Testosterone is a hormone found in men and women. For men, it is the hormone required for the developmental growth and maintenance of male attributes throughout their lifetime. Women have much less testosterone; their main hormones are estrogen and progesterone. But testosterone in women is necessary, and when it is low, it creates some of the same issues as experienced by men. The symptoms of low testosterone for men and women result in quality of life issues.
Physical Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Because testosterone in men controls the development of the male physique, men with low testosterone experience joint pain, muscle aches, and weakness. Women with low testosterone will notice muscle loss. This is especially noticeable after a little yard work or physical exertion. Many men notice that they cannot maintain muscle like they used to, or their workouts are not what they were. Low testosterone slows the metabolism for both men and women, and weight gain becomes a problem. A common complaint is they feel they are old and have lost the vitality they used to have. While age does change the body, it should not prevent you from feeling your best.
Sexual Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Some of the most common symptoms that men notice and that bring them to see a medical provider are erectile dysfunction and an inability to perform sexually as they used to. A decrease in desire and libido is also an upsetting symptom of low testosterone for men and women.
Other Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Symptoms that most people do not think are related to low testosterone include sleep problems, tiredness, irritability, nervousness, anxiety, depression, lack of interest in leisure activities, reduced activity, and getting less done. However, when testosterone is low, our brain chemicals are negatively impacted, and these symptoms occur. The significant other or family usually points out that the patient replies with, “I don’t know” or “I don’t care” to most questions. These symptoms occur in both men and women with low testosterone.
Next Steps
Learn more about testosterone replacement therapy. Contact us at The Practitioner’s Pen today and partner with Kimberly Stephens, MSN FNP-BC APRN, to determine your testosterone levels and start treatment to improve them. The sooner we start, the sooner those symptoms disappear, and you can feel like yourself again. [link to what is TRT]
“I had done TRT years ago with a doctor who was not familiar with all the aspects of treatment. Because of his lack of understanding, I spent years with high irritability and anger issues. I did not realize I was behaving that way until my family let me know. I stopped TRT. The benefits I was getting from it went away as well. Then I found Kim. After discussing it with her I realized she had a better understanding of TRT and that there was more involved than just testosterone. She explained that the testosterone was being converted into estradiol in my body which was causing the irritability and anger issues. We did labs and found that I was low in test and high in estradiol. She was right. I started TRT with estrogen blocker. Because of my body type, I didn’t see immediate results, but with some minor food changes that Kim suggested and continuing TRT with the blocker, my body started to transform and at 57 I feel better than I did at 40. I want to thank Kim for having the knowledge and patience to help me understand and learn what to do to change my life. Besides helping me it has helped my friends and family that I interact with.”
Anthony Potignano, TRT patient of Kimberly Stephens since 2018