Hormone Imbalance in Men: Four Symptoms That Testosterone Therapy Can Improve

Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone that plays a crucial role in male development.

Testosterone is responsible for the development and regulation of male physical characteristics – namely body hair and muscle mass. Testosterone also impacts men emotionally by influencing their sex drive and mood. Production of testosterone increases rapidly during puberty and typically begins to decrease after the age of 30. Although this decrease is natural, low testosterone, or “low T”, can have tremendously detrimental physical and emotional effects on men.

As a man ages, testosterone levels gradually decline 1-2 percent per year after the age of 30. Men can experience a range of symptoms if testosterone production drops below normal levels. Signs of low T are often subtle, but they can have a serious impact on a man’s health and vitality. Due to the fact that testosterone regulates bone density, fat distribution, muscle strength, hair production, red blood cell levels, sex drive, and much more, even a normal age related decline in the hormone could have a serious influence on a man’s health.

Fortunately, low T is easily treated through testosterone replacement therapy. This treatment will improve and even cure the negative symptoms associated with low T. The major categories of low T and symptoms of hormonal imbalance will be identified and described below in order for those suffering to recognize them and realize how treatment could improve their lives.

Testosterone and Sexual Function

Testosterone is the hormone most responsible for regulating sex drive in men. One of the most common concerns men have about declining testosterone levels is that their sexual desire and performance will be negatively affected. These concerns are not unfounded as men can experience numerous symptoms related to sexual function that are linked to low T. These symptoms range in severity, but can all have a negative influence on a man’s sex life and confidence. A decrease in sexual desire, erectile difficulty and the loss of spontaneous erections, reduced sperm count, and even infertility, are all symptoms of low T in men.

Due to the fact that many of these symptoms are caused by, or at least aggravated by low T, or another hormone imbalance in men, testosterone replacement therapy can reduce their effects. Testosterone stimulates sperm production and is one of the driving forces behind sexual desire. Although TRT will not necessarily cure erectile dysfunction (ED), increased levels of the hormone have been shown to improve the condition.

 

 

Testosterone and Physical Changes

Various physical changes can occur as a result of low T in men. Testosterone is an essential hormone in a man’s development, so much so that it is sometimes referred to as the “male hormone.” It helps increase muscle mass, promotes the growth of body and facial hair, and contributes heavily to what we recognize as masculine behaviors and psychical characteristics. Because of this, low T can contribute to numerous physical changes in men.

Although hair loss is often a natural symptom of aging in men, a hormonal imbalance in men of low T levels worsen the effects. The hormone plays a significant role in hair production. The loss of body and facial hair can be reduced with a correction of testosterone levels.   In addition to an overall reduction in muscle mass and strength, men with low T levels can also experience increases in body fat.   Osteoporosis, a chronic decrease in bone mass that is most often associated with women, can also impact men with low T. Testosterone helps regulate the production and strength of bones. Men with low T, especially as they age, become more susceptible to bone injuries. Correcting testosterone levels can prevent this issue from occurring.  

 

 

Emotional Changes from Low Testosterone

Testosterone is not limited to regulating physical processes; it is also an important hormone for emotional regulation. Low T can contribute to a decrease in motivation and even self-confidence. Depression has been linked to men with low T levels, although this could be caused by a combination of a number of other symptoms (decreased sex drive, fatigue, loss of sleep, and irritability).   Men with low T often report losses in concentration and memory, increased irritability, and general feelings of sadness. Testosterone levels and cognitive functions, such as memory, decline with age and therefore many researchers theorize that low T levels could play a role in memory loss.    

 

 

Reduced Energy and Sleep Disturbance from Low-T

Men with low T often report high levels of fatigue and feelings of lethargy. A common symptom of testosterone deficiency in men’s health is the sensation of constant tiredness. This can occur even when those men report getting adequate sleep. As mentioned previously, it is also common for men of all ages that are suffering from low T to find it difficult to motivate themselves, including in relation to exercise.   Low testosterone can also contribute to a decrease in hours of sleep in some men. Because low T can cause insomnia and other sleep disturbances, this worsens the sensation of tiredness and low motivation.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, a simple blood test can determine if low testosterone is the cause. Treatment is safe and can be effective for men with low T. A variety of treatment options can reduce and even eliminate the unwanted symptoms of low T. Most men feel improvement within four to six weeks of beginning treatment.

Unlike women, who experience rapid decreases in hormone levels following menopause, men experience a gradual decrease in testosterone levels over time. This problem worsens as men age and it often begins after the age of 30. Low T is nothing to be ashamed of and is easily identified and treated.  

Thrive Men’s Clinic is located in Tarzana, California, and we offer our specialized services to men throughout the greater San Fernando Valley, including Encino, Reseda, Woodland Hills, Canoga Park, and Calabasas. Our physicians offer professionally tailored therapy and are a convenient solution for men suffering from the symptoms of low T. Low T is an issue that impacts both young and old men, by addressing the issue early, the symptoms discussed above can be improved and even prevented.