Do you find our website to be helpful?
Yes   No
Skip to main content

How Low Testosterone Can Affect Your Health

How Low Testosterone Can Affect Your Health

Testosterone affects more than muscle growth and libido; it intricately influences an array of bodily functions, from cognition to bone density. 

So, when this potent hormone dwindles below normal levels, the male body and mind face significant changes.

Men’s health remains a somewhat under-discussed topic despite a surge in awareness campaigns and a growing interest in personal well-being. Dr. James Lee and our Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care team in Woodstock, Georgia, want to change that.

In that spirit, we’ve compiled this testosterone overview to shed light on the topic. If it spurs any questions or concerns, we’re here to help.

What is testosterone, and why does it matter?

Testosterone is a steroid hormone that is produced primarily by men's testes, although a small portion also comes from the adrenal glands. From adolescence through adulthood, testosterone participates in developing and maintaining muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, and fat distribution. 

Besides these functions, testosterone controls secondary sexual characteristics, like the deepening of the voice and the growth of body hair. It also impacts behavior, the regulation of mood, and the maintenance of healthy endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels.

Despite being frequently associated with “maleness,” testosterone plays varied roles in both men and women, and low levels pose health concerns.

Symptoms of low testosterone

Low testosterone (“low T) triggers various physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms, each interlinked yet distinct in their impact.

Physical symptoms

The physical spectrum of low T symptoms often emerges silently and insidiously. They include:

Physical symptoms alone don’t constitute a low T diagnosis, as these may also indicate other conditions. 

Emotional symptoms

Low T also has an emotional impact. Mood changes may include:

Again, these symptoms alone don’t necessarily mean you have low T, but it’s a good indicator that you should get tested. 

Behavioral symptoms

When low T affects your behavior, you might notice:

These symptoms warrant attention for their individual weight and the collective toll they may take on your overall health and well-being. 

Health consequences of low testosterone

The repercussions of chronically low levels of testosterone aren’t confined to moods and physicality; they can wreak havoc on your health.

Impact on physical health

In the physical realm, low testosterone can trigger:

Evidence suggests a positive correlation between high BMI and low T levels. With obesity rates climbing, this association should be on every man’s radar.

Impact on mental health

Most men overlook mental health in casual conversations about testosterone. Low testosterone and depression often go hand in hand in men, and addressing this underlying hormonal imbalance could help you deal with this mental disorder.

Long-term implications of low T

Research shows that low T can have some long-term consequences, namely a higher risk of developing cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

Low T diagnosis and treatment

Dr. Lee can diagnose low T with a blood test that measures your body's testosterone level. This might include measuring the total testosterone level or the bioavailable testosterone, which is the portion of testosterone not bound to proteins but can exert its effects.

Treatment strategies

Upon diagnosis, Dr. Lee may recommend bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. This approach boosts low testosterone levels through different delivery methods, including injections, gels, patches, and pellets.

Lifestyle changes 

The impact of low testosterone also warrants a reflection on your lifestyle. How you live profoundly influences your hormonal balance, and simple modifications can sometimes yield significant improvements.

For example, a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are cornerstones of maintaining optimal testosterone levels. 

Studies suggest that resistance training can significantly boost testosterone levels, while obesity and chronic stress levels have been consistently linked to lower testosterone concentrations.

Addressing other health concerns, such as sleep disturbances and alcohol consumption, can also contribute to maintaining normal testosterone levels. Adequate sleep and moderation in alcohol intake can protect your testosterone profile.

What to do if you suspect low T

Dr. Lee recommends regular medical checkups for all men, particularly after age 45, to detect hormonal imbalances early. 

Getting a testosterone blood test is simple. Call Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care or book an appointment online, and stop wondering about your hormones.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Why Does Menopause Cause Such Uncomfortable Symptoms?

Why Does Menopause Cause Such Uncomfortable Symptoms?

If menopause is a natural part of a woman’s life cycle, then why is it causing such unnatural symptoms? Great question, because understanding the biology behind menopausal effects is the first step toward finding relief. Here’s what you need to know.
Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Reversed?

Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Reversed?

If you have Type 2 diabetes, you’re longing for a cure. Until then, recent research shows you may be able to reverse it or go into remission. Here are the facts.

What Can I Expect During a Prostate Exam?

If the prospect of a prostate exam makes you nervous, you’re not alone. Most men avoid the test because the idea of a backside probe sounds uncomfortable and embarrassing. It’s easier than you think, and it helps to know the details before you go.
5 Tips for Controlling Seasonal Allergies

5 Tips for Controlling Seasonal Allergies

If you spend every spring and fall sniffling, sneezing, and rubbing your eyes, you might need more help controlling your seasonal allergies. Here are some tips to get you started.
Am I Too Young for Arthritis?

Am I Too Young for Arthritis?

Your creaky knees and stiff wrists might be giving you the unwelcome news that you have arthritis, even if you think you’re too young for the joint disease. Here are the telltale signs.

5 Early Signs of Hypothyroidism in Women

Your period is out of whack, and you just don’t feel like yourself. It’s hard to describe, and you aren’t even sure it’s anything to worry about. Could it be hypothyroidism? Here’s how to tell.