Do you have potency problems or is your beard growing less? There may be a testosterone deficiency. Read here what other physical signs point to a lack of the sex hormone.
Table of Contents
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is the most important sex hormone produced in the testicles in men. It is responsible for the development of the male sex organs, the control of sexuality, fertility and erection as well as sperm formation. The testosterone level is never constant, but is subject to fluctuations. In the morning the values are between 2.41 and 8.27 µg/l. In the evening, the value drops by about 20 percent. In addition, external factors such as stress, illness, old age, alcohol, nicotine, drugs or certain medications can influence testosterone levels.
Symptoms of testosterone deficiency
How a testosterone deficiency in men becomes physically noticeable is shown by the following symptoms, which affect physical, psychological and sexual well-being. Signs may vary with duration, extent, and age.
- Little muscle mass or muscle breakdown
- increase in abdominal fat
- Decrease in persistence (beard, armpit and pubic hair)
- erection problems
- infertility
- Decreasing libido
- breast growth
- hot flashes
- mood swings
- Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus
The first signs of a testosterone deficiency can already appear from the age of 40, but a deficiency usually occurs after the age of 50. The symptoms mentioned are often not associated with a testosterone deficiency by those affected, but are attributed to external circumstances such as stress or other illnesses. In addition, affected men do not show all the symptoms, which usually become noticeable gradually.
If you suspect that you have low testosterone or are experiencing symptoms, you should seek medical advice. With the help of a thorough anamnesis and the determination of your testosterone level, you will have certainty.
