Testosterone is more than a muscle and sex hormone. Though the sexual symptoms of low T are becoming well-recognized such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced intensity of orgasm, there are plenty of nonsexual symptoms of low T, too. That shouldn’t be surprising as there are receptors for testosterone throughout the body including in the brain, heart, blood vessels, muscles and bones.
Nonsexual Symptoms of Low T
- Low energy
- Decreased muscle tone and strength
- Increased body fat
- Irritability
- Depression
- Loss of mental focus, concentration, and attention
- Indecisiveness
- Decreased memory
- Decreased motivation and self-confidence
- Not “feeling yourself”
Let’s discuss some of these nonsexual symptoms of low T in more detail. As you can see from the list above many of the symptoms are related to the brain and mind.
Brain and Mental Symptoms of Low T
The brain possesses an abundant numbers of receptors for testosterone. If testosterone levels decline, as they invariably do in most men, the brain receives less testosterone stimulation. So the brain just doesn’t work as efficiently and smoothly as it does in younger men.
Men with low T will sometimes report difficulty recalling phone numbers, names, title of songs, etc. They can also experience mood irritability especially in response to minor events. Making decisions becomes more challenging and the ability to stay focused on a task is diminished in men with low testosterone.
Many men with low T report they just don’t “feel themself”. They come home tired and even find themselves taking a nap to get through the workday. The couch looks more attractive than their wife or girlfriend. Their overall energy level is low. If they workout, they find that they cannot workout as intensely and that it takes longer to recover between workouts.
Men with low T witness less joy in their lives and things that once got them excited no longer hold their interest. Many times they’re diagnosed with depression and treated with anti-depressants which may improve their moods and outlook, but can worsen sexual function related to low testosterone. So though they are depressed treating them with an antidepressant may not be the best choice. What these men need is to have their testosterone levels restored to healthy levels if low.
Physical Changes and Symptoms of Low T
We all know that testosterone is a muscle hormone. And, when testosterone levels wane muscles atrophy, or become smaller and weaker. This can make performing daily tasks for the elderly male difficult. The lack of muscle strength especially in the legs can make going up and down stairs, getting in and out of a bathtub, and simply getting out of chair quite challenging.
Testosterone inhibits LPL or lipoprotein lipase. LPL promotes fat storage. Testosterone puts the brakes on LPL. So if testosterone levels drop LPL is more active leading to fat gain especially around the belly. That’s why as men age they gain body fat while losing muscle mass, and proudly display that beer and doughnut belly even if they don’t consume beer and doughnuts.
Yes, testosterone is sex and muscle hormone, but it’s much more than that. Low T can lead to many symptoms. If you have any of the symptoms listed above be sure to have your testosterone levels measured.
See “Low Testosterone Symptoms“, “Male Menopause Symptoms“,”Andropause“, “What is Andropause”, “Testosterone – Not Just for Your Libido“, and “Treatment for a Low Testosterone Level”.
