These So-Called Aging Symptoms May Actually Be Due To Low Testosterone

As you grow older, your body changes. It's easy and common to write off these changes as a natural and normal part of the aging process. For some men, and some symptoms, that really is all there is to it. However, some problems that you write off as symptoms of aging may actually be signs of low testosterone levels. It's important to know the difference because low testosterone is a problem you can do something about!

Loss of libido.

It's common for men to desire sex less often as they age. Never again will you have the libido of a 18-year-old. However, if your sex drive has completely taken a nosedive, low testosterone may be to blame. Note that low sex drive can appear with or without erectile dysfunction. You may be able to achieve an erection even though you have low libido, and on the other hand, you may have trouble achieving an erection even with a normal libido.

Less facial hair.

If you are someone who shaves, you may actually welcome a decrease in facial hair growth. However, this is not a change you should ignore because it is almost always an early warning sign of low testosterone levels. Your hair may begin to grow in patches, or it might just get thinner overall.

Trouble losing weight.

If you are overweight and struggling to drop the pounds, your struggles may be due to low testosterone levels. Testosterone encourages your body to build muscle and shed fat, so without enough of it, you tend to take on a softer, less-muscular look over time. No amount of diet and exercise will correct this if your testosterone levels are very low.

Fatigue.

While it's normal for older adults to feel less energetic than younger adults, feeling outright tired and fatigued all the time is not normal. Some men fear they have cancer, a nutrient deficiency, or chronic fatigue syndrome, when really the underlying cause of their fatigue is low testosterone levels.

Depression.

Mental exhaustion and depression can also be the result of low testosterone levels. If you have been using depression treatments like SSRIs, but with little change, then it may be time to talk to your doctor about testosterone replacement therapy.

It's normal to change as you age, but often, the changes above are due to changes in testosterone levels and not just old age. Talk to your doctor to arrange for testing and diagnosis.

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