Low Testosterone vs Depression: Symptom Guide

Low testosterone: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Hormones play a key role in mood regulation, and low T can lead to emotional changes that feel out of character. Here are five signs that could indicate you have a testosterone deficiency, along with actionable steps to help manage them from Michael Rotman, MD. On average, it takes about 3 weeks to see an improvement in sexual desire (libido), energy, and mood.

Even so, testosterone is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat female hypogonadism, albeit with close medical supervision. These may include a semen analysis and testicular ultrasound to investigate causes of primary hypogonadism, or iron saturation tests and pituitary function tests to investigate causes of secondary hypogonadism. In males, hypogonadism occurs either because the testicles are not functioning normally or because the hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland are not functioning normally.

Symptoms can be subtle, but treatment may help if the symptoms affect your lifestyle. Any issue with your testicles, hypothalamus or pituitary gland can cause low testosterone (male hypogonadism). For example, testicular atrophy can cause infertility and also reduce a person’s testosterone levels. In this instance, the low testosterone levels are a symptom of an underlying condition, not a cause of infertility. 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.

While everyone produces levels of testosterone, it’s mostly produced by men in the testicles. Testosterone is responsible for a man’s sex drive, his appearance, bone mass and muscle development as well as his ability to generate sperm. If you are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone such as low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, hair loss, and fatigue, speak to your healthcare provider. A diagnosis of hypogonadism or low T requires two blood tests done on separate days. Your healthcare provider may order other lab tests to look at other sometimes reversible causes of your low testosterone levels. Of these, fatigue, depression, irritability, reduced sex drive and erection problems are the most common. However, not everybody with the condition will have all of these symptoms and the severity of each will vary from person to person.

Off-label use is when drugs are prescribed for a purpose other than what it was approved for by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Other forms of testosterone treatment include long-acting injections or using a patch applied to your skin. Low testosterone may be present at birth or it may develop later in life. As well as the physical effects of low T, research suggests that men with low testosterone are thought to be more likely to face depression, irritability, or a lack of focus. Hone is an online clinic that helps men and women manage their health. As part of your subscription and as medically indicated, physicians prescribe medications, and recommend supplements that are delivered to you from the comfort of your home. Emily Shiffer is a freelance writer specializing in health, nutrition, weight loss, and fitness.

Low testosterone in men (testosterone deficiency) is often part of the ageing process and therefore common in older men. It can also occur at any age as a result of conditions affecting the testicles or the pituitary gland in the brain. People who have prostate cancer are advised not take testosterone replacement therapy. It is important for all males considering testosterone replacement therapy to speak to their healthcare providers and undergo prostate screening before starting this therapy. The only way to know for sure if your testosterone levels are where they should be is to get a blood test to assess your hormones (including free and total testosterone levels). You can do this from your own home by ordering Hone’s testosterone testtosterone test. But the symptoms below are all red flags that your testosterone levels might be in decline.

Obesity, lack of sleep, stress, and poor nutrition can all tank testosterone levels. Regular exercise, weight loss, clean eating, and managing sleep hygiene can go a long way in restoring natural production or enhancing the benefits of TRT if you’re on it. We provide thorough guidance for self-administering HCG if it’s prescribed, ensuring men can confidently manage their treatment from home. Side effects are rare but may include mild headaches, irritability, or fatigue. It’s also essential to avoid HCG if you have certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or asthma. Testosterone receptors in the brain are crucial for cognitive functions like memory and focus.

Addressing these symptoms through medical intervention and lifestyle adjustments is essential for restoring sexual health and overall well-being. To help narrow the list of causes of hypogonadism, your healthcare provider will order blood tests to measure follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These are hormones produced by the pituitary gland that stimulate the production of sperm cells and testosterone. The majority of studies showed that testosterone increased muscle mass but did not have an effect on muscle strength or function. That review said that the evidence from randomised control trials was said not to support treatment for physical function, sexual function, mood or cognition. Testosterone is essential for developing and maintaining male characteristics.

Most people will notice relief from symptoms within 3–60 weeks of starting TRT. However, anyone who experiences one or more of the above symptoms should seek medical attention. A male with low testosterone may notice a reduction in the size of their testicles that is not related to cold temperatures.

People with low testosterone often experience a reduction in sex drive. However, as low testosterone causes a decrease in mass, the function and strength of the muscles do not diminish, according to a 2016 review. Frequently needing to pee (including during the night), dribbling urine, and painful, burning pee or ejaculation might suggest prostate issues.