Testosterone is essentially a male hormone that regulates growth and reproductive functions in men. The production of this hormone increases during puberty and wanes once you reach the other side of thirty. Expect the level to dip slowly as it is a natural aspect of aging in men. However, you must not take a casual approach to the phenomenon because an early and significant decrease in testosterone can affect the quality of life in more than one way. Here are some reasons why men should keep track of their testosterone levels and worry if they seem to decrease more than the optimal level.
Low energy levels
Low testosterone causes fatigue, making it challenging to keep up with the pace of life. You may end up feeling drained in the middle of the day. A drop in energy levels is a dire concern as it can affect your productivity at work and ability to carry on with your daily routine. You may not want to stick with your regular workout routine, and it can lead to unprecedented weight gain. Low energy levels mean you have to deal with a lot, so it makes sense to address your hormonal fluctuations in the first place.
Changes in libido
Changes in libido are an integral part of aging, but you can expect a drop sooner if your testosterone levels take a hit. The last thing you want to encounter is loss of desire and erectile dysfunction, and both may happen due to low T. Younger men may suffer more because the condition may affect their fertility. A diagnosis is essential because the condition may stem from other health issues such as diabetes or heart disease. Whatever the reason for loss of libido, an early diagnosis, and timely treatment can help. Not to mention, it enables you to retain the intimacy in your relationship.
Mood swings
Hormonal imbalances often cause mood swings in women during periods, pregnancy, and menopause. Men may experience similar woes when their testosterone levels dip due to aging or any other reason. You may become a completely different person as the feelings of sadness or depression prevail. You may feel low on confidence, self-esteem, and motivation. The best way to address the issue is by opting for testosterone replacement therapy that is custom to match your needs and challenges. You can rely on therapies like yoga, meditation, exercise, and massage to relieve stress and keep your moods up.
Fuzzy thinking
The mental and emotional aspects of losing out on testosterone levels extend beyond mood swings. The hormonal imbalance can hurt your memory and mental focus as well. You may have trouble concentrating at work or when discussing something with your partner or family. Be warned when things seem amiss because these signs indicate that your T levels are extremely low. Do not overlook them as a natural aspect of aging, but get help sooner than later.
Loss of muscle mass and strength
If you are a fitness enthusiast, you have a good reason to worry about low T. Since this hormone supports muscle development, you may lose out on mass and strength when the levels dip. You may not see results despite investing time and effort in exercise. Besides losing out on muscular strength, you may end up gaining fat. Fragile bones, tenderness in breast tissues, and decreased body hair are some other implications of male hormone fluctuations. Your physical appearance is likely to be affected, so you must seek treatment sooner rather than later.
Sleep disruptions
Low testosterone can disrupt your sleep patterns and cause insomnia eventually. Restless nights can affect your days as you feel low on energy, lethargic, and unproductive. The situation can wreak havoc on your personal and professional life, besides opening the risk of a host of health issues. You can save your sleep and prevent related problems by addressing the hormonal issue. Further, cleaning your sleep-wake cycle can go a long way in resuming normalcy in life. Consider maintaining the same routine on the weekends and skip late nights for parties and festivities.
Men may not be as conscious about aging as women are. But age-related changes are not the only reason to worry. You must keep track of your testosterone levels because they may drop even when you are young. The implications of low T can be more daunting than you imagine, as it can affect your career, relationships, and social life. Take these signs seriously and consider a replacement therapy early to prevent things from getting worse.