Testosterone deficiency: these symptoms indicate a deficiency

Testosterone is a hormone of critical importance that influences a wide range of physiological processes in the body and is primarily known as the male hormone. A balanced testosterone level is important for overall well-being and health. But how does an imbalance in testosterone levels affect various physical and mental aspects? If you want to learn more about the causes and symptoms of testosterone deficiency, keep reading.

Table of Contents

• What is testosterone and what functions does it have in the body?
• What is testosterone deficiency?
• What are the causes of testosterone deficiency?
• What are the symptoms of low testosterone levels?
• How is testosterone deficiency diagnosed?
• When should testosterone levels be checked regularly?
• Are there methods to increase testosterone levels?
• What are the effects of high testosterone levels?
• Summary

What is testosterone and what functions does it have in the body?

Testosterone is an essential sex hormone that is produced in both men and, in smaller amounts, in women. In men, it is mainly produced in the testicles and to a lesser extent in the adrenal glands, while in women, the ovaries and adrenal glands are responsible for its production. This hormone plays a crucial role in a number of bodily functions. In the male body, it typically promotes the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as muscle growth, body hair, and the deepening of the voice during puberty. It also contributes to sperm production and maintaining libido. In addition, testosterone affects general well-being, mood, and cognitive abilities.

In women, it is involved in regulating the menstrual cycle, promotes the growth of body hair, and influences libido. It also impacts bone density and muscle mass. In both sexes, testosterone plays a role in regulating fat metabolism. A balanced testosterone level is important for maintaining good health (Britannica, 2023; Nassar & Leslie, 2023).

What is testosterone deficiency?

Testosterone deficiency occurs when the body does not produce enough testosterone. It is also referred to as male hypogonadism when the testicles in men do not produce enough testosterone, while female hypogonadism is a condition in which the ovaries do not produce enough female sex hormones, including testosterone. It is important to note that the gonads (testicles in men and ovaries in women) are the main producers of sex hormones. The amount of testosterone in the body varies and is often measured in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). In general, testosterone deficiency in men is defined as levels below 300 ng/dL. In women, the normal testosterone level is much lower than in men. It is assumed that a testosterone level between 15 and 70 ng/dL is normal in women. If the value falls below this range, it is considered testosterone deficiency in women. These values may vary depending on the laboratory or testing method (University of Rochester Medical Center, 2023).

What are the causes of testosterone deficiency?

Testosterone deficiency can result from various factors, which are divided into two main categories: primary and secondary causes.

Primary causes

Primary causes of testosterone deficiency are those directly related to the gonads – the ovaries in women and the testicles in men. Some of these include:

• Klinefelter syndrome: A genetic disorder in men caused by an extra X chromosome. This can impair testosterone production and often leads to a deficiency of this hormone.

• Oophorectomy: This refers to the surgical removal of one or both ovaries in women, which can lead to a drop in testosterone levels.

• Aging and menopause: As people age, the production of sex hormones, including testosterone, declines in both sexes. In women, menopause in particular leads to a decrease in hormone production in the ovaries.

Secondary causes

Secondary causes of testosterone deficiency are those due to problems in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, which control the hormonal signals for testosterone production. The luteinizing hormone (LH), produced in the pituitary gland, plays a key role in regulating testosterone production and ovarian function. Secondary causes include:

• Pituitary tumors or injuries: Both can impair the pituitary gland's ability to produce the hormones necessary to stimulate testosterone production.

• Hypothalamic diseases: Certain conditions such as tumors or infections can impair the hypothalamus’s ability to properly regulate hormone production.

• Chronic illnesses: Certain chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, and HIV can lead to lower testosterone levels.

• Medications: Some medications, particularly those that affect hormone production, can lower testosterone levels. These include certain antidepressants, steroids, and opioids.

• Obesity: Excess weight, especially abdominal fat, can lead to low testosterone levels. This is because fat tissue converts testosterone into the female hormone estrogen, which lowers testosterone levels. In addition, inflammation associated with obesity can impair testosterone production.

• Cushing’s syndrome: In this condition, the body produces too much cortisol, a stress hormone. Excess cortisol can disrupt the balance of sex hormones in the body and lower testosterone levels.

• Alcohol dependence: Chronic alcohol abuse can impair hormone production in the testicles and lead to low testosterone levels. Alcohol can also impair the liver’s ability to break down sex hormones, leading to a hormonal imbalance.

• Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis is a metabolic disorder characterized by excessive iron storage in the body. If the excess iron affects the pituitary gland or the testicles, it can lead to a deficiency of sex hormones, including testosterone (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).

Sources: Mayo Clinic, 2021;  Fletcher, 2023

It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive and there may be many other potential causes of low testosterone levels. If low testosterone is suspected, medical advice should always be sought.

What are the symptoms of low testosterone levels?

Testosterone deficiency can cause a variety of symptoms. However, each person may experience different symptoms, and some individuals may have low testosterone without showing any symptoms. The most common symptoms include:

• Reduced libido or sex drive

• Difficulty achieving erections

• Less semen

• Hair loss

• Fatigue and lack of energy

• Loss of muscle mass

• Increase in body fat

• Decreased bone density

• Mood changes, including depression, irritability, or difficulty concentrating

In women, testosterone deficiency often presents as fatigue, reduced sex drive, and mood changes. In addition, women may also experience loss of muscle mass and bone density.

Do you notice symptoms that may indicate a testosterone imbalance? With our testosterone test, you can quickly and easily check your testosterone level yourself.

It is important to note that many of these symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions. Therefore, a doctor should be consulted if symptoms occur.

Source: MedlinePlus, 2021; Cleveland Clinic, 2022

How is testosterone deficiency diagnosed?

The diagnosis of testosterone deficiency involves a series of medical tests that determine both the testosterone level and possible causes of the deficiency.

• Blood test for total testosterone: This test measures both bound and free testosterone in the blood. Bound testosterone is attached to proteins and represents the majority of testosterone in the body, while free testosterone is not bound to proteins and is the more active form. The blood sample for the testosterone test is typically taken twice, between 8 and 10 a.m., as testosterone levels are usually highest at this time.

• Blood test for luteinizing hormone (LH): Another essential test in diagnosing testosterone deficiency is the LH blood test. LH is produced by the pituitary gland, and an abnormal LH level may indicate a problem with this gland, which can cause testosterone deficiency.

• Prolactin blood test: High levels of prolactin, another hormone produced by the pituitary gland, may indicate problems with the gland or even the presence of tumors.

Together with the tests above, evaluating the symptoms a patient presents contributes to a comprehensive picture of testosterone levels and possible causes of deficiency (MedlinePlus, 2022).

When should testosterone levels be checked regularly?

• With persistent symptoms of testosterone deficiency, such as constant fatigue, low libido, or difficulty concentrating

• If conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or alcohol dependence are present, which may be associated with lower testosterone levels

• As part of treatment for certain hormonal disorders

• If taking medications that can affect testosterone levels, such as certain hormone therapies or steroids

• From the age of 30, as testosterone levels tend to decrease with age

• In cases of significant overweight or obesity, as excess body fat can affect testosterone levels

Source: Rivas et al., 2014; MedlinePlus, 2022

Want to get an overview yourself?

The Hormone Test for Women by Homed-IQ is a simple and convenient way to gain insight into your own health. This test measures important female hormones in the body, such as estrogen and progesterone, as well as testosterone and luteinizing hormone. This can be especially helpful if a woman is experiencing symptoms that may indicate testosterone deficiency. The Blood Test for Athletes by Homed-IQ can also provide valuable information about testosterone levels. This is especially important for athletes, as testosterone plays a key role in muscle building, and low testosterone levels can impair athletic performance. By monitoring testosterone levels, athletes can optimize training results and detect potential health problems before they affect performance.

Are there methods to increase testosterone levels?

• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): This involves supplying the body with synthetic testosterone through injections, gels, patches, or other methods. This treatment can be effective but requires regular monitoring by a doctor to prevent or manage side effects (Osterberg et al., 2014).

• Lifestyle changes: Measures that can help increase testosterone levels naturally include regular physical activity, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and stress reduction.

• Medications: Some medications can stimulate testosterone production. A commonly used medication is clomiphene, which is often prescribed to men with secondary hypogonadism.

• Nutrients: Certain nutrients, especially zinc, are often discussed in connection with supporting testosterone levels (Liu et al., 2017). Vitamin D is also increasingly being studied in relation to testosterone regulation, although its exact role is still under current investigation. Before considering supplements, it is essential to consult a doctor prior to use (Yeo et al., 2023).

• Treating underlying conditions: In some men, low testosterone levels are caused by another medical condition. In such cases, treating the underlying disease may improve testosterone levels.

Source: Barhum, 2023

Measures to address low testosterone levels should be carefully evaluated and taken in consultation with medical professionals to ensure safe and effective treatment.

What are the effects of high testosterone levels?

While we have discussed testosterone deficiency, it is also important to mention testosterone dominance, a condition in which testosterone levels are too high. This can also cause health problems, such as skin issues like acne and, in women, increased hair growth (hirsutism) in atypical areas such as the face, chest, and back. A balanced hormone level is therefore crucial for health (Leonard, 2023).

Summary

Testosterone deficiency can affect various aspects of health, from sexual health to mood. If a deficiency is suspected, a doctor should be consulted and an appropriate treatment considered. At the same time, it is important to note that both a deficiency and an excess of testosterone can cause health problems.