6 Strange Warning Signs of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone can cause a variety of less obvious effects on your bones, heart, brain, and body fat in addition to the more well-known symptoms of depression, exhaustion, and decreased libido.

You need a blood test to confirm low levels to receive a diagnosis of low testosterone. While some symptoms are more overt, others could be gradual and undetectable. These are a few less well-known indicators of low testosterone.

Reduction in Bone Mass

Lower testosterone can cause decreased bone mineral density, but you won't notice your bones are getting thinner until they break.

Supplements could have the opposite result. Men with low testosterone who were 60 years of age and older received supplementary testosterone for a year. The men's bone mineral density had improved by the study's conclusion. The study demonstrated a nice increase in bone mineral density in the lumbar spine and hip in older males treated with testosterone.

It is unclear how reduced testosterone affects bone mineral density, but it likely includes a complicated interplay between testosterone, estrogen, and bone health.

Stroke/heart Attack

We are aware of what occurs when a man is deficient in testosterone. They are more likely to suffer cardiac events, strokes, and heart attacks. Although there is much discussion regarding the safety of testosterone replacement, this is not the case when it comes to the effects of low testosterone.

Numbness or Pain in the Nerves

Recent research has shown that testosterone and its derivatives, including DHT, can repair damage to nerves in the peripheral nervous system, which is not a component of the brain or spinal cord. Diabetes, chemotherapy, physical injury, and chronic nerve pain are all possible causes of this damage. There is evidence that testosterone can lessen nerve damage. Researchers concluded that testosterone or its metabolites might help treat neuropathy to reduce tingling and pain.

Ask your doctor whether you have low testosterone if you have a condition like diabetes. Notice whether your nerve pain and numbness are getting worse.

Problems with the Skin

Low testosterone can cause the skin to become dry and psoriasis sufferers' symptoms to worsen. Chronic skin disorders may become worse as a result of low testosterone. When scientists compared males with psoriasis to those without the illness, they discovered high testosterone levels in the latter group.

Trouble in Reducing Weight

Testosterone levels are typically lower in overweight men. If you've been eating and exercising but are still carrying extra weight, testosterone is the culprit.

When researchers followed up on obese males, they discovered that taking testosterone supplements often resulted in a 47-pound weight loss. The study found that testosterone supplementation also reduced blood sugar levels, enhanced blood pressure, and produced healthier blood lipids.

Cognitive and Memory Ability Changes

The level of testosterone in a guy may decrease along with his memory and cognitive function.

The impact of testosterone on the capacity to perform visual motor tasks is another alteration associated with its potential impact on cognition. According to a study, men who receive androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer perform worse than their peers on tests of visual motor abilities.

What are how low Testosterone is Diagnosed?

If you display the obvious signs and symptoms of low testosterone, a doctor will do a medical check. Queries concerning your past use of drugs, smoking history, present symptoms, and medical history will also be made. A blood test could be requested.

A physician will think about your particular symptoms, indicators, and the findings of any blood tests before making a diagnosis.

What Tests are done to Diagnose low Testosterone?

The tests listed below can be used to confirm low testosterone and identify its source.

• Total testosterone level blood test − Two samples must typically be drawn between 8 and 10 in the morning when testosterone levels should be at their highest. Telling your provider if you're ill or have recently been ill is crucial. An abrupt sickness could result in a falsely low result.

• Blood test for luteinizing hormone (LH) − This test can assist identify whether your pituitary gland is the source of your low testosterone.

• Blood test for prolactin − Elevated prolactin levels may indicate tumors or problems with the pituitary gland.

What are the Treatment Methods for low Testosterone?

TRT (Testosterone replacement therapy) is used by medical professionals to treat male hypogonadism or low testosterone. There are numerous variations of testosterone replacement treatment, including −

• Testosterone skin gels − Follow the instructions and apply the gel to clean, dry skin every day. You must avoid making skin-to-skin contact with anyone else to prevent spreading the gel.

• Intramuscular testosterone injections − Every one to two weeks, a doctor can inject medication into a muscle. Long-acting testosterone injections can be given by providers for 10 weeks. Moreover, subcutaneous injections are an alternative.

• Testosterone patches − You place these on your skin as instructed each day. To prevent skin responses, you typically need to rotate their placement.

• Testosterone pellets − Every three to six months, a doctor will implant these pellets under your skin. The pellets deliver steady testosterone dosages over an extended period.

• Buccal testosterone tablets − These gummy pills are applied twice daily to the gums. Your gums allow testosterone to quickly enter your bloodstream.

• Testosterone nasal gel − A testosterone nasal gel is used three times each day, one drop into each nostril.

• Oral testosterone − For those with low testosterone brought on by particular medical problems like Klinefelter syndrome or tumors that have harmed their pituitary gland, an undecanoate is a tablet form of the hormone.

Testosterone replacement therapy cannot be utilized on individuals if they have a history of the following ailments −

• Breast cancer

• Prostate cancer

• Lump in the prostate

• Heart failure

• Obstructive sleep apnea

How can one Prevent low Testosterone?

Medical professionals and researchers are unsure of how to stop low testosterone caused by hereditary disorders or harm to your testicles, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland.

Following a healthy lifestyle can help maintain normal testosterone levels −

• Consuming a balanced diet.

• Exercise.

• Weight control.

• Avoiding using alcohol and drugs excessively.

Conclusion

The numerous ways that low testosterone can influence your health are investigated now. Request a testosterone blood test if you are unsure whether your symptoms and low testosterone may be related. Only then can a diagnosis be made.