.

Low Testosterone: Testosterone Testicles Sex Drive

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Low Testosterone: Testosterone Testicles Sex Drive

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Low Testosterone: Testosterone Testicles Sex Drive

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What are some of the common signs and symptoms of low testosterone in men?

How does testosterone affect male sexual function and fertility?

Low testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone produced by the human body. It’s mainly

Testosterone production typically decreases with age. According to

Men can experience a range of symptoms if testosterone decreases more

A range of symptoms can occur if testosterone production drastically drops

1. Low sex drive

2. Difficulty with erection

Nitric oxide is a molecule that helps trigger a series of chemical reactions

However, testosterone is only one of many factors that aid in adequate

In a review of studies that looked at the benefit of testosterone in men with

3. Low semen volume

6. Loss of muscle mass

7. Increased body fat

You might also like