In men, the testosterone levels in their bodies reach their peak during the adolescent period and around the early 20s. And, as they age, their bodies gradually produce less testosterone, making them at risk of low testosterone levels. When this happens, there may be changes in their physical and sexual functions, resulting to a low quality of life.
What is low testosterone?
Low testosterone is a condition in which the body is unable to produce enough amounts of the hormone called testosterone. While both men and women have the capability to naturally produce testosterone, it is the men who can produce a lot more of it throughout their lifetime.
According to medical professionals, low testosterone occurs if the body’s testosterone levels are less than the normal or ideal range. Measured in nanograms per deciliter or ng/dL, testosterone levels per age group differ for men and women. Here is an overview of what are considered normal testosterone levels per age group:
Men
- 0 to 9 years: <7-20
- 10 years to 11 years: <7-130
- 12 years to 13 years: <7-800
- 14 years: <7-1,200
- 15 years to 16 years: 100-1,200
- 17 years to 18 years: 300-1,200
- 19+ years: 240-950
(An average adult man has around 270 to 1,070 ng/dL of testosterone in his body.)
Women
- 0 to 9 years: <7-20
- 10 years to 11 years: <7-44
- 12 years to 16 years: <7-75
- 17 years to 18 years: 20-75
- 19 years and above: 8-60
(An average adult woman has about 15 to 70 ng/dL of testosterone in her body.)
So, for example, if you are a 25-year-old man, your testosterone levels are considered low if they are below 240 ng/dL, or, if you are a 25-year-old woman, your testosterone levels are considered low if they are below 8 ng/dL.
How do you know if you have low testosterone?
The moment your testosterone levels dip to below the ideal range, your body may begin to manifest signs and symptoms that can negatively impact you sexually, physically, and other aspects of your life.
Men
Men who have low testosterone may experience the following low testosterone symptoms:
Low libido
You may lose interest in sex once your testosterone levels fall below the normal range. As a result, your sex life may suffer, and you and your partner may get into relationship conflicts due to disappointments and frustrations in the bedroom.
Erectile problems
You may have trouble getting an erection or keeping an erection that is hard and long-lasting for optimal sex. If this begins to happen more frequently, you may be in danger of erectile dysfunction, and live having an inactive sex life.
Hair loss
You may start to lose hair on your head or become unable to grow facial hair and pubic hair. The reason for this is that testosterone is essential in the growth of body hair. So, if you do not have enough testosterone in the body, making that happen becomes difficult.
Infertility
You may be at risk of infertility if your low testosterone problem is not treated right away. Your body needs testosterone to produce enough healthy sperm for sexual and reproductive purposes, so a shortage of testosterone leaves you incapable of producing good quality and highly active sperm.
Reduced bone and muscle strength
You may suffer from bone and muscle loss due to low testosterone. Because testosterone is necessary for the development of strong and healthy bones and muscles, having low testosterone leaves you with weakened bones and muscles that are prone to injuries, disorders, and diseases.
Increased body fat
You may easily gain weight and have an increased risk of obesity if your testosterone levels are low because testosterone plays an important role in the proper distribution of fat in the body.
Sleeping problems
Various studies have found that low testosterone levels in the body can contribute to the development of certain sleeping problems, such as sleep apnea, and ruin your sleep cycle. If you cannot get enough sleep, you may become more irritable, lose concentration, have low energy levels, and suffer from impaired cardiovascular, digestive, and immune functions.
Mental health problems
You may likely experience a decline in your mental health once your testosterone levels get too low. In a research, men who had low testosterone displayed higher odds of developing depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues than those that had normal testosterone levels.
Women
Women may also manifest some signs and symptoms once their body’s testosterone levels fall below the normal range. Here are some common examples:
Low libido
Just like men, women may experience a decrease in their libido or sex drive due to low testosterone, as testosterone is crucial to achieving optimal sexual health.
Fatigue
In women, testosterone helps in keeping energy levels up to be able to accomplish as many tasks as possible day in and day out, so a shortage of it may put women at risk of fatigue.
Impaired cognitive function
Women with low testosterone may suffer from memory loss, difficulty focusing or concentrating, poor problem-solving skills, and slow learning abilities if their body has low testosterone.
What should you do to treat low testosterone?
To treat low testosterone levels, you should be ready to make a serious lifestyle change. You have to eliminate habits that are hurting not only your body’s testosterone production but also your vital organs and replace them with healthy ones.
You should start eating a healthy diet and include more natural testosterone-boosting foods into your daily meals. If you are used to a sedentary life, you should get up and be more physically active. Establish a regular exercise routine that you can sustain long-term to improve your testosterone levels, and also help you lose weight and get fit. Quit smoking and drugs, and minimize your alcohol consumption. Do your best to get at least 7 hours of sleep every night. And, finally, you should see a doctor to guide you every step of the way.
