Some people are more likely to have low testosterone than others. There are also certain medical conditions that increase the odds of having low testosterone that you may be unaware of that have an effect on your testosterone levels.
These include:
- Obesity
- Diabetes (Men age 45 and older with diabetes are twice as likely to have low testosterone.)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Asthma/Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- HIV
Signs and Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Because low testosterone signs and symptoms may not be clear and apparent, they may seem to be a normal part of aging or assumed to be caused by other health conditions. Signs and symptoms of low testosterone may include:
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Low sex drive (reduced desire to be intimate)
- Sexual dysfunction (weak erections, failure to get erections)
- Depressed mood
- Decreased sense of well-being
- Increased body fat
- Loss of muscle mass
- Decreased bone strength
These symptoms may be a sign of low testosterone or other health conditions and should not be ignored. Low testosterone can be diagnosed by a doctor with a simple blood test. It's important to keep your testosterone at a normal level for your age. The right treatment can bring your testosterone levels back to normal and keep them there. And once you get back the testosterone you've been missing, you may experience lasting symptom relief.