Testosterone is a natural hormone found in both men and women. It assists with many functions in the body and contributes to overall health. While testosterone levels can fluctuate due to a variety of factors, it’s important to maintain a baseline level in your system if you want to optimize your health. But, did you know you might have low levels of testosterone and might not even be aware of it? That’s why it’s important to learn how to recognize the signs of low testosterone.

What Is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a natural anabolic-androgenic hormone that’s created in the body that supports health and development, especially in males. For males, testosterone is important in proper development during puberty, growing stronger, producing sperm, and in the formation of masculine attributes. It also determines patterns of hair growth, body fat storage, muscle mass, voice depth, and sex drive.

While it is normally thought of as part of male health, females also need small amounts of testosterone as well for healthy functioning, mood regulation, bone strength, libido, and muscle building.

What Happens When Your Testosterone Is Too Low?

It might not seem like that big of a deal, but it turns out that low testosterone can wreak havoc on the body. Lower levels of testosterone are often seen in males as they start to age, and this natural decline may show up in unexpected ways.

According to the American Urological Association, normal testosterone levels for men fall in a range between about 450 and 600 ng/dL. However, levels typically peak for males between the ages of 18 and 20 and then tend to decline from there over time.

There are a couple types of low testosterone. Classical low testosterone can affect males and is considered either congenital or acquired. If it’s congenital, it means you were born with low testosterone. This can lead to hypogonadism, which means your body does not produce enough testosterone to develop properly.

Late-onset low testosterone can be due to a variety of factors, including obesity, diabetes, and other illnesses. It also typically occurs as part of the natural aging process. This is why you will often hear of people being treated with testosterone “at maintenance levels” to bring them up to where they need to be.

Look for These Sneaky Signs that Your Testosterone Is Low

When your testosterone is too low, it can cause health and functional issues for both men and women. While symptoms may be more debilitating and severe in men, it’s important for both sexes to recognize when testosterone levels may be too low and to know what to do.

 Some of the symptoms can include:

• Diminished sex drive—this is probably the most well-known symptom of low testosterone. While sex drive can vary over time, if it’s constantly low, a check-up may be in order.
• Erectile dysfunction—is also one of the most common side effects, as testosterone stimulates your brain to produce nitric oxide, which assists in achieving and maintaining erections.
• Trouble sleeping—this can often be chalked up to low test levels as hormones also play a role in your sleep patterns and your circadian rhythm.
• Thinning hair—this can be a sneaky side effect of low testosterone.
• Cognitive function may decline—if you’re living in a brain fog and can’t concentrate, you may want to get your levels checked.
• Difficulty putting on muscle mass—if you’re crushing it in the gym but just can’t seem to put on any muscle, and you’re storing body fat at increased rates, you might be suffering from low testosterone.
• Your hormones are all over the place—this can also be a sign that your testosterone is too low, especially in women.
• Constant fatigue—if you’re feeling tired and have low energy all the time, it could be a byproduct of your low testosterone levels, as this hormone helps with energy production.
• Mood swings—if you’re feeling depressed, emotional, and irritable, it might be time for a check of your levels.

Why Women Also Need Testosterone

You might not necessarily think of women needing testosterone, but as women age, they, too, can benefit from small amounts of testosterone. Look for these sneaky signs that your testosterone might be low: 

• Low sex drive—women may lose interest in sex or suffer from low libido when hormones are off.
• Gaining too much body fat and not enough muscle—this could be a sign that your hormones are out of balance and you need a boost to regulate your body.
• Issues with your reproductive system—any number of symptoms can be attributed to having a sub-par testosterone level. Testosterone affects cycle regularity, fertility, and more.
• Bone density diminishing—yes, this too can be due to testosterone being too low. While it’s true that your bone density can lessen over time, one of the culprits just might be your hormone levels.

The bottom line is that testosterone is linked to so much more than sex drive and muscle mass. Look for the signals your body is giving you, and the fix may be as easy as getting your testosterone levels checked.