Low Testosterone, also known as Low T, is a condition that can affect men as they age. Because testosterone is critical for developing and maintaining several aspects of men’s health, it’s important to know how to identify symptoms. Today, our men’s health Flower Mound TX specialists (locations also in Bedford and Benbrook) will be sharing the top five signs that you may want to speak with your doctor about testing for Low T.
Causes of Low Testosterone
Before we dive into signs and symptoms, it’s helpful to first understand the causes of low testosterone. Although it is typical for testosterone levels to decrease as men age, there are also other factors that can play into hormone changes. Some of these include the following:
- Specific cancer treatments (ie: chemotherapy or radiation)
- Alcohol/drug abuse
- Genetic conditions
- Medication
- Testicular infection/injury
- Hormone disorder
Sign #1: Decreased Sex Drive
Interest in sex, also known as libido, is stimulated by the body’s production of testosterone. A decreased libido is therefore one of the most common signs of low testosterone. If you or a loved one is noticing a significant reduction in sex drive, it may be time to talk with your doctor about getting tested for Low T. Your Family Medical currently has Flower Mound doctors accepting new patients (locations also in Bedford and Benbrook) who can help.
Sign #2: Difficulty Getting an Erection
Like the first sign, testosterone also impacts a man’s ability to perform sexually. Low levels of testosterone may cause difficulty getting and/or maintaining an erection. Research shows that this is due to not only the over reduction of testosterone but also the remaining amount being dedicated to alternate biological functions.
Sign #3: Trouble with Concentration & Sleep
Sleep and concentration go hand in hand under normal circumstances. Unfortunately, this is also true in the case of Low T. Studies show that lower levels of testosterone can impact the quality of sleep a person has. It’s associated with increased interruptions and less time in the portion of sleep associated with focus and concentration. To help you combat that, men’s health Flower Mound TX specialists (locations also in Benbrook and Bedford) recommend trying one of the following techniques:
- Exercise regularly
- Limit late night eating and drinking
- Reduce overall alcohol and caffeine consumption
- Keep screens (tv, phones, tablets, etc.) out of your sleep environment
Sign #4: Depression
Another sign of Low Testosterone is depression. It may show up in several ways, including irritability, sadness, decreased memory, anxiety and inability to concentrate. As seen in this list, a lot of the signs of Low T contribute to one another. This is just one of the reasons it is essential for patients to see their doctor regularly; he or she will be able to help identify which health concerns are merely symptoms (versus the cause).
Sign #5: Weight Gain
Hormones play a significant role in creating balance within the body. Weight gain is one of the results of a lack of balance that testosterone helps facilitate. It also impacts the composition of a body, causing loss of bone and muscle mass. This makes the body less efficient, therefore more challenging to shed excess weight.
Men’s Health Flower Mound TX
Thankfully, Low T can be treated. Many men with Low Testosterone find great success in hormone therapy and other contemporary treatments. We’re here to help you explore those options and live your best life. At Your Family Medical, our core belief lies in that achieving optimal outcomes for our patients requires building a mutual partnership of trust, understanding and information, with our goal being to empower them with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve an optimal state of health and well-being. Contact us today to schedule your first visit!
