Low Testosterone Symptoms: Mood, Weight, and Sex

Hormone therapy is a standard treatment strategy for combating prostate cancer, as it works by depriving the cancer cells of healthy free testosterone levels. One key sign that hormone therapy isn’t working is a continuous rise in PSA blood levels despite a very low blood testosterone level, specifically one that is less than 50 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). One factor is that the genetic makeup of prostate cancer cells can change over time, allowing them to produce more androgen receptors (binding sites for testosterone). Christopher Wolter, MD, is an assistant professor in urology at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. In the past, low T was typically treated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). The American College of Physicians updated its clinical practice guidelines in 2020 to counsel that TRT should only be prescribed to men for sexual dysfunction. Generally, total testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter) may indicate low T, but it’s nuanced.

While sedentary behavior, poor diet, and exposure to environmental toxins all decrease T levels over time, prevention is possible. As described above, diet, stress management, and several other nonmedical approaches may be effective in staving off low testosterone issues. Yes, TRT has been said to lower sperm count, especially if taken without precautions. That is one reason why some men are prescribed hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) alongside TRT to maintain testicular function and fertility potential. When there is infertility, specific fertility-sparing, testosterone-raising regimens are used, generally off-label, including clomiphene citrate or human chorionic gonadotropin HCG).

The primary aim of our study was to elucidate the relationship between serum testosterone levels and nephrolithiasis. Even so, there are telltale signs that warrant a visit to your healthcare provider. With a proper diagnosis, you can explore ways to raise your testosterone levels, including lifestyle changes and hormone replacement therapy. Bone health is critical for maintaining mobility and independence, especially as individuals age. The gradual loss of bone density may go unnoticed until a fracture occurs, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention. Regular bone density screenings, particularly for those at risk of low testosterone, can help identify potential issues before they become severe. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes such as increased calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercises, and medical interventions to restore hormonal balance and support bone health.

As a result, women with lower testosterone levels may deal with side effects similar to men, like loss of muscle mass or bone density and low sex drive. However, research hasn’t proven these side effects are directly related to low testosterone. These limitations hamper the ability to elucidate the exact role of testosterone in urinary stones. Therefore, we conducted this study to address some of these limitations and to investigate whether serum testosterone levels vary according to the presence of nephrolithiasis. Meanwhile, some studies have found associations between low testosterone levels and symptoms like reduced cognitive function, brain fog, decreased motivation, and mood changes, according to Bailey. “A decline in testosterone can impact libido and sexual performance, which may strain intimate relationships and reduce quality of life,” he says.

Research into how low T levels affect memory hasn’t come up with a definitive cause-and-effect relationship. But it’s clear that as men age and their T levels drop, their cognitive abilities decline, too. And anecdotally, many men express that they feel a mental fog lifting off of them when they start on TRT, says Calvert. “Recent studies have shown an all cause mortality increase in men with lower testosterone levels,” says family medicine doctor and Medical Director for Broad Health Jim Staheli, D.O. “Early mortality may not be entirely related to low testosterone levels, but may be caused by that which lowers a man’s testosterone level”—such as toxin exposure and obesity.

Another name for primary hypogonadism is hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. In this type, your pituitary gland produces more luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (known as gonadotropins) in response to low testosterone levels. The high levels of these hormones would normally tell your testicles to produce more testosterone and sperm. However, if you have damaged (most commonly related to prior chemotherapy) or missing testicles, they can’t respond to the increased levels of gonadotropins. As a result, your testicles make too little or no testosterone and sperm. In conclusion, our study revealed that in males, the prevalence of kidney stones was significantly greater when the serum testosterone concentration was less than 3.33 ng/ml.

Consulting a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation can help determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options, potentially restoring energy levels and improving overall well-being. Low testosterone can cause the tissues in your penis, scrotum, and testicles to atrophy, leading to a reduction in size. Your testicles may become softer and smaller, and your penis might lose both length and girth. While testosterone replacement therapy can help restore penile size, it won’t reverse testicular shrinkage.

For a clearer perspective, the red error bars provide a snapshot of the “normal” range of testosterone levels for each age group. For instance, men in the age bracket typically have testosterone levels ranging between 409 ng/dL and 558 ng/dL, with an average around 466 ng/dL. A telltale sign of low testosterone is persistent fatigue, despite adequate sleep and good nutrition. When testosterone levels drop, energy levels often follow, leading to reduced motivation and a general feeling of sluggishness. If you find yourself too tired for activities you once enjoyed, it may be due to low T. If you notice any symptoms of low testosterone that affect your health, mood, or sex life, see a healthcare provider.