Put the “T” Back in Valentine's Day!

It’s commonly known that Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles, affecting your appearance, sexual development, sperm production, and sex drive; but there are other combined symptoms that may indicate a shift in your testosterone production as well.

Men do not experience an instant drop in testosterone, but a steady decline over time. On average, losses are estimated to be about a 1 percent drop every year after the age of 30, according to the National Health Service. Ranging from subtle to disruptive, low-T symptoms can begin to affect your everyday lifestyle; the good news is, they’re treatable! Think you might need a boost?

Here are 7 less common signs you are suffering from testosterone deficiency.

1. Hot Flashes
A hot flash is a feeling of sudden and intense heat that is not triggered by your immediate surroundings, both appearing and disappearing abruptly. Hot flashes and sudden night sweats are more widely known to be common symptoms of menopause in women, but can also be an indication of hormonal changes triggered by low testosterone in men.

2. Hair Loss
Testosterone helps balance and regulate many processes including hair production. While balding is natural and may occur early due to genetics, men with low testosterone may also lose their facial and body in addition to balding.

3. Decreased Muscle Mass
The strength and function of the muscles themselves may not be affected by low testosterone however, testosterone is a muscle-building contributor. Healthy muscle mass helps to regulate blood sugar, lower the resting heart rate, regulate fat, and fight conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. A decrease in muscle mass can cause several and affect your ability to build muscle.

4. Extreme Fatigue
If you are getting adequate rest yet find yourself tired on a regular basis, or unmotivated to be active, your testosterone levels may be low.

5. Affected Memory
While low testosterone itself is not proven to cause memory loss, your memory function and mental clarity can be affected by low energy, mood, and other hormonal changes making males with low testosterone more susceptible to memory loss and dementia than males with mid-range testosterone levels.

6. Mood Changes
The combination of low testosterone symptoms such as lowered libido, fatigue, irritability, and hormonal changes can trigger mood swings over time.

7. Low Blood Count
Due to the role testosterone plays in the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin, Low testosterone levels have been linked to an increased risk for insulin resistance and anemia in males. According to JAMA’s 2017 study, administering testosterone gel to anemic men suffering from low testosterone saw improved blood counts in comparison to men receiving a placebo.

The fact is, low testosterone is a natural occurrence in life, but it doesn’t have to be a lasting one. Having low testosterone can increase your risk of other health conditions and intrude on your daily life. While males decrease in T-levels over time, other causes of low levels may include:

testicle injuries

AIDS

kidney disease

cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation

stress

autoimmune diseases

metabolic syndrome

obesity

use of certain medications

To learn more about your individualized options for testosterone treatments, call 817-241-0105 and schedule an appointment with us today!