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What causes men's testosterone to drop?

Testosterone declines as you age, but other factors can also cause low testosterone, including certain medications, high body-fat levels, and some health conditions ( 1 , 2 ) . Low testosterone, also called hypogonadism or low T, occurs when testosterone levels fall below 300 nanograms/deciliter (ng/dL).

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We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. How we vet brands and products Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?

Do they have the potential to cause harm? Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?

Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Read more about our vetting process. Low testosterone in males is common as they get older. Symptoms can be subtle, but there is treatment available if the symptoms affect your lifestyle. Low testosterone Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles. Testosterone affects your appearance and sexual development, stimulates sperm production and sex drive, and helps build muscle and bone mass. Testosterone production typically decreases with age. According to the American Urological Association, about 40 percent of males ages 45 and older have low testosterone. If your testosterone production drastically drops, you may experience a range of symptoms. Signs of low testosterone are often subtle and can include: Language matters Though sex and gender exist on a spectrum, the studies and surveys below used the terms “male” and “men” and did not report data on, or include, participants who were transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, genderqueer, agender, or genderless. To maintain the specificity and accuracy of the research, this article will use the terms “male” and “men” throughout. 1. Low sex drive Testosterone plays a key role in sex drive, also known as libido. Some people may experience a decline in sex drive as they get older, but those with low testosterone will likely experience a more drastic drop. 3. Hot flashes Experiencing hot flashes can be a sign of low testosterone. This can feel like a sudden sensation of warmth. You may also experience heavy sweating, reddening of the skin, and night sweats.

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4. Hair loss Testosterone plays a role in several body functions, including hair production. Balding is a natural part of growing older for many men, and while it can be hereditary, those with low testosterone may lose body and facial hair as well. 5. Fatigue Males with low testosterone may report extreme fatigue and decreased energy. You may have low testosterone if you’re consistently tired despite getting plenty of sleep or if you find it harder to get motivated to exercise. 6. Decreased muscle mass Males with low testosterone may notice a decrease in muscle mass, as testosterone contributes to building muscle. A 2016 review found that testosterone affects muscle mass but not necessarily strength or function. 7. Increased body fat Males with low testosterone may experience increased body fat or develop gynecomastia, which is enlarged breast tissue. Gynecomastia can occur when there is an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen in the body. 8. Decreased bone mass Osteoporosis is a condition many people often associate with females, but males with low testosterone can also experience bone loss. Testosterone helps produce and strengthen bone, so males with low testosterone, especially older men, may have lower bone volume and be more susceptible to bone fractures. 9. Mood changes Males with low testosterone can experience mood changes. Since testosterone influences many of the body’s physical processes, it can also influence mood and mental capacity. 10. Affected memory Both testosterone levels and cognitive functions, particularly memory, decline with age. As a result, doctors have theorized that lower testosterone levels could contribute to affected memory. According to a 2019 review of studies, testosterone supplementation is linked with improved memory in older men with low testosterone though the effect may be small. 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. 12. Low blood counts Doctors have linked low testosterone with an increased risk for anemia, according to a 2017 study . When the researchers administered testosterone gel to anemic men with low testosterone, they saw improved blood counts compared to men who used a placebo. Some symptoms of anemia include: difficulty concentrating

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dizziness

leg cramping

difficulty sleeping

rapid heart rate

Risk Having low testosterone may increase your risk of developing other health conditions. These conditions include: osteoporosis

diabetes

heart disease

Diagnosis Testosterone levels are typically 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) . Low testosterone is when testosterone levels fall below 300 ng/dL. A blood test called a serum testosterone test can determine your testosterone level. Other tests may be performed to determine the cause of low testosterone. Tests to diagnose low testosterone and its causes include: serum testosterone

luteinizing hormone

blood prolactin level

Treatment Testosterone replacement therapy is a common treatment for low testosterone. Testosterone replacement therapy If you have low testosterone symptoms that are bothering you, you can talk with a doctor to determine if testosterone replacement therapy is right for you. Testosterone replacement therapy comes in a variety of forms, including: oral medications

skin gel

injections

pellets placed under your skin

patches Testosterone replacement therapy is a lifelong treatment. If you stop treatment, your testosterone levels will also drop. Side effects of testosterone replacement therapy can include: acne

enlarged prostate

shrinking testicles

decreased sperm count

high red blood cell count

fluid retention

swollen feet or ankles Testosterone replacement therapy may not be right for you if you: have an untreated heart condition

have breast or prostate cancer

have sleep apnea

have elevated red blood cell counts

plan to have children

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