Low Testosterone
Low testosterone (Low T) can affect men of all ages, but primarily affects older men, with over 3 million cases occurring per year in the United States. Testosterone is a hormone produced by the body that regulates or affects everything from hair growth and muscle mass to sexual drive and performance. Testosterone is also a key factor in bone mass and density, and low testosterone can lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis.
As men age, testosterone production decreases, particularly after the age of 30 leading many men to attribute Low T symptoms, such as reduced sex drive or hair loss, to simply getting older. However, Low T can also have a number of other causes, including hormonal disorders, diabetes, obesity, infection, or injury to the testicles, any of which can cause excessive decline in testosterone production. Low T can have a wide range of effects on the body, including
- Fatigue, lack of energy, or altered sleep patterns
- Infertility
- Emotional changes, including depression and irritability
- Hair loss
- Loss of muscle
- Increase in fat
- Decrease in bone mass (with an increased risk of fractures)