The testicles create the hormone testosterone in males.
Testosterone influences your physical appearance and sexual development, boosts sperm production and sex drive, and aids in the growth of muscle and bone mass.
Testosterone production peaks in a man’s early adulthood and gradually declines each year following that.
According to the American Urological Association, approximately 40% of men aged 45 and over have low testosterone levels.
In this article, we will look at what testosterone level is, its normal ranges, low testosterone symptoms and causes.
Table of Contents
What is Testosterone Level?
The main male sex hormone is testosterone, but females have tiny amounts of it as well.
It is a steroid hormone produced in the testicles of men and the ovaries of women.
Small amounts are also produced by the adrenal glands.
According to the top reviewed urologist in Lahore, Dr. Muhammad Raheem Sajjad, “Testosterone is one of the key drivers of physical changes in boys during puberty, such as greater muscle mass, a deeper voice, and hair development. However, maintaining adequate levels is critical throughout maturity and into old age.”
Healthy levels are critical for adults’ overall health, disease risk, body composition, sexual function, and pretty much everything else.
Increasing your testosterone levels can also result in rapid gains in muscular mass and vitality in just a few weeks.
What are the Normal Testosterone Levels?
The normal range for testosterone levels is 300-1,000 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter of blood).
However, a number of factors can influence a man’s testosterone levels, including his weight, the time of day blood samples are examined, and even the facility that performs the testing. Another important element is your age.
The table below shows normal testosterone levels in men by age:
| Total Testosterone Levels in Males by Age | |
| Up to 9 Years of Age | 7-20 ng/dl |
| 10-11 Years | 7-130 ng/dl |
| 12-13 Years | 7-800 ng/dl |
| 14 Years | 7-1,200 ng/dl |
| 15-16 Years | 100-1,200 ng/dl |
| 17-18 Years | 300-1,200 ng/dl |
| 19 and Above | 240-950 ng/dl |
Low testosterone is when testosterone levels fall below 300 ng/dL.
Low Testosterone Symptoms: What to Look for?
There’s more to low testosterone than a sluggish sex drive.
Sure, it’s one of the more frustrating low testosterone symptoms. But it’s not the only reason you might be looking to boost your testosterone levels. Here are some of the low testosterone symptoms that you can experience:
1. Low Sex Drive
Testosterone is important for sexual drive, often known as libido.
Some people may suffer a decrease in sex drive as they age, but those with low testosterone are more likely to have a significant decrease.
2. Difficulty in Achieving an Erection
Testosterone assists in the formation and maintenance of an erection.
It instructs brain receptors to release nitric oxide, a substance that aids in the initiation of a sequence of chemical events that lead to an erection.
You may have trouble achieving an erection before intercourse or having spontaneous erections, such as during sleep, if your testosterone levels are too low.
3. Hot Flashes
Hot flashes may serve as an indication of low testosterone levels. This can seem like an unexpected burst of warmth.
Heavy sweating, skin reddening, and nocturnal sweats are all possible side effects.
4. Hair Loss
Testosterone is involved in a variety of bodily functions, including hair growth.
For many guys, balding is a natural part of getting older, and while it can be inherited, those with low testosterone may also lose body and facial hair.
5. Fatigue
Males with low testosterone may experience acute exhaustion and a lack of vitality.
If you’re often fatigued despite getting plenty of sleep or find it difficult to get inspired to exercise, you may have low testosterone.
6. Decreased Muscle Mass
Because testosterone helps create muscle, men with low testosterone may see a decrease in muscular mass. Studies show that testosterone influences muscular mass but not necessarily strength or function.
7. Increased Body Fat
Males with low testosterone may gain weight or develop gynecomastia, an enlargement of the breast tissue.
When the body’s testosterone and estrogen levels are out of balance, gynecomastia can develop.
8. Decreased Bone Mass
Osteoporosis is a disorder that many people identify with women, but it can also affect men who have low testosterone levels.
Because testosterone aids in the production and strengthening of bone, men with low testosterone, particularly older men, may have lesser bone volume and be more prone to fractures.
9. Mood Changes
Low testosterone in males can cause mood swings. Since testosterone affects so many physical processes in the body, it can also affect mood and mental function.
10. Memory Issues
With age, testosterone levels as well as cognitive skills, particularly memory, both decline.
As a result, experts believe that decreased testosterone levels may play a role in memory loss.
11. Smaller Penis and Testicles
Testosterone is required for the development of the penis and testicles, low testosterone levels may result in a disproportionately small penis or testicles.
Other illnesses and circumstances might also contribute to a smaller penis and testicles. These are some of them:
- Hypogonadism
- Varicocele
- Undescended testicles
- Prostate surgery
- Peyronie’s disease
- Aging
- Obesity
12. Low Blood Counts
According to a study, doctors have connected low testosterone to an increased risk of anemia.
When anemic men with low testosterone were given testosterone gel, their blood counts improved compared to males who were given a placebo. Anemia can cause the following symptoms:
- Leg cramps
- Disorientation
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fast heart rate
What are Low Testosterone Causes?
Testosterone levels naturally decline as men age, but low testosterone can also be caused by other disorders or events. These may include the following:
- AIDS
- Alcohol consumption
- Testicular damage
- Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation stress
- Renal failure
- Disorders of the pituitary gland
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Infection with an autoimmune illness
- Medications used to treat obesity and metabolic syndrome
What are the Risks Associated with Low Testosterone Symptoms?
Having low testosterone may increase your risk of developing other health conditions.
These conditions include:
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
When Should You See a Doctor for Low Testosterone Symptoms?
Consult your doctor if you’re suffering any of the signs of low testosterone. A urologist, endocrinologist, or a family physician can assist you.
If your symptoms indicate low testosterone, your healthcare professional will conduct a medical history and order a blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
Because testosterone levels normally fluctuate throughout the day, multiple blood draws may be required.
Low testosterone isn’t usually treated unless it’s causing symptoms and blood tests reveal low levels.
Takeaway!
As men grow older, their testosterone levels gradually decline. You’re more likely to have low testosterone as you become older.
Testosterone replacement therapy is a typical treatment if you have low testosterone and the symptoms irritate you.
You may introduce some lifestyle changes to your routine to maintain your testosterone levels, e.g, losing weight, eating a healthy diet rich with magnesium and zinc, and getting adequate exercises. You will be well on your way to a healthy life with a healthy testosterone level.
