Testosterone is the primary hormone linked to male characteristics in the human body. Your testosterone level naturally declines as you get older, and it starts slowing early in adulthood -- around age 30. But if your testosterone levels get too low, you could start experiencing a range of unpleasant side effects.
Having a testosterone deficiency isn’t life-threatening, but it can significantly impact your quality of life. From low sex drive and erectile dysfunction (ED) to fatigue and weight gain, the effect of low testosterone can be far-reaching.
Eric Seaman, MD, and our team believe you shouldn’t have to live with the symptoms of low testosterone or the negative effect it can have on your self-esteem. Dr. Seaman specializes in hormone replacement therapy for men to restore balance within your body.
Are your symptoms a sign of low testosterone? Find out now.
Possibly the best-known symptom of low testosterone is a dip in your sex drive. It’s natural for your libido to decline as you get older, but a sudden disinterest in sex could mean you have a testosterone deficiency.
Testosterone stimulates receptors in your brain during sexual arousal, and it’s a crucial hormone when it comes to sex drive. Men with low testosterone may find they’re less interested in sex or they have trouble getting aroused. Low testosterone can also decrease semen volume, cause infertility, and make testicles appear smaller.
ED is a common but embarrassing condition that’s often linked to testosterone deficiency. ED is complex, and it’s influenced by many factors, such as happiness in your current relationship. However, testosterone plays a crucial role in sexual performance, from arousal to ejaculation.
Low testosterone may contribute to ED because it affects your ability to achieve and maintain an erection that’s strong enough for sexual intercourse. ED and low sex drive often occur together, and both can affect your self-confidence in the bedroom.
Testosterone is essential in regulating sex drive and sexual performance, but it doesn’t stop there. Low testosterone can trigger changes in your body composition, including weight gain and loss of muscle mass.
You might lose muscle mass and bone mass, even if you maintain an exercise routine. Excessive breast tissue may develop, a condition called gynecomastia. Men with low testosterone sometimes notice less growth of their facial hair or body hair.
Along with male characteristics like sex drive and muscle bulk, testosterone controls energy levels. Testosterone deficiency can cause chronic fatigue, making it difficult to get out of bed in the morning or stick to your workout routine. If you’re constantly tired, even if you’re getting enough sleep, it could be linked to low testosterone.
Feel like your old self again with the help of hormone therapy. To find out if your symptoms indicate low testosterone and get a treatment plan that’s right for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Seaman. Call our office in Millburn, New Jersey, at 973-259-6695, or book your appointment online.
