Low testosterone: Essential warning signs men over 40 should not overlook

TESTOSTERONE affects more than just sexual function. It plays a role in energy, mood, muscle strength, and mental focus. When levels drop, men may experience fatigue, low mood, or a reduced sex drive. While aging and stress contribute, persistent symptoms can indicate low testosterone, also called male hypogonadism.

“In many cases, men underestimate the impact of these changes,” says Ingrid Singels, Associate Director of Pharma Dynamics Scientific Division. “Testosterone influences strength, focus, and mood. When it declines, the effects are noticeable.”

She said a medical evaluation can confirm whether low testosterone is the cause. Lifestyle factors, such as excess weight or uncontrolled blood sugar, can contribute and are often addressed first.

“Before hormone therapy, doctors often recommend addressing underlying factors, like excess weight and poor blood sugar control that might lower testosterone. These steps can make a noticeable difference.

For men with confirmed low testosterone, treatment options include gels, patches, injections, or implants.

Singels said that recognising symptoms early allows men to discuss potential interventions with a doctor. Paying attention to these changes isn’t about avoiding aging — it’s about understanding your body and overall health, she said. 

Signs to watch for include:

• Sexual changes, such as lower libido, erectile problems or fewer spontaneous erections.

• Muscle loss, increased body fat, or slower recovery from exercise or injury.

• Reduced bone density, which can increase fracture risk.

• Mental health issues like irritability, fatigue, or trouble concentrating.

A man’s life is defined by his testosterone as it contributes massively to a man’s health. These include your overall well being, and vitality which directly plays a huge role in your physicality, sexuality and mental health.

Many men suffer from fatigue, low mood, and slow deteriorating sex drive due to stress and  the effects of aging, however, these changes may indicate a deeper issue with your health, possibly due to low testosterone (also called male hypogonadism).

It is important to see these signs if they have just appeared suddenly and persist in your life, therefore it is important to seek medical advice to know what you can do to improve your testosterone levels in order to enjoy a quality life with good health.

Singels said that men undermine the importance of being healthy at all times, highlighting that if you do not pay attention to your body, it will automatically fail your physical and mental health.

“Testosterone underpins of what men take for granted, strength, drive, focus and mood when it dips the effects ripple across body and mind,” said Singels.

Here are the symptoms men should look out for and the effects of low testosterone:

• Sexual health is often among the first flags. Low libido, erectile dysfunction (ED) and reduced spontaneous erections are well-documented in hypogonadal men.
• Reduced muscle mass and strength, greater fat accumulation and slower recovery from exercise or injury.
• Lower bone density and higher fracture risk
• Depression, irritability, fatigue, poor concentration and diminished motivation.

If these signs continue to persist, then a medical evaluation solution can be of great help if you do blood tests so that you can be assisted by medical professionals to get treatment and improve your health.

Singels stated that men with these symptoms and confirmed low testosterone the importance of getting treatment early, as it can make an immediate difference towards your health and overall lifestyle.

“Before hormone therapy, doctors often recommend addressing underlying factors, like excess weight and poor blood sugar control that might lower testosterone. These steps can make a noticeable difference.

For men with confirmed low testosterone and noticeable symptoms, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRP) is the most direct option. It comes in different forms like gels, patches, injections (both short and long-acting) and implants.

 Long-acting injections, for example can provide stable hormones levels for weeks or months, which helps avoid fluctuations and makes it easier to stick with treatment,” said Singels.

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