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What are the signs of low testosterone in men?

Updated

Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, can cause a range of symptoms in men that affect physical, sexual, emotional, and cognitive health. Physically, men may experience fatigue, reduced muscle mass, decreased bone density, increased body fat, and lower urinary tract symptoms. Sexually, low testosterone can lead to reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and fewer morning erections. Emotionally and cognitively, men might face depression, mood changes, and difficulties with concentration and memory. Other signs include loss of body hair, development of breast tissue (gynecomastia), and infertility. These symptoms can significantly impact a man's quality of life, so it is important to seek medical advice if these signs are present.

Further Reading:

  1. Culbert, K. M., Shope, M. M., Sisk, C. L., & Klump, K. L. (2020). Low testosterone is associated with dysregulated eating symptoms in young adult men. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 53(9), 1469–1479. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23320
  2. Machado, F. P., Rhoden, E. L., Pioner, S. R., Halmenschlager, G., de Souza, L. V. B., Lisot, B. C., & Drachler, I. P. (2021). Weight Loss Through Bariatric Surgery in Men Presents Beneficial Effects on Sexual Function, Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency, and Hormonal Profile. Sexual Medicine, 9(4), 100400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100400
  3. Kalra, S., Jacob, J., Unnikrishnan, A. G., Bantwal, G., Sahoo, A., Sahay, R., Jindal, S., Agrawal, M. S., Kapoor, N., Saboo, B., Tiwaskar, M., & Kochhar, K. (2023). Expert Opinion on the Diagnosis and Management of Male Hypogonadism in India. International Journal of Endocrinology, 2023, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/4408697
  4. Maggi, M., Rastrelli, G., & Corona, G. (2020). Both comorbidity burden and low testosterone can explain symptoms and signs of testosterone deficiency in men consulting for sexual dysfunction. Asian Journal of Andrology, 22(3), 265. https://doi.org/10.4103/aja.aja_61_19
  5. Grossmann, M. (2023). Towards optimising diagnosis and management of male hypogonadism: Commentary on CEN‐2023‐000285 “Standardising the biochemical confirmation of adult male hypogonadism; a joint position statement by the Society for Endocrinology and Association of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine.” Clinical Endocrinology (Oxford. Print), 99(4), 396–397. https://doi.org/10.1111/cen.14932
  6. Pencina, K. M., Travison, T. G., Cunningham, G. R., A Michael Lincoff, Nissen, S. E., Khera, M., Miller, M. G., Panagiotis Flevaris, Li, X., Wannemuehler, K., & Bhasin, S. (2023). Effect of Testosterone Replacement Therapy on Sexual Function and Hypogonadal Symptoms in Men with Hypogonadism. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 109(2), 569–580. https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgad484