Testosterone is a hormone that greatly impacts your health and vitality. It influences many of your body’s most important functions, from mood regulation to muscle mass.
It’s normal for your testosterone levels to fluctuate over time and even from day to day — but when those levels dip too low, you might develop a range of symptoms that impact your daily life.
At Endocrine Associates of West Village, we specialize in hormonal health. We understand all the ways that low testosterone can limit your life, and we’re here to help. Here’s what you should know about some of the most common signs of low testosterone and how treatment can make a difference.
One of the biggest (and most noticeable) indicators of low testosterone is a decrease in your libido or sex drive. Testosterone plays a significant role in regulating sexual function for both men and women — and if you have low testosterone, your sex life might suffer.
Low testosterone is linked to reduced desire for sexual activity, difficulty achieving arousal, and even erectile dysfunction in men. While it’s true that factors like stress or relationship issues can also contribute to changes in libido, persistent low sex drive coupled with other symptoms may warrant a closer look at your testosterone levels.
Testosterone contributes to your energy levels and overall vitality. That means if you have low testosterone, you may experience persistent fatigue even if you get enough sleep at night.
Low testosterone can make you feel sluggish throughout the day and make it challenging to muster the energy to work out or perform routine tasks. This fatigue can impact all aspects of your life, from work productivity to social interactions.
Along with hindering your energy levels, low testosterone can contribute to a decline in muscle mass and strength. Testosterone helps your body maintain muscle mass and strength; without it, your strength and endurance can decrease.
This can make it harder to engage in physical activities or maintain a consistent exercise routine, particularly if you’re also experiencing fatigue. Without intervention, muscle loss can contribute to weakness, reduced mobility, and an increased risk of injury.
Since testosterone influences mood regulation, low levels can lead to changes in your emotional well-being. You may be more likely to experience mood swings, irritability, or feelings of depression.
These mood changes can impact your relationships, work performance, and overall mental health. Fortunately, recognizing the symptoms and addressing underlying hormonal imbalances can help stabilize your mood and improve your emotional resilience.
Last but not least, low testosterone is linked to lower bone density. Although it’s not as obvious as some other symptoms, low testosterone levels can contribute to a gradual loss of bone mass and increase your risk of conditions like osteoporosis and fractures. That means if you have low testosterone, you may be more prone to bone-related injuries, even with minimal trauma.
Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? Low testosterone could be to blame, and our team at Endocrine Associates of West Village is here to help. We offer comprehensive hormonal health evaluations to identify any imbalances and develop a treatment plan to help you achieve better health.
Depending on your circumstances, we may prescribe lifestyle adjustments, hormone therapy, or a combination of both. Lifestyle changes can include:
When lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to optimize testosterone levels, hormone therapy can provide effective relief. Therapy involves taking hormones or other medication to rebalance your body and improve your quality of life.
Low testosterone can have some severe impacts on your health and well-being, but taking a proactive approach puts you in control of your health again. Learn more about your treatment options with a consultation at Endocrine Associates of West Village. Call our offices in Brooklyn, Long Island City, and New York, New York, or request an appointment online now.
