Low Testosterone (Low T) Symptoms
As men age and enter Andropause, symptoms of low testosterone (Low-T) may begin during the early thirties or forties, and most often by 50 years old. Ranges of symptoms and the degree of severity will vary for each man per their natural body chemistry, overall health, and use of various medications.
Take a moment to learn about and better understand common low testosterone symptoms. Once you've reviewed, we invite you to take the next steps to live, look, and feel your best.
Low T Symptoms We Treat
Andropause itself requires no medical treatment. Instead, treatments focus on relieving your signs and symptoms and on preventing or lessening chronic conditions that may occur with aging.
Depression & Mood
Mild to moderate depression can be attributed to low testosterone levels which directly affects serotonin production. Other hormonal imbalances with estrogen and thyroid can further increase symptoms. Many men feel significant improvement with Low-T related depression in the weeks following hormone restoration to healthy levels.
Erectile Dysfunction
More than 30 million U.S. men are affected by E.D. As men enter andropause, low testosterone coupled with elevated levels of estrogen and thyroid can increase the severity of erectile dysfunction. Once hormone levels are balanced, many men report improved sexual function without the need for additional medications.
Hair Loss
Testosterone and thyroid deficiencies are responsible for hair loss in many men. Maintaining Balanced hormone levels are key for maintaining healthy hair. Additional adrenal fatigue and imbalanced cortisol production furthers symptoms. Hair loss due to low-thyroid may be stopped and some men have even experienced regrowth.
Insomnia
Low testosterone affects your serotonin and melatonin levels causing a diminished ability for your brain to regulate sleep cycles and to achieve “deep sleep”. Some men also experience night sweats. Adrenal fatigue and disruptions in growth hormone production during disruptive sleep increases the severity of both insomnia and daytime sleepiness.
Memory Loss
Many men experience mild memory loss and poor concentration at the onset of andropause. Testosterone and thyroid deficiencies coupled with stress and excess cortisol are primarily responsible. Balancing your hormones generally will reverse memory loss and may help in preventing future conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Osteoporosis
In some andropausal men, low levels of testosterone and stress-induced excess cortisol (diminishes vitamin D and calcium levels) cause reductions in bone density and increases bone atrophy. Left untreated, hormonal imbalances may contribute to spinal issues and other poor bone density symptoms such as a reduction in height.
Sleep Apnea
Late-onset central or mixed sleep apnea is common in men with low testosterone who experience added stress or weight gain. Sleep apnea and reductions in oxygen intake while sleeping places dangerous stress on your heart and may lead to added insomnia. Balanced hormones coupled with a healthy lifestyle help prevent sleep apnea.
Diminished Sex Drive
Low libido is commonly reported in men during andropause. Low testosterone may cause a reduction in historical sex-drive. Elevated estrogen levels further affects libido especially when symptoms of erectile dysfunction and depression are present. Balanced hormones are key in maintaining an ideal libido and healthy sex life.
Fatigue
Fatigue during andropause is related to hormone imbalance induced stress, depression, insomnia, and metabolism changes. Added stress increases cortisol secretion which over time leads to adrenal gland fatigue and ultimately inadequate cortisol production. This reduction in cortisol can cause feelings of exhaustion and increase overall fatigue.
Hot Flashes
Low testosterone and stress-produced excess cortisol may affect the hypothalamus - which regulates body temperature. Some men may experience hot flashes of varying duration. Symptoms include burning sensations and cold sweats, or “night sweats” during sleep hours. Hot flashes usually subside soon after optimizing hormone levels.
Irritability
Chronic irritability in andropausal men is often caused by Low-T and imbalances in other hormones such as estrogen, thyroid, cortisol, and DHEA. Insomnia and adrenal fatigue also contribute to increased irritability. Most men report a significant to complete irritability reduction in the weeks following hormone optimization.
Muscle Loss
Loss of strength, muscle mass, or difficulty building new muscle may be a sign of Low-T. Testosterone replacement in andropausal men assists protein synthesis (converting protein into muscle). Wholesome diet, exercise, and balanced hormones has been shown to prevent muscle loss while aiding overall joint and skeletal health.
Prostate Conditions
Prostate issues are the leading source of health complications in aging men behind heart disease. Hormone imbalances that result in excess estrogen increase the risk of prostate cancer. As men age, testosterone may break down into estrogen faster and create excess estrogen, especially if healthy weight and hormone levels are not maintained.
Weight Gain
Hormone imbalances affect your metabolism and ability to efficiently burn calories. Healthy levels of testosterone and thyroid are critical in preventing andropausal weight gain - as is limiting excess estrogen. Stress and adrenal fatigue may cause elevated or deficient cortisol levels, both of which increase fat production.
Andropause Symptoms by Age
Men experience symptoms of varying severity throughout andropause. By age 50, approximately 100% of men report moderate to severe symptoms of low testosterone.
0
Age 35+
0
Age 40+
0
Age 45+
0
Age 50+
* Percentage of men by age experiencing symptoms of Andropause
The ADAM Questionnaire
01
Have you had a decrease in libido (sex drive)?
2
Have you had a lack of energy?
3
Have you had a decrease in strength and/or endurance?
4
Have you lost height?
5
Have you noticed a decreased "enjoyment of life"?
6
Are you sad and/or grumpy?
7
Are your erections less strong?
8
Has there been a recent deterioration in ability to play sports?
9
Are you falling asleep after dinner?
10
Has there been a recent deterioration in work performance?
ADAM (Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male) questionnaire: If you have answered yes to question 1 or 7 or any 3 other questions above, you may have low testosterone (Low-T). However, only a physician administered medical examination and blood test can determine if the symptoms you are experiencing may be due to low testosterone.
Take the Next Step
Men's Wellness Program
Learn about our testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) program, pricing, and what to expect. Ready for a consultation with Dr. Krup now? Proceed to our new patient questionnaire to get started.
