9 Characteristics of men who have too low testosterone levels

Testosterone is a very important hormone for men. This hormone is not only needed by the reproductive organs, but also by the various organs that make up the body. Testosterone levels will change at every phase of a person's life, and tend to decrease with age. But in fact, too low testosterone levels can happen too quickly, so a man already has low testosterone levels even though he is young.

At what age will male testosterone levels begin to decline?

Testosterone is produced by the gonad glands in the testes. The level of testosterone production produced by these glands peaks when a man enters his late teens, or around 18 years of age. Then, testosterone continues to cause physical changes and increased libido until entering early adulthood.

After the age of 30 years, men will experience periodic decreases in testosterone levels, but this should not cause significant physical changes or decreased libido. But if this happens, it is most likely caused by low testosterone levels.

What are the symptoms if the male testosterone level is too low?

Here are some signs that men experience when their testosterone levels are too low:

1. Low sex drive

Testosterone has a major role in regulating sex drive (libido) in humans, in addition to other hormonal factors and changes in a person's mood. Low sex drive due to levels of the hormone testosterone that are too low, is characterized by spontaneous erections that occur less frequently. These include erections during sleep at night and erections in the morning.

2. Difficulty maintaining an erection

Impotence is a common problem when a man's body doesn't produce enough testosterone. This is because there are not enough testosterone levels to stimulate the brain, to produce molecules that trigger and maintain an erection. However, erectile dysfunction can also be triggered by other health problems such as chronic diseases.

3. The volume of semen is too little

Semen is the fluid secreted along with sperm cells when a man ejaculates. This fluid plays a role in helping sperm swim to fertilize an egg. The more testosterone a man has, the more semen he produces. That is why testosterone levels are too low. It can be seen from how much semen is produced when a man ejaculates.

4. Tires more easily

Testosterone plays an important role in producing and regulating body energy. Low testosterone is usually characterized by a feeling of weakness more than usual even though the rest of the night is sufficient, as well as feeling less motivated to do physical activity.

5. The amount of hair on the body is reduced

Stimulating hair growth is one of the roles of the hormone testosterone. Baldness of the head does not necessarily mean low testosterone in men as it is a natural symptom of aging. However, if the hair loss is hair on other parts of the body apart from the head, this can be a strong sign if a man is experiencing testosterone levels that are too low.

6. Increased body fat

This is characterized by rapid weight gain and accumulation of fat around the abdomen. Men whose testosterone levels are too low may also notice added fat in the chest, which causes enlarged breasts (gynecomastia).

7. Loss of muscle mass

Testosterone plays an important role in stimulating muscle growth and density. Symptoms of loss of muscle mass due to low testosterone levels are usually marked by the circumference of the upper arms and smaller legs. The ability to lift weights is also reduced. This can especially be seen if the muscles in the hands and feet are formed with weight training.

In addition, without sufficient testosterone levels, rebuilding muscle will become more difficult even after exercising.

8. Reduced bone mass

The formation of new bone cells in men also requires sufficient testosterone. So, when a man has low testosterone levels, the bone layer becomes thinner, which can lead to osteoporosis. A man who has decreased testosterone levels as an adult is more at risk of fractures entering old age.

9. Mood disorders

Testosterone is also an important hormone that influences the brain to regulate one's emotions. However, it can also be triggered by an accumulation of symptoms that make a man uncomfortable with his condition. Feelings of depression due to too low a testosterone can arise when a man feels energized and cannot think clearly.