So many factors may affect your testosterone levels. Some of the most common causes include gland dysfunction, aging and genetic disorders. Men will experience andropause in the later stages of their lives that leads to a steady decrease in the levels of total and free testosterone. By the time you reach age 70, you may experience issues like brittle bones, obesity, decreased muscle density, and even impotency just because your body isn't producing enough testosterone. It may be due to all these issues that old men tend to be crankier. You may have to look for low testosterone symptoms to help confirm if certain issues you're facing are due to a decline in this male hormone.

What Is Low Testosterone?

Your testosterone level is considered normal if it's no less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). It shouldn't be higher than 1,200ng/dL though. It is worth mentioning that aging plays a big role in reducing the levels of testosterone, but you may also get a lower than normal score due to an injury to testicles, infection, hormonal disorder, testicular cancer, chronic liver disease, HIV/AIDS, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Certain genetic conditions and medicines will affect your testosterone score as well. The interesting thing is that symptoms of low testosterone are not obvious, but a few things will change when your score is 100ng/dL or lower.

Low Testosterone Symptoms

Here are some of the most common low testosterone symptoms you will notice when your testosterone level starts to drop, such as blurred memory or memory loss and difficulties in concentrating for extended period. Except this, there are so many other low testosterone symptoms:

1. Loss of Muscle and Strength

Testosterone gives you strength and builds muscles as well. Whether you work out in the gym or not, you will feel weaker with your testosterone levels coming down gradually. You may start losing 2% of your testosterone every year after your 30's. You should keep yourself active though because this will help optimize your testosterone levels.

2. Erectile Dysfunction

One of many low testosterone symptoms is erectile dysfunction. The condition can be devastating for your sex life. You can however treat this condition and shouldn't feel ashamed of it because most men experience at least one episode of erectile dysfunction or unsatisfactory sexual intercourse by the age of 40. If the condition persists, you should take it seriously and may opt for testosterone therapy to rectify the problem.

3. Low Sex Drive

If you suddenly lose interest in sex and there's no explicit reason for this, you may have your testosterone level checked for low libido is one of many low testosterone signs. While it is quite normal that you don't feel excited enough to have sex daily, you should look for help when you feel the same for weeks and months. Remember, you can treat low libido by working with your physician.

4. Depression

Are you feeling so blue these days and you cannot seem to pinpoint a reason? This may be a low testosterone symptom. You will notice mood swings when your testosterone levels are declining because this directly affects the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.

5. Hair Loss

With your testosterone levels coming down, you will notice you are losing hair quickly. You tend to go bald with age, and the same is true with testosterone levels – the levels come down with age. It means there's an obvious connection between testosterone and hair loss. It is worth mentioning that you will lose body and facial hair as well with a decline in testosterone levels. It can also affect women even though most women don't notice it if they shave their armpits and legs quite regularly.

6. Weight Gain

Weight gain or obesity is yet another symptom of lower testosterone levels. With a decline in your testosterone levels, you will notice a loss of muscle tissue and accumulation of fat around your waist. Researchers believe that diminishing testosterone levels are responsible for midlife weight gain in women – it may also affect their muscle tone and bone density.

7. Fatigue

Have you started feeling tired for no apparent reason even though you get plenty of sleep and are on a good diet? This may be due to a fall in your testosterone levels. With diminishing testosterone levels, you will feel dull and fatigued. It works in the same way for women and a sudden drop in energy levels may be noticed. Women will find it especially difficult to find enough energy to get out of bed in the morning. A feeling of being exhausted will stay with you throughout the day.

8. Decreased Semen Volume

Testosterone has a direct impact on the production of semen in men. Decreased semen volume will negatively affect the motility of sperms. If you've noticed a decrease in the volume of sperms during ejaculation, it may be because your testosterone levels are dropping.