Growth Hormone Deficiency Symptoms in Children and Adults

Testosterone Therapy: What Men Need to Know About Low T and TRT Treatment Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, a 2017 study in Current Obesity Reports found that endocrine-disrupting chemicals can promote the accumulation of adipose (fat) tissue and cause weight gain. Low testosterone can directly impact your mood, leading to feelings of depression or anxiety. This is partly due to the hormone’s role in regulating brain areas linked to emotional well-being. Additionally, the physical symptoms of low T, such as weight gain or sexual dysfunction, can further contribute to a decline in mental health.

One 2017 review found that testosterone replacement therapy significantly improved depression symptoms and overall quality of life in those with low testosterone. Some evidence suggests that people with low testosterone levels are likely to experience a lack of focus, irritability, and depression. Studies show that testosterone replacement therapy can improve erectile function in people with mild erectile dysfunction.

However, a 2017 study on testosterone supplementation did not find memory improvements in 493 men with low testosterone levels who took testosterone or a placebo. While the therapies mentioned above can ease symptoms and extend life, they also have potential side effects. As such, it is essential to carefully discuss personal goals and desires with your cancer care team and family and weigh the risks vs. the possible benefits of all therapies.

For men, producing too little testosterone can make estrogen levels too high. This imbalance can cause gynecomastia, a condition where men develop larger breasts due to higher estrogen levels and low testosterone levels. Aging men with low T may find developing and maintaining muscle mass to be difficult. While low testosterone won’t decrease muscle mass, men may feel that their overall strength has decreased due to low T. Sleep deprivation can also result in increased irritability, a weakened immune system, weight gain, low sex drive and more. However, when its symptoms directly threaten a man’s overall health, treatment for low testosterone becomes crucial.

For a clearer perspective, the red error bars provide a snapshot of the “normal” range of testosterone levels for each age group. For instance, men in the age bracket typically have testosterone levels ranging between 409 ng/dL and 558 ng/dL, with an average around 466 ng/dL. A telltale sign of low testosterone what is low testosterone treatment persistent fatigue, despite adequate sleep and good nutrition. When testosterone levels drop, energy levels often follow, leading to reduced motivation and a general feeling of sluggishness. If you find yourself too tired for activities you once enjoyed, it may be due to low T. If you notice any symptoms of low testosterone that affect your health, mood, or sex life, see a healthcare provider.

He currently serves as the director of urologic education for the preclinical and clinical rotations for the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine Phoenix, Arizona, campus. According to Bailey, there is not a single reason for the drop-off, but rather a number of culprits that have come together to cause this systemic issue. Though “environmental and behavioral influences appear to be key drivers of the overall decline,” he says. As listed above (see Causes and Risk Factors of Low T), many conditions, such as obesity or heart failure, relate to or potentially contribute to low T.

Depression linked to low testosterone can manifest as a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, feelings of hopelessness, and a general sense of dissatisfaction with life. These symptoms can be debilitating, impacting work performance, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Recognizing the connection between mood changes and hormonal imbalance is essential for effective treatment. Therapy, lifestyle modifications, and medical interventions such as testosterone replacement therapy can help alleviate these symptoms, improving mood stability and enhancing mental well-being. A noticeable decline in libido or sexual desire is another significant indicator of low testosterone. Testosterone is a key hormone in regulating sexual function, and its deficiency can lead to a reduced interest in sexual activity.

If you’ve been feeling unusually down or irritable, it’s worth exploring whether low T is playing a role. As men get older, declining testosterone levels are as inevitable as death and taxes. Around the age of 30, men’s T levels start to dwindle by about 1 percent a year. But for some men, that drop is more of a cliff dive than a steady downhill.