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Low testosterone affects 2 out of every 100 men, according to the American Urological Association. Even though you’re more likely to have low testosterone (or low T) later in life, 1 percent of younger men struggle with this issue. If you’re under age 50 and think you may have low T, take a look at some common questions about the condition.
What Is Low T?
Before you can understand what low T is, you need to know what testosterone is and why it’s necessary for your body. Testosterone is a hormone made in the testicles — more specifically, it’s a male sex hormone. Testosterone is responsible for the push into puberty you experienced years ago, and it helps your body to make sperm right now.
Along with puberty and the ability to make sperm, testosterone also plays a function in the male sex drive. Low T, or decreased levels of testosterone, can interfere with sexual functioning and fertility. Men with low T may also have other symptoms as well as a blood testosterone level under 300 nanograms per deciliter.
Who Gets Low T?
Any man can have low T, though the condition is more common in men over 50. This is due to a natural age-related decrease in the ability to produce testosterone. Even though age does play a role, men in their 20s, 30s, and 40s can still have a low T diagnosis.
Non-age-related risk factors include obesity, some metabolic syndromes, antidepressant use, narcotic pain reliever use, anabolic steroid use, some autoimmune diseases, injury to the testicles, chemotherapy, radiation, or infection. Chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, liver disease, or kidney disease, may also raise the risk. Likewise, pituitary gland tumors can also cause low T in younger men.
What Are the Symptoms of Low T?
The most common symptoms men experience with low testosterone include reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction (the inability to get or maintain an erection during sexual activity), body hair loss, muscle mass loss, fatigue, and low energy.
Even though these are all common symptoms of low T, they may also indicate another medical or psychological issue. Never self-diagnose yourself with a testosterone problem. If you have one, some, or all the symptoms, contact a medical provider for a full evaluation and diagnosis. Your doctor can test hormone levels to pinpoint the exact issue. For more detailed information on low testosterone symptoms, you can visit Mayo Clinic’s comprehensive guide
Do Younger Men Experience the Same Low T Symptoms?
The symptoms of low T are typically the same for all men, regardless of age. If you’re under 50 and have low testosterone, you’re just as likely to experience low sex drive, ED, or fatigue as an older man. Even though the symptoms are the same, your age and low T may have additional consequences.
Unlike older men, who have already started their families and may have children or even grandchildren, the infertility aspect of low T is a major issue for men under age 50. Low sperm count may make it difficult or temporarily impossible to get your partner pregnant. But this doesn’t mean you can’t or won’t become a father. Treatments for low T can regulate hormone levels and restore fertility.
How Do Young Men Treat Low T?
The first step in treatment is to get a diagnosis from a professional. After you know what the problem is, you can get help. Luckily, you have options. There are treatments available to men of all ages for low T. These include hormonal skin patches, topical gels, oral therapies, and injections. A medical provider can help you to find the best treatment for your individual needs.
Do you have the symptoms of low testosterone or a low T diagnosis? Contact NuMale Medical Center for more information.
