As a matter of fact, low Testosterone can impact your whole body. Memory changes, fatigue, dry skin, low sexual drive and poor mood could all be signs of low testosterone levels.
Depression, weight gain, and difficulty with erection are some of the better-known symptoms of low testosterone, but did you know that low levels of the male hormone can have an impact also on your bones, blood, brain, muscles and body fat in a more subtle way?
Certain symptoms usually are clear and related, but others can be gradual and silent… but for a while! Here are some of those `subtle` warning signs of low testosterone:
- Difficulty Losing Weight
If you have trying to shed off some weight through dieting and exercising, and wondering why your excess weight sticks around, it might be because of your testosterone.
Men with low T may experience an increase in body fat. In particular, they sometimes develop gynecomastia (or enlarged breast tissue) while others complain of more added weight around the midsection. This is believed to occur due to a hormonal imbalance between testosterone and estrogen within men.
- Reduced muscle mass
Men with low testosterone often feel they are not as strong as they used to be. Some men might even present with the complaint of sensing a decline in their arm and leg muscles, and in their chest bulk even. Worse yet, low level of testosterone makes it extremely more difficult than usual to regain the strength and muscular size they have lost.
- Memory problems
Testosterone`s zone of influence extends surely beyond the physical effects; in men, it is believed that it impacts a considerable range of brain functions, including memory. In fact, one of the most noticeable effects of low testosterone in men is what so many men call; “brain fog”, or a sense of weakening of memory and decline in the ability to stay focused.
This does not mean that forgetfulness is a sure sign of abnormal levels of testosterone. Nevertheless, if you have been frequently complaining of a decline in your memory lately, it could be a signal that your testosterone level should be checked at the earliest.
- Lethargy
Testosterone is amongst the main male hormones responsible for making you feel motivated, alert and energetic. When a man`s testosterone level tends to drop, the sense of fatigue and lethargy hits like a fast-moving train. Many men, who used to be up and `at life` all day long, usually complain of being sidelined on the sofa for most of the day.
Low levels of testosterone have been linked to what doctors call; Chronic fatigue Syndrome in men. If you have been repeatedly complaining of being overly tired and lethargic, despite ruling a healthy routine of life, there might be a probability that low testosterone could be the culprit.
- Erectile dysfunction (weak erection)
Erection is triggered by the body`s release of a chemical called nitric oxide. But testosterone is believed to be the catalyst for this release. Accordingly, if there is not enough of it, well, nothing much happens down there. It becomes more difficult to attain or keep a satisfactory erection.
Please wait a second, since erectile dysfunction can happen because of various health-related causes, you should not rush to the conclusion that you are low on testosterone if you are complaining of weak erection. However, combined with any or all of the other warning signs, erectile dysfunction could be a clue of a testosterone-deficiency status.
So, it is genuinely advised to consider getting your testosterone level checked if you have been frequently complaining of any or all of the above symptoms lately and in a way that far exceeds the logical variations of normality. Checking your testosterone level is a very quick and simple procedure, and if it proves to be low, your trusted Urologist will offer you the appropriate treatment plan to put you back fast on the track towards health.
Written with affection,
Dr. Anis Haddad
Urologist & Men`s Health Expert
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