Low testosterone symptoms can be related to hormonal changes, a sedentary lifestyle, medication, chronic diseases, and aging. Understand what may be causing the problem and what medical approaches can be considered in each situation.
Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction are among the most well-known symptoms of low testosterone.
This hormonal imbalance can be temporary and associated with changes in muscle mass and bone health, increased body fat, fatigue, and mood swings. When testosterone is persistently low and accompanied by compatible symptoms, it may indicate a condition of male hypogonadism.
Below, we present the criteria that define low testosterone levels and the therapeutic options that can be considered upon medical evaluation.
What is the importance of testosterone for men?
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone and is related to the development of male physical characteristics, sexual function, muscle and bone health, as well as influencing energy levels and mood.
When testosterone levels decrease, symptoms such as reduced libido, difficulty having or maintaining an erection, increased abdominal fat, muscle weakness, and mood swings may manifest.
Main symptoms of low testosterone
Testosterone deficiency can manifest through sexual, physical, and emotional symptoms. Here is a systematization of the most frequent clinical manifestations:
Sexual symptoms
- Erectile dysfunction;
- Decreased libido;
- Reduction in the frequency of spontaneous erections.
Physical symptoms
- Persistent fatigue;
- Significant loss of muscle mass;
- Decreased bone density;
- Increased abdominal fat.
Emotional symptoms
- Irritability;
- Difficulty concentrating and memory lapses;
- Lack of motivation and decreased self-esteem.
What causes low testosterone?
Low testosterone can have several causes, and identifying its origin is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment.
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How to increase low testosterone safely?
It is common to look for solutions to increase testosterone levels. However, treatment must always be guided by a doctor and depends on the cause of the hormonal reduction.
Faced with a clinically proven deficiency, the doctor may consider hormone replacement therapy. Additionally, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can favor hormonal balance.
1 – Balanced diet
Certain foods can contribute to the proper functioning of the body and the maintenance of hormonal health, especially those rich in important vitamins and minerals.
Among them, foods with vitamin A stand out, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and liver; vitamins C and E, present in fruits like strawberries and oranges, as well as in foods like almonds and spinach; and omega-3 fatty acids, found in flaxseeds and fatty fish, such as salmon and sardines.
Foods rich in zinc are also important, as this mineral participates in testosterone production. Good sources include oysters and pumpkin seeds.
2 – Physical exercise, especially strength training
Resistance training can be associated with favorable hormonal responses for metabolism and muscle recovery.
Aerobic exercise, such as walking, running, or cycling, helps reduce body fat and contributes to hormonal balance. This is relevant because excess fat can favor the conversion of testosterone into estrogen in the body.
3 – Regulated sleep
Adequate sleep is a fundamental factor for hormonal balance. Poorly slept nights can contribute to a reduction in the levels of this hormone and can compromise the quality of the sexual response by reducing the frequency of nocturnal erections.
4 – Stress reduction
Stress can be associated with a decrease in male libido, among other factors, by interfering with hormonal balance.
When cortisol is high, the body may reduce the production of hormones related to testosterone. Therefore, adopting habits that help control stress is important to preserve hormonal balance.
Hormone replacement with medical supervision
The treatment for low testosterone aims to restore adequate hormonal levels and improve symptoms. To be effective, it must always be individualized, with proper medical evaluation to define the best approach in each case.
Testosterone replacement therapy is an option for patients with clinically confirmed deficiency. However, not all cases of low levels require this intervention, especially when a reversible underlying cause that can be treated is identified.
Forms of administration may include:
- Gel: daily application, more practical in some cases;
- Injectable: weekly or quarterly administration, with fewer applications;
- Implant: continuous release formulation, which can be considered in specific patients upon clinical evaluation.
The choice of administration route depends on the patient’s clinical profile, adherence to treatment, tolerance, and the objectives defined during the consultation.
Is using anabolic steroids a safe practice?
No. The use of anabolic steroids without medical indication is not safe and can cause heart, kidney, and blood problems, in addition to compromising fertility.
Necessary exams for a correct diagnosis
Exams should be requested by a doctor, who may order blood tests to measure testosterone levels. The exams that can be requested include:
- Total testosterone: evaluates the total amount available and the body’s capacity to store and transport the hormone;
- Free testosterone: evaluates the amount of testosterone actually available to perform its functions;
- SHBG: measures how much testosterone is bound to the SHBG protein and the biologically active fraction;
- PSA: is not used to diagnose testosterone deficiency, but helps evaluate prostate health. In men with hypogonadism, prostate activity may decrease;
- Complete blood count (CBC): testosterone participates in the production of red blood cells, so low levels may be associated with a reduction in these cells;
- Lipid profile: evaluates LDL cholesterol and other lipids in the blood; changes in this exam may be related to problems in testosterone production.
How to know if testosterone is low?
The interpretation of laboratory tests must always be performed by a doctor. The clinician will evaluate whether the results fall within the reference ranges established for the patient’s age group.
Reference values can vary throughout the aging process. The proper interpretation of these results requires evaluation by a medical specialist, such as a urologist.
Dangers of trying to increase testosterone without medical guidance
There is widespread dissemination of online content on how to increase low testosterone, including products without proven scientific evidence and anabolic steroids.
Using these methods without medical guidance can be dangerous, potentially damaging the liver, increasing cardiovascular risk, and affecting male fertility.
When to seek a urologist?
It is important not to devalue signs such as decreased libido, difficulty having or maintaining an erection, persistent fatigue, loss of muscle mass, or mood swings. In some cases, they may be related to low testosterone and warrant medical evaluation.
This medical evaluation is fundamental, as it allows clarifying the etiology of the symptoms, confirming the diagnosis, and defining an individualized therapeutic plan.
Seek help in a timely manner and schedule your consultation with a urologist to recover your sexual health and quality of life.
