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Low Testosterone Levels in Men

Symptoms, Solutions, and Sympathy

By Maria Harding

Many women are natural caregivers and sources of strength for their families. When a loved one is suffering, we are compelled to offer support. This role becomes more complicated when men in our lives are suffering from impotence, loss of hair, mood swings—all signs of decreased testosterone levels. There is a lingering misconception that men opening up about these concerns is a sign of weakness. We don’t want to embarrass the men we love, and so we say nothing.

Testosterone is a hormone that is produced in the testicles, it influences men’s gender expression in appearance, sex drive, and bone and muscle density. Low testosterone levels affect 20 percent of men older than 60 years and one third of men over 70. It is two to three times more common in men who have diabetes or are overweight, even at younger ages. If a testicle has been damaged or removed, this can also affect testosterone levels in the body.

Symptoms vary but can include decreased libido or inability to maintain an erection, hair loss, fatigue, mood swings, increased body fat, anemia, and memory issues.

A doctor can check testosterone levels through a simple blood test. Because testosterone levels decrease throughout the day, blood will likely be drawn before noon. If low levels are detected, additional tests might be done to help determine the cause. In some cases, pituitary gland issues or tumors may explain low testosterone levels.

Some sources have likened low testosterone levels to menopause in women and have even termed this hormonal transition “male menopause.” This is an apt comparison in some ways and less apt in others. Unlike menopause, during which women experience a dramatic drop in hormone levels, men’s hormonal shifts happen gradually. This can make pinpointing the cause of body changes much more difficult. With menopause, women lose the ability to reproduce; men continue to produce sperm, even if their testosterone levels are low.

One way to offer support to men in our lives who may be suffering from fluctuating testosterone levels is to maintain awareness of the biochemical impact it has on their energy and psyche. The mood swings that accompany ebbing testosterone can be hard on relationships. Be patient during periods of irritability or depression and avoid blaming yourself or each other. Enlist the help of an individual or couples therapist; sometimes, working through complicated emotions in a neutral location can be the most productive. If handled with grace and honesty, navigating this difficult period can actually strengthen relationships.

Another way to offer support is to share information about available treatments. Men will likely feel reassured to learn how common this issue is and how treatable. Begin by talking with a physician about testosterone replacement therapy. A primary care physician may prescribe a therapy regimen or may direct you to a urologist.

Testosterone treatments are administered in various ways. There are superficial skin patches, pellets that are placed under the skin, sublingual tabs, nasal sprays, and injections. All are equally effective. It is important that other members of the family do not come into contact with skin that has been treated, as their health may be adversely affected by exposure.

The doctor will discuss any risks associated with hormone therapy, such as increased vulnerability to heart disease and stroke. Men can expect frequent appointments if they begin a testosterone treatment regimen. Medical research is inconclusive about the risks associated with testosterone therapy, but responsible doctors will closely monitor the efficacy of the therapy to make sure that normalizing the testosterone levels does, in fact, alleviate symptoms. The doctor will also watch for changes in hemoglobin levels, to check for thickening of the blood.

There are some natural ways to boost testosterone levels, like increasing physical activity and losing weight. Encouraging your partner to go for a walk together can be a proactive way to break through mood slumps, as it augments not only testosterone production but also dopamine and serotonin levels.

Making time for sufficient sleep has proven to elevate testosterone levels, particularly in younger men. Some studies suggest that inadequate length or quality of sleep can “age” a man’s testosterone numbers by 10 or 15 years.

Some over-the-counter products claim to contain or boost testosterone levels, but beware of false claims. Only a doctor can administer true testosterone therapy.

It’s important to remember that every body is different; symptoms may be dramatically changed, moderately eased, or unaffected by either natural or pharmaceutical approaches. Ultimately, we will not be hurting the men in our lives if we can help guide them toward solutions. Rising above feelings of awkwardness and having a compassionate conversation may lead to life-enriching changes.

Sources for this article included: healthline.com, urologyhealth.org, and hormone.org.