Testosterone has many functions. It helps regulate energy, muscle mass, mood, bone health, and sexual function in men. It’s true that testosterone levels naturally decline with age, but when they drop too low, it can affect how you feel day to day.
What’s more, symptoms often develop gradually (or overlap with other health conditions), and many men don’t realize that a hormone imbalance could be the underlying cause.
Think you may have low testosterone? Read on as our team of primary care providers shares five signs that you may suffer from a testosterone deficiency and how the Select Family Practice and Urgent Care team can help you feel like yourself again.
If you constantly feel drained (even after a full night’s sleep), it may be more than a busy schedule catching up with you. Low testosterone can contribute to chronic fatigue, reduced stamina, and a noticeable drop in motivation.
Testosterone supports sexual desire, arousal, and overall sexual function. When levels drop, though, many men notice a decrease in libido, reduced interest in sexual activity, and sometimes difficulty with sexual performance.
Low testosterone isn’t the only cause of low libido. Stress at work or even anxiety and depression can contribute to libido issues. That’s why we look at the whole picture.
Usually, when you hit the gym, your goal is to build muscle and lose excess weight, and testosterone helps with both. This hormone helps maintain lean muscle mass and supports a healthy metabolism.
When testosterone levels drop, though, some men begin to notice loss of muscle tone, increased body fat, especially around the abdomen, and more difficulty maintaining their usual fitness routine.
Interestingly, the relationship appears to work both ways. Research suggests that carrying excess body weight can lower testosterone levels, while losing excess weight may help improve testosterone levels in the blood.
Hormones don’t just affect the body. They also affect your brain.
Older men with higher levels of testosterone tend to have better memory, processing speed, and cognitive performance. Low testosterone is linked to irritability, low mood, difficulty concentrating, and decreased confidence.
One of the many causes of erectile dysfunction, low testosterone can lead to diminished sexual performance. Trouble achieving or maintaining an erection, especially when paired with other symptoms, may signal low testosterone levels.
The good news is that low testosterone is diagnosable and treatable. A blood test can determine whether your hormone levels are within a healthy range and help rule out other conditions that may cause your symptoms.
If your blood work shows a hormone imbalance, your Select Family Practice and Urgent Care provider may recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help restore healthy testosterone levels. HRT is available in pellets, pills, patches, creams, or gels.
As your testosterone levels return to optimal levels, you may notice improvements in energy, mood, libido, and overall well-being within the first few weeks. Achieving long-term hormonal balance may take several months.
If your blood work shows that low testosterone isn’t the culprit, our team reviews your symptoms, determines the root cause, and reviews the appropriate path forward.
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In many cases, a combination of lifestyle modifications (such as a healthy diet and exercise) and treatment (such as HRT) can help you get back on track.
If you have symptoms of low testosterone, schedule a consultation with Select Family Practice and Urgent Care to learn whether hormone replacement therapy is right for you. Call our Raleigh, North Carolina, office at 919-676-0202, or request an appointment online today.
