Tired, Weight Gain, and Low Sex Drive? Low Testosterone Levels Could be the Cause

Steven Schlosser
Written by: Steven Schlosser
Published 11/11/2015
Updated: 11/11/2015

A recent study found that approximately 12 million American men have an unusual condition that many people have never heard about, but which can cause serious health problems.

The condition is called hypogonadism, but it’s more commonly referred to as low testosterone or simply low T.

Experts estimate that millions of men in the United States are affected by this condition.

It can cause a variety of symptoms, including weight gain, lack of energy, and reduced sexual desire.

In most men, testosterone reaches maximum levels between the ages of 20 and 30 years old.

At that point, a man’s testosterone production starts to gradually decrease by about 1% each year.

If a man already has lower testosterone levels, which is not uncommon, then his testosterone level could drop well below the 300 ng/ml threshold. At that low level, men can experience a variety of symptoms associated with low testosterone, including:

  • Fatigue or lack of energy.
  • Reduced libido or low sexual desire.
  • Weight gain around the midsection.
  • Erectile dysfunction symptoms.
  • Depression or decreased feeling of wellbeing.
  • Small or soft testicles.
  • If you experience any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to have your testosterone level checked. Your doctor will take a small blood sample to determine if you have low testosterone. If you do have low testosterone, the good news is that you have several treatment options. Men who want to go the natural route may want to try the following lifestyle changes:

  • Start a regular exercise program.
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Stop using tobacco.
  • If you have low testosterone, you also have some medical treatment options. The most popular treatment among most men is testosterone gel. This prescription product can be applied daily to your upper arms, shoulders, and abdomen. Your body will absorb the testosterone in the gel through your skin. When used correctly, testosterone gel can help your testosterone levels return to normal. You can also raise your testosterone levels with injections or testosterone patches. If you have low testosterone, talk to your doctor to determine which method is right for you. Testosterone replacement therapy may not solve all of your sexual health problems, but experts say that it works for many patients. After undergoing testosterone therapy, many men report having more energy and increased sexual desire.

    Most men don’t realize that it’s possible to have low testosterone levels. In general, men don’t regularly seek medical help for sexual health issues. If you’re a woman reading this article, you can help your partner get the assistance he needs. By becoming aware of the symptoms of low testosterone, you can help make sure that your partner stays healthy. Tell your partner that low testosterone is a condition that affects millions of American men and suggest that he visit his doctor for an examination. With proper treatment, you can help you partner regain sexual interest and improve his overall sexual health.

    Steven Schlosser

    Steven Schlosser

    Dr. Schlosser graduated from Lafayette College Phi Beta Kappa and attended Georgetown Medical School. He had 4 years of medical residency training at Tufts University in Boston in both Gynecology and Internal Medicine. He has had a spotless medical career for the past 40+ years and is Board Certified.
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