Testosterone is a hormone that plays key roles in various bodily functions. In men, it is the primary sex hormone, and it is crucial in the development of the prostate gland, testicles, and other male reproductive parts. It is also vital to the growth of body hair, development of bone and muscle mass, and prevention of osteoporosis. In women, it is necessary for brain function, development of muscle and bone strength and mass, and sex drive or libido.
What is considered a normal testosterone level?
Men naturally have more testosterone in the body than women.
The ideal testosterone level for men is between 240 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) to 950 ng/dL, and, for women, it is between 15 ng/dL and 70 ng/dL.
It is important to keep your testosterone levels within the normal range because having too low or too high T levels can open you up to various health problems that can affect not only your sexual health but also your physical and mental functions.
Why is having low testosterone levels dangerous?
If your testosterone levels are low, you become at risk of reduced sex drive or libido. In men, it can lead to difficulties getting and keeping an erection and disappointing experiences in the bedroom. It can trigger conflicts with your sex partner, and seriously hurt your self-confidence and self-worth. In women, it can bring about diminished physical abilities due to fatigue and muscle weakness, decrease in red blood cell production, and fertility issues.
What are the common side effects of low testosterone?
There are many warning signs that come about once your testosterone levels are lower than normal. The following are what you should watch out for:
In men:
- Decreased libido
The amount of testosterone in a man’s body can dictate the intensity of his libido or sexual desire. The more testosterone there is, the higher the sex drive is. However, as men age, their testosterone levels decrease. This is why men who are in their teens and 20s have been found to have higher libido than men who are 40 years and older.
- Erectile dysfunction
Testosterone is a key component in getting and keeping an erection. It stimulates the brain receptors to release more nitric oxide to make an erection happen. If you have enough testosterone in the body, achieving this should not be hard. However, if your T levels are low, expect to encounter some trouble with your penis during sex.
- Less semen volume
In order for your body to produce enough semen, there should be sufficient testosterone. Semen is important in sperm motility, and ejaculation, so having as much of it as possible is the key to good sexual health.
- Body hair loss or balding
The proper growth of facial hair, pubic hair, armpit hair, and head hair relies on the amount of the testosterone in your body. If you have lower than normal T, you are at risk of hair loss or balding.
- Muscle loss
One of the major functions of testosterone is to build strong muscles. So, it there is a shortage of testosterone in your system, you will not be able to grow and develop muscles that are healthy. Your muscles will waste away and lose mass, leaving you in danger of muscular disorders and other health complications.
- Low energy levels
To perform satisfactorily in bed, your energy levels should be high. But, with low testosterone, doing that will be difficult, as you will likely be feeling fatigued or exhausted after only a short period of time. Moreover, doing other day-to-day physical tasks and exercising will become hard, as you lose the motivation and strength to even do the smallest movement.
In women:
- Reduced sex drive
Just like men, women experience a decrease in their sex drive or libido if their testosterone levels are low. They will lose their interest in partaking in sexual activities and become less and less sexually active over time.
- Irregular periods
Having irregular menstrual periods can be caused by different factors, such as too much exercise, taking certain medications, not eating healthily, and being overweight or obese. It can also be because of hormonal imbalances in the body, such as a decrease in testosterone levels.
- Weight gain
Because of low testosterone levels, your body may not be able to distribute fat around your body more efficiently, causing you to gain weight. Once you pack on those excess pounds, your risk of heart attack, diabetes, stroke, and other health problems increases.
- Fertility issues
Hormones, such as testosterone, are vital to getting pregnant. If there is a decline, the odds of pregnancy are also reduced. One study found that testosterone, along with androgen, can help enhance follicle development and boost fertility.
What are the necessary steps to take if you have low testosterone?
Addressing your testosterone problem as early as possible is crucial.
First, you should go to your doctor for proper diagnosis. You will be asked to go through a blood test to find out what your testosterone level is.
Next, once you receive your official test result that says you indeed have low T, talk to your doctor about the best treatment solutions available for you. There are different testosterone treatment methods, and your doctor should be able to recommend something that can help you recover. In many cases, testosterone replacement therapy is prescribed. In others, applying testosterone gel on the shoulders or arms is suggested. Other common treatment methods for low T are getting a testosterone shot, wearing a patch, and taking testosterone pellets.
Lastly, start living a healthy lifestyle. Eliminating your bad habits and replacing them with healthy ones can make a big difference not only on your sexual functions but also your overall health and wellbeing. Prepare healthy and balanced meals everyday, and include testosterone-boosting foods to your diet, such as eggs, milk, tuna, beans, beef, shellfish, and oysters. Be more physically active, learn to manage your stress levels, and pay your doctor a visit regularly.
