Low Testosterone in adults

Because testosterone plays a vital role in red blood cell production, some people with Low T become anemic. Anemia can cause dizziness, as well as sleep issues, leg cramps, poor focus, and abnormal and rapid heart rate.

Fatigue is a common issue for many people with low testosterone. As testosterone levels decline, the body begins to experience internal stress, which increases the release of cortisol into the bloodstream. Cortisol opposes testosterone, keeping its levels low while making it hard to fall asleep at night. Lack of sleep decreases the amount of testosterone reduced into the bloodstream. That can lead to increased tiredness and lack of energy during the day. Since testosterone also helps regulate metabolism and insulin sensitivity, weight gain and poor glucose uptake by the cells further reduce energy levels.

The brain contains an abundant supply of androgen receptors that require adequate levels of testosterone during the day. Without enough testosterone, these receptor cells sit unengaged. The corresponding brain functions, including learning, processing, and memory recall, suffer. That is why many people with low testosterone complain about brain fog and forgetfulness.

Testosterone plays a crucial role in balancing emotional well-being. Many people with low testosterone report feelings of irritability, sadness, and dissatisfaction in their lives.

Low testosterone has long been associated with depression, anxiety, mood swings, and irritability. Receptor cells in the brain that are responsible for regulating mood and emotional well-being do not receive enough of a supply of testosterone, causing them to decrease their feel-good functions. Long before the invention of antidepressants, testosterone therapy was the primary treatment for depression. Today, many hormone doctors are looking at hormone deficiency as a cause of depression.

Low testosterone and stress tend to feed off one another – causing a vicious cycle that goes round and round until one or both are appropriately dealt with to end the chain reaction. As testosterone levels decline, cortisol (stress hormone) levels rise. The more cortisol that is in the bloodstream, the more agitated and stressed a person would likely feel. Since cortisol inhibits testosterone levels, that further causes a decrease in testosterone production.

Some people, men especially, may feel anger or hostility when they have low testosterone levels. Mood changes often occur when a person suffers from hormonal imbalance.

Mental confusion and experiencing bouts of forgetfulness can be scary. Trying to remember why you entered a room, where your phone or keys are, or if you have taken your daily medicine can all be signs of having too much on your mind or be due to low testosterone. The brain requires a plentiful supply of testosterone each day to ensure sharp memory and focus.

In studies of men with low testosterone and sleep apnea, it is possible to stop breathing during sleep. Another issue involving shortness of breath in conjunction with Low T is COPD. People with COPD often require steroid medications, which can lower testosterone levels.

Sleep problems such as sleep apnea tend to increase in people who are overweight. Low testosterone is often linked to weight gain and obesity. Although some people may exhibit a worsening of their sleep apnea at the start of testosterone therapy, the weight loss that occurs with testosterone treatment often helps reduce these issues.

Many people with low testosterone have insomnia due to the increase in cortisol levels. Cortisol keeps the body and the mind in a state of high alert – fight or flight mode – making it hard to unwind, relax, and drift off to sleep. Increasing testosterone levels helps reduce cortisol and improves sleep quality and duration.

Hormonal changes, such as low testosterone, can lead to changes in eyesight. It is natural for vision to change with age. However, if the change is rapid or drastic, it is imperative to see an eye doctor. Getting a comprehensive hormone blood test is also recommended for people who notice changes in their eyesight as they age.

Men with low testosterone are just as likely to experience night sweats and hot flashes, just like menopausal women. Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to night sweats.

Although there are contradictory studies, it does appear that low testosterone influences cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Elevated LDL and total cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular incidents. Adults with cardiovascular disease also have a higher risk of receiving a low testosterone diagnosis.

Both high and low testosterone can influence blood pressure levels. Because low testosterone is also linked to high cholesterol, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), anemia, and cardiovascular risks, it can also cause an increase in blood pressure levels.

Testosterone helps increase insulin sensitivity in the body’s tissues. That allows the cells to take in more of the circulating glucose. When a person has low testosterone, they may become insulin resistant, causing a spike in blood sugar levels that can lead to type 2 diabetes.

Weight gain is a well-known effect of low testosterone. Not only does testosterone help influence how well the body metabolizes the food it takes in for energy, but it also promotes the use of that converted glucose by the cells and tissues. The other aspect of this question has to do with how belly fat produces an enzyme called aromatase the has the function of converting free testosterone into estradiol (estrogen). Estrogens force the body to retain fat, further worsening weight gain and decreasing testosterone levels.

Testosterone’s role for immunity is more indirect as it helps boost growth hormone production. Growth hormone stimulates both the thymus and cellular regeneration, crucial to providing the body with the white blood cells that fight infection. In that way, low testosterone can hinder growth hormone’s effects on the immune system. On the other side, high testosterone levels have been shown to inhibit and weaken immunity, making it imperative to keep hormone levels in proper balance.

Testosterone is crucial for the proper metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. At the molecular levels, testosterone helps control the expression of regulatory proteins necessary for glycogen synthesis, glycolysis, and cholesterol and lipid metabolism.

Low testosterone interferes with insulin sensitivity, often causing the cells to become resistant to the effects of insulin. That inhibits their ability to take in the circulating glucose molecules. The result is a build-up of blood sugar that can lead to metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

Although low testosterone causes many symptoms in adults, diarrhea is not one we often hear. Some people may experience a problem of that nature as a rare side effect of treatment, but even that is extremely infrequent.

There are no direct links between high or low testosterone and cancer. However, it is well-known that prostate size and prostate cancer risk increase with age – the same time that testosterone levels decline. Some researchers believe that testosterone may have beneficial and protective effects for the prostate.

Low testosterone has frequently been reported as an increased risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Testosterone helps to improve red blood cell production, resulting in better circulation. Other CVD risk factors such as metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol are often associated with low testosterone.

The connection between heart attacks and low testosterone exists, in part, because of the cholesterol build-up that can occur in the arteries due to elevated LDL cholesterol. As plaque adheres to the arterial walls, it can inhibit proper circulation. If a piece of plaque breaks free, it can move through the body and reach the heart, causing a blockage that can result in a heart attack. If the plaque moves to the brain and blocks blood flow there, it can cause a stroke.

Infertility is a problem for many people with low testosterone. Men need testicular testosterone (not supplemental) to promote sperm cell maturation. Women need testosterone to make the ovarian follicles more sensitive to stimulating hormones.

Low testosterone does not always influence sexual desire and functions. Some people do not realize they have Low T because their bedroom performance has not changed. However, since testosterone is the primary sex hormone (also for women), its decline often does result in decreased libido.