3 Lesser Known Symptoms of Low Testosterone

The image of low testosterone evokes expected symptoms like sexual dysfunction, decreased strength and depression. However, low testosterone may also present with symptoms not normally associated with a hormonal imbalance.

Low T is exactly as the name describes – a lower than normal amount of testosterone is present in the body. It can happen for a variety of reasons including but not limited to obesity, diabetes and chronic medical conditions. Well-known symptoms of Low T are sexual dysfunction, libido decrease, hair loss and loss of muscle mass.

However, as researchers continue to explore the relationship between testosterone and male physiology, they are finding that the hormone plays a critical role in factors outside of sexual function. The following are lesser-known symptoms of low testosterone:

1. Disordered Sleeping – Low T is known to cause any number of sleep disturbances ranging from sleep apnea or insomnia. Research has shown that the majority of testosterone is produced during REM sleep. If the sleep cycle is interrupted, the testosterone production is also interrupted. The net result is the production of less testosterone. It’s not unusual for Low T sufferers to also suffer from sleep apnea.

2. Hot Flashes – . . . Aren’t just for women? Those nights of waking up with soaked sheets or fighting with a spouse because 75 degrees now feels inhumane are likely liked to Low T. A drop in testosterone can be linked to normal aging or receiving treatment for prostate cancer called Androgen Deprivation Therapy. Most men experience an extremely slow decline in testosterone after the age of 40 but men with more rapid decreases may experience symptoms akin to menopause.

3. Difficulty Concentrating – Having trouble finishing that report? Is your memory slipping? Low T is linked to cognitive impairment. The exact relationship between Low T and cognitive ability hasn’t yet been determined but evidence is showing a positive correlation between the two. Hormones play an incredibly important role in cognition, memory and spatial relationships. As is the case with much of the human body, it’s a complicated process and if one of the pieces is deficient, function is impaired.
Physicians can determine if you’re (or someone you know) is suffering from Low T with a simple blood test. The most common form of treatment is testosterone replacement in the form of skin patches, gel or injections.