Signs that you may have low testosterone (even if you are a woman)

Condition

Low testosterone, also known as male hypogonadism, testosterone deficiency syndrome, or simply low-T, is when testosterone levels are below a certain level.

Testosterone levels

These levels vary, depending on the country’s guidelines. The spectrum is quite wide, and what is considered "normal" levels is arguable. In the US, for instance, anything below 300 nanograms of testosterone per deciliter of blood is considered low.

What causes low testosterone levels?

Male hypogonadism can be primary (testes don’t produce enough testosterone) or secondary (the hypothalamus or pituitary gland doesn’t secrete the hormones to stimulate the testes to produce testosterone). Both cases can be caused by a wide variety of issues, from genetic problems to trauma and lifestyle.

Testosterone levels decrease with age

As men grow older, Leydig cells, which are responsible for producing testosterone in the testes, start losing sensitivity, decreasing in number, and some get damaged over time. This will lead to a natural decline in the hormone’s level.

Low libido

Low libido is one of the signs that testosterone levels might be a bit low. This not only applies to being intimate with a partner but interest in intimacy in general. Basically, not responding the same way you would to things that used to stimulate you.

Fewer erections

Having fewer erections or not being able to sustain one may be a sign of low-T. Males have erections in a variety of contexts, not only when they are stimulated, and a decrease in frequency is a warning sign.

Decreased ejaculate volume

On average, men ejaculate between 1.5 and 4.5 milliliters of semen each time. It should be taken into account that ejaculate volume varies, according to age and frequency of intimate activity, but a significant drop may be a sign that the prostate gland and seminal vesicles are not working properly. These are responsible for semen production, which is directly impacted by low testosterone levels.

Development of breasts

Male breasts can affect men at any age, but as they grow older, or when their testosterone levels drop for other reasons, they become more susceptible to it. Men can also suffer from pseudo-gynecomastia, which is an accumulation of fat in the area (which may also be linked to low-T levels).

Increase in body fat

But the vicious cycle goes even further. Men with high levels of body fat have low testosterone because their testosterone is converted into estrogen in fat cells. So, more fat, more estrogen. Estrogen, in turn, decreases the production of testosterone, which triggers even more weight gain.

Mood swings

Men with low-T can experience fatigue, lack of motivation, apathy, lack of focus, anxiety, and even depression. This is likely where the stereotype of "grumpy old man" comes from.

Fatigue

Together with weight gain, low testosterone levels also contribute to a decrease in muscle mass and bone density. In short, it makes men weaker and more frail. This usually happens over time, but can have a huge impact on quality of life.

Sleep problems

Sleep is of utmost importance for optimal testosterone production, and vice versa. Testosterone actually reaches its peak during the night. Interrupted sleep can be a side effect of the stress hormone cortisol, which is known to reduce blood testosterone levels.

Night sweats and/or hot flashes

Men who are subject to androgen replacement therapy for prostate cancer can experience similar hot flashes. Similarly, night sweats have also been linked to low-T levels.

It can affect children

Delayed puberty can also be a symptom. An affected boy may have underdeveloped organs, retain a high-pitched voice, and have poor muscle development for his age.

Testosterone also affects women

While most of us tend to associate testosterone with men, women also have testosterone in their bodies (in the same way males have estrogen). In fact, this is the main hormone responsible for libido in females, as well as playing a role in bone and ovary health.

How high testosterone levels affect women

Too much testosterone in women can indeed cause a number of issues, including acne, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and excessive hair growth.

How low testosterone levels affect women

Low-T in women can manifest through low libido, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, fertility problems, and also plays a role in the development of osteoporosis.

Treatment

While most women do not undergo treatment for low testosterone, male hypogonadism, due to its more severe symptoms, can sometimes be treated.