According to statistics, up to 13 million men in the United States suffer from low testosterone levels, and many of them are not being treated. This means that there is a good chance that you, your brother, or your friend has low testosterone levels. Signs testosterone is low can vary depending on your age and stage in life.

When the body produces too little testosterone, it is a condition called hypogonadism. Hormonal therapy is prescribed during this time, but it should not be prescribed to men who have normal testosterone levels.

“Testosterone deficiency, also known as hypogonadism, affects 5-8 million men in the United States. The Deficiency can be present at birth or its onset can occur later in life, often as a result of disease or injury.” – UCLA Health

Let’s discuss the various stages and the most common signs of low testosterone during them.

Before Puberty

Most of you are probably past puberty. However, it is important to know the signs of low testosterone in the body before puberty so that you can determine whether or not you have always had low testosterone or whether it is decreasing in the body as you age.

If a fetus has inadequate testosterone, then genital development may be affected. Male genitalia may not develop, and it may even be replaced with female or ambiguous genitalia.

Before puberty, a lack of sexual maturation may be exhibited as well. For instance, there may be a lack of muscle development, body hair, genitalia, and voice depth.

During Puberty

At this time, testosterone is what helps to build up muscle, develop body and pubic hair, deepen the voice, and increase the size of the penis and testes even more. If none of these things are happening, then the hormone is likely low in the body.

During Adulthood

As we age, testosterone can naturally decrease in the body. This starts at about the age of 30. Sometimes this is referred to as male menopause.

Testosterone plays an important part in the production of hair. Therefore, hair loss on the body and face is a sign of decreasing testosterone.

Many men with low testosterone report high levels of fatigue. Therefore, if you are getting enough sleep and tackling stress effectively, but still experience fatigue, then low testosterone may be the culprit.

Decreased muscle strength can occur when levels of testosterone decrease. Testosterone is an important hormone in regards to building muscle, and when it decreases both muscle mass and strength can easily decrease. In other words, building muscle through conventional ways, such as weight lifting, may not produce many results.

Men may also find that they are moodier than before. This is because testosterone naturally boosts mood as well as mental capacity in the body, and when it decreases, it has a negative effect on mood and mental clarity. Depression, lack of focus, and irritability are a few of the symptoms that may occur.

Erectile dysfunction is also a symptom of low testosterone. This is because the hormone is needed to trigger the release of nitric oxide, which is what causes the erection to occur. The lower the testosterone level, the softer the erection will be.

Other signs include low sex drive, increased breast size, sleep issues, genital numbness, decreased penis size, and decreased testicle size.

In adult females, signs testosterone is low can include low libido, sleep issues, and hot flashes. Females may also experience decreased muscle mass, loss of body hair, and osteoporosis.