If a man doesn't have enough testosterone (hypogonadism), he experiences reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, mood swings, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat (especially belly fat), poor concentration, and potential infertility, along with risks like osteoporosis and anemia due to testosterone's vital role in metabolism, bone health, and red blood cell production.
It is most often associated with sex drive, but also plays a role in bone and muscle mass and can affect how the body stores fat. Even a man's mood can be impacted by testosterone levels.
Certain health conditions, medicines, or injury can lead to low testosterone (low-T). Testosterone levels also naturally drop with age. Low testosterone can affect sex drive, mood, and changes in muscle and fat. Treatment with testosterone therapy may help reduce symptoms.
Research shows that men with low testosterone often report feelings of sadness, irritability, and lack of motivation. You might blame these feelings on work- or relationship-related stress, but you're not imagining it. If there's no obvious reason for your mood changes, low testosterone could be the culprit.
Millions of men live with a testosterone deficiency. If left unchecked, this treatable condition may contribute to serious health problems like osteoporosis and lowered red blood cell production.
There's no one-time fix for low testosterone. However, consistent hormone replacement therapy helps improve sex drive, ease symptoms of depression and increase energy levels for those experiencing low testosterone. Treatment may also boost muscle mass and bone density.
Low testosterone can cause visible changes in some men: Smaller, softer testicles. Larger breasts. Thinner muscles (happens slowly over a period of years)
Exercise. A combination of aerobic (increase in heart rate) and resistance (weightlifting) training has been found to increase the production of testosterone. This also helps prevent the most common diseases that men are most likely to die from, heart disease and cancer.
Explanation. Testosterone levels in healthy adult men are usually above 300 ng/dL. When levels fall notably below this value, especially repeatedly in morning blood tests, it raises concerns. Many doctors and guidelines consider levels under 200 ng/dL to be worrisome.
Specific Signs/Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency (TD)
12 Natural Foods to Boost Testosterone
Can low testosterone lead to infertility? Low testosterone does not directly cause infertility. Sperm production is stimulated by hormones other than testosterone. Testosterone is required for sperm production, but the level in the testes where sperm is produced is many times higher than in the blood.
Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, can boost your mood and libido as well as build muscle and strength. Research shows that testosterone levels temporarily rise after exercise, ranging from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on factors like age, weight, fitness level, and the type and duration of the exercise.
Ignoring low testosterone may lead to thinner bones and a higher chance of fractures. Testosterone helps maintain bone density. Without enough of it, men are at increased risk for osteoporosis, mobility issues, and long-term complications from bone injuries.
Low Testosterone and Mental Health
Reduced testosterone has been associated with a higher risk of anxiety and depression. Serotonin and dopamine are two neurotransmitter systems in the brain that are important in mood regulation and are influenced by testosterone.
Mood changes
“Testosterone influences brain chemistry and mood,” says Dr. Berk. “When levels are low, men may feel more depressed.” Because these changes often creep in slowly, it's easy to miss the connection — but mood is a key piece of hormone health.
Walkaway husband syndrome describes a pattern where a husband emotionally detaches, often silently, and then abruptly leaves the marriage, frequently without warning or genuine attempts to resolve issues, leaving his partner confused and hurt. It's characterized by a sudden shift in behavior, increased withdrawal, resentment, blaming the spouse, and sometimes an affair, often stemming from long-term, unaddressed personal unhappiness or marital problems the husband failed to communicate.
An informal contact with a woman of approximately 5 min resulted in an increase in salivary T among men. These effects occurred particularly in men with an aggressive dominant personality.
Pomegranate juice intake enhances salivary testosterone levels and improves mood and well being in healthy men and women. Bagheri R, et al. (2021).
Yes, not ejaculating for about 7 days can temporarily increase testosterone levels, with one small study showing a significant peak around day 7, though levels then tend to return to normal, and more research is needed for broader conclusions, with lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and sleep being crucial for overall hormone health.
Ways to Increase Testosterone Levels
To many, urine smells like urine and vanilla smells like vanilla. But androstenone, a derivative of testosterone that is a potent ingredient in male body odor, can smell like either - depending on your genes.
Less testosterone tends to mean more belly fat. It's common for men to lose testosterone as they age, however weight gain can accelerate the process. Staying active and eating healthy can help men avoid the annoying habit of developing the infamous "pot belly."
Low testosterone concentrations are associated with sleep problems, such as nocturnal awakenings and lower sleep efficiency [28,29].