Testosterone is a hormone found in both men and women, but it is particularly important for men. Among other functions, testosterone helps you build muscle, maintains your weight and sex drive, and it is strongly linked to your mental health. Low testosterone levels can cause a variety of problems in men, and in today’s post, we’ll review three symptoms of low testosterone that you should never ignore. If you’re concerned about your testosterone levels, contact an associate at Men’s Vitality Center in Tucson! We offer low testosterone replacement therapy and other men’s health services. We accept walk-ins and appointments, so don’t wait to restore your health!
Sexual Dysfunction
The expression ‘sexual dysfunction’ is broad and denotes several different conditions. This term most often refers to a man’s libido, or sex drive. Men with low testosterone often find that they have a diminished interest in sex, and this can be troubling for both them and their partners. Men whose sex drives remain healthy despite their low testosterone levels may find that they have a difficult time sustaining an erection for an extended period of time. If you experience either of these forms of sexual dysfunction, testosterone replacement therapy may be able to help you combat these symptoms.
Weight Gain
As we noted in a previous blog about the health effects of obesity, obesity and low testosterone levels are strongly and circularly linked. Carrying extra weight, particularly around the midsection, causes the body’s testosterone levels to drop. Muscle mass tends to decrease when testosterone levels are low, and this can make it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Low testosterone levels thus create a vicious cycle which can be difficult to break out of on your own. There are plenty of reasons why you could be gaining weight, but if you notice that your weight has been steadily increasing despite a healthy diet and exercise regimen, you should consider if your testosterone levels might be part of the problem.
Mood Changes
Cognitive changes are one of the most noticeable and common symptoms of low testosterone levels in men. Men with low testosterone levels often find it difficult to concentrate for extended periods of time, and many men report feeling foggy and “out of it” when they wake up in the mornings. Depression and anxiety are also common symptoms of low testosterone levels, and these conditions should be addressed as soon as they are noticed. Men with low testosterone levels are roughly four times more likely than men with normal levels of testosterone to develop symptoms of depression. While depression and anxiety can be caused by other conditions, if you find that you are suddenly feeling more depressed and anxious than usual, your testosterone levels may be to blame.
If you have experienced any of these symptoms singularly or in conjunction, it’s important that you bring them to the attention of a health professional, even if your symptoms are not caused by low testosterone levels. Men’s Vitality Center in Tucson offers low testosterone treatments that will help you restore your health and well-being. Contact our Tucson office today to schedule an appointment!
