Testosterone is a very important hormone in your body. It helps men grow hair on their faces, build muscle, and deepens their voices when they become teenagers. Both men and women have testosterone in their bodies, but men have more of it. Optimal testosterone levels are essential because it affects many parts of your body and how you feel every day.
If you do not have enough testosterone, you might not feel like yourself. It can affect your health in ways that you might not notice right away. Here are some signs that might mean you have low testosterone levels, or low T:
1. Feeling Very Tired
If you always get enough sleep but still feel tired all the time, low testosterone could be the reason why. It is normal to feel a bit tired after a long day or a big workout. However, it is worth looking into whether you have a health issue like low T if you feel wiped out for no reason.
2. Changes in Your Muscles and Body Fat
Testosterone plays a big role in building muscle. If you notice you are getting weaker or your muscles are not as big as they used to be, it could be a sign of low T.
You might also see more fat building up around your belly, even if you have not changed your diet or exercise.
3. Mood Changes
Feeling moody, sad, or even depressed can sometimes be linked to low testosterone. If you find that you are not feeling like yourself or are more grumpy than usual, it could be due to low levels of this hormone.
4. Trouble Sleeping
Even though you feel exhausted, you might find it hard to fall or stay asleep. This is a common problem when your testosterone levels are low.
5. Less Interest in Sex
Testosterone can affect your sex drive, too. If you are less interested in sex than you used to be, it could be because of lower testosterone levels in your body.
6. Problems with Concentration and Memory
Having trouble focusing on tasks or remembering things can be frustrating. Low testosterone can be behind these problems, too.
7. Weak Bones
Testosterone helps keep your bones strong. If it gets too low, your bones could get weaker, which means they could break more easily.
Conditions Related to Testosterone Levels
Sometimes, low testosterone levels can be a sign of other health problems. Here are a few conditions that might be connected:
Hormone Imbalances
Your body makes many different hormones, not just testosterone. If one is out of balance, it can throw others off, too.
Problems with the Thyroid
The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that controls much of your metabolism—how your body uses energy.
If it is not working right, it could affect your testosterone levels.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a health condition that impacts the way the body utilizes glucose (sugar) for energy. Over time, it can also mess with your hormone levels, including testosterone.
Treatments for Low Testosterone Levels
If you find out you have low testosterone, there are things doctors can do to help. Treatment will be determined based on the underlying cause of the low testosterone.
Here are some common treatments:
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy means getting testosterone from an outside source to bring your levels up. You might get it as a gel, patch, injection, or even a pill.
Lifestyle Changes
Eating healthier, exercising, and sleeping well can help boost your testosterone levels. Sometimes, cutting down on stress and stopping smoking or drinking alcohol can help, too.
Medication
If another health problem is causing your low testosterone, treating that condition can help bring your levels back to normal.
When to Visit a Urologist for Low Testosterone Levels
A urologist is a doctor who specializes in the urinary tract and male reproductive organs. Here are some signs it is time to see one:
- If you experience being very tired, changes in your body, mood swings, trouble sleeping, less interest in sex, and concentration problems
- If you and your partner are trying to have a baby but are having trouble
- If you are worried about your overall health and think it might be related to your hormone levels
If you are facing any of these issues, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Talking to a urologist can be the first step to feeling better.
They can give you a check-up, ask about your symptoms, and conduct tests, if needed. Then, they can help you figure out the best way to fix the problem. Taking care of your health is vital, so do not wait to seek help if you are not feeling well.
Treatment for Low Testosterone Levels in Phoenix, AZ
If you are noticing signs of low testosterone levels, it is a good idea to talk to a doctor. They can check your testosterone levels with a simple blood test. If your levels are low, some treatments can help you feel better and protect your health. It is important to take action, so you can live a healthy and happy life.
Do you need personalized treatment for low testosterone? You can trust Ironwood Urology’s Dr. Desi Avila. He is a board-certified, fellowship-trained urologist who can help you get the treatment you need. Call us today at (480) 961-2323 if you have questions. You can also use our appointment request form to book a consultation.
Let us help you get the comprehensive care you need for low testosterone. We look forward to serving you!
