Testosterone is one of the most important hormones for men.
Testosterone levels help regulate everything from sex drive and mood to the rate of muscle recovery after exercise.
When levels become low, it can negatively impact a man’s health and mental well-being.
Take a look at these symptoms of low testosterone and if required consult with a doctor to learn about possible low testosterone treatment options that are available to you.
1. Decreased Libido
Sexual desire is tied directly to testosterone levels. A study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism determined that libido and testosterone were “strongly” related, low levels generally meant low sex drive[1].
The study did call for additional research, as some individuals did not report lower sex drives with low testosterone levels. Regardless, decreased libido is a recognized symptom that signals testosterone levels might be falling.
2. Depression
Testosterone helps regulate the mental state of men. Some studies indicate that low testosterone caused by age is a primary contributor to depression in older men[2].
Additional studies have investigated the link between testosterone and mood, particularly the argument that higher levels of testosterone have a positive effect[3]. Most research recommends hormone therapy for older men experiencing the mood fluctuations associated with low testosterone levels.