Men and Testosterone
Testosterone plays a big role in every man’s life. It can determine things like changes in physical appearance and can even impact memory and mood.
Every man produces testosterone throughout their lives, but as they get older the amount they produce begins to decrease. This is a natural process for which some men will not feel any effects. However, if a man’s testosterone decreases more than it’s supposed to, adverse effects will become apparent.
If you’re a male and have any of the symptoms below, you may be suffering from low testosterone and in need of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
Affected Memory
We all struggle with our memory a bit more as we age, but memory loss can actually be due to hormone changes in our bodies. In fact, some studies have suggested that a major symptom of males suffering from low testosterone is mild memory loss.
If you think that you’ve been having trouble remembering things lately, it could just be a sign of age. However, it doesn’t hurt to talk to your doctor, and ask about HRT, particularly if you’re experiencing other symptoms on this list.
Mood Changes
Most do not realize, but a low testosterone level can have an impact on your mood. If you find that you’re going through sudden mood swings, or if you find yourself suffering from depression or irritability, then low testosterone could be the cause.
Loss of Sex Drive
Men with low testosterone could notice a loss in their sex drive. Many men experience a drop in their libido as they age, but a low testosterone level will make this drop even more significant. A low testosterone level can even cause men to have trouble getting an erection, which only complicates the matter further.
Increased Body Fat
Some men experience an increase in body fat when they have low testosterone. In some cases, they may even develop a condition in which they have enlarged breast tissue, which is believed to be caused by an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen. If you’re maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly, but still gaining body fat, you should consult with a doctor.
Fatigue
There are many things that could cause fatigue. It could be from a poor diet, lack of sleep, or depression. If you’re feeling fatigued all the time, you should talk to your doctor. They will be able to rule out other possibilities and let you know if the issue could be low testosterone, while suggesting appropriate treatments, including hormone replacement therapy.
Hair Loss
Testosterone can even play a role in hair production. If you are a male with a low testosterone level, one of the symptoms that you may not notice right away is body or facial hair loss. Balding is an inherited trait and might not be the result of low testosterone, but if you are losing body hair or facial hair, you may want to get checked out.
What You Can Do
If you’re experiencing any or some of these symptoms, you should talk to a doctor and get a thorough examination. If these symptoms prove to be low testosterone, as is the case with many aging males, doctors can recommend an HRT treatment. HRT – or Hormone Replacement Therapy – is a treatment that aims to replace some of the testosterone your body is missing. This can be done through injections, testosterone patches, or even a topical gel. Your doctor will discuss your options with you and help you come up with a plan that suits your needs.