Signs and Health Risks of Hormone Deficiency
Low testosterone levels in men, also called hypogonadism or testosterone deficiency, is a condition where the testes do not produce enough of this vital male hormone. As men age, their testosterone production naturally declines about 1% each year after age 30. However, some men experience more severe drops in testosterone due to medical conditions, genetics, lifestyle factors, or unknown reasons.
The symptoms of low testosterone may develop gradually over years and are often incorrectly attributed to normal aging. However, hormone deficiency carries serious health risks if left untreated, including:
- Loss of libido and erectile dysfunction
- Depression, irritability, and mood swings
- Loss of muscle mass and bone mineral density
- Weight gain, fatigue, low energy and endurance
- Poor concentration, memory loss and foggy thinking
- Increased body fat and cholesterol levels
- Higher risk of diabetes, Alzheimer's, heart disease and stroke
Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment of hormone imbalance in men is critical for protecting long-term health.
While individual symptoms may not always clearly indicate low testosterone, paying attention to subtle changes in energy, sexual function, body composition over time can motivate men to get tested.