5 Signs You May Have a Testosterone Deficiency and What You Can Do About It

The male hormone testosterone regulates many functions in your body. It’s created in your testicles, and it affects male characteristics, including sex drive and muscle bulk.

Hormone levels naturally fluctuate throughout your life, and testosterone begins to decline around the age of 30. Most men continue to lose testosterone at a rate of 1% per year — but testosterone deficiency is a medical condition that can develop if hormone levels drop too low. 

Testosterone deficiency can cause symptoms from erectile dysfunction to weight gain. It can limit your ability to live life to its fullest, but treatment is available to minimize your symptoms and help you feel like yourself again.

Sudha Challa, MD, and our team at Lenox Medical Clinic specialize in hormone replacement therapy with BioTE® bioidentical hormone pellets to fight the effects of low testosterone in men of all ages.

Symptoms of low testosterone

Testosterone naturally declines as you get older, but some men experience negative symptoms related to testosterone deficiency. Some of the most common signs of testosterone deficiency include:

1. Low sex drive

It’s normal to experience a gradual decline in sex drive as you get older. But if you notice a sharp drop in your sex drive, or you find it difficult to get aroused, your symptoms could indicate testosterone deficiency.

Testosterone stimulates brain receptors when you’re aroused, and low testosterone can make you disinterested in sex. Low sex drive can lower your self=confidence and affect your relationship with your partner.

2. Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue for men, but it can be embarrassing to discuss at the doctor’s office. If you have ED, you struggle to achieve or maintain an erection that’s firm enough for sexual intercourse.

ED is a complex condition that often has physical and emotional factors. Many men with testosterone deficiency experience low sex drive combined with ED, which not only makes sex more difficult, but it also lowers self-esteem.

3. Fatigue

Testosterone influences your energy levels. If you have a testosterone deficiency, it can make you feel depleted and tired even if you’re getting enough sleep.

You might struggle to get out of bed in the morning or find the energy needed to work out or participate in your usual activities. If you’re generally healthy, but you’re dealing with chronic fatigue, testosterone deficiency could be to blame.

4. Loss of muscle mass

Testosterone helps your body build and maintain muscle. Lower testosterone levels could contribute to loss of muscle mass and increased body fat. If you have a testosterone deficiency, you might notice that muscle bulk decreases, but your strength may not be affected.

5. Mood swings

Hormonal imbalance, including testosterone deficiency, can affect your mood. You might find yourself feeling more irritable, experiencing mood swings, or even experiencing depression.

6. Mental focus

Focus at work or any task improves with the Testosterone hormone replacement therapy.

Balance testosterone levels with BioTE hormone therapy 

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to schedule an exam at Lenox Medical Center. Dr. Challa and our team diagnose low testosterone with a physical exam and comprehensive lab workup.

We may recommend BioTE hormone replacement therapy if we identify low testosterone levels. BioTE hormones are bioidentical, which means the hormones are chemically identical to those produced by your body.

BioTE pellets are placed under your skin, and they release a steady stream of hormones for up to six months. Hormone replacement therapy is a customizable program, so Dr. Challa works with you to select the right balance of hormones to best relieve your symptoms.

You don’t have to live with the symptoms of testosterone deficiency. Find out if BioTE hormone therapy is right for you. Contact us online or over the phone to schedule a consultation with Dr. Challa.