The Side Effects of Low Testosterone In Males (That Might Surprise You!)

There’s no worse feeling than looking at the woman in the bed next to you and wondering if you’re going to be able to keep an erection.

Unfortunately, though, it’s not uncommon. 

Erectile dysfunction is just one of the many side effects of low testosterone in males. Low testosterone affects different men in different ways.

Here are a few telltale signs to look out for. 

Side Effects of Low Testosterone in Males

Some men may not even notice a deficiency while others may get nearly every side effect in the book.

1. Decreased Muscle Mass and Increased Body Fat

Unfortunately, one of the side effects of low testosterone in males that effects their bodies works like a double-edged sword. 

First, testosterone is a vital component to building and maintaining muscle mass. When a man has low testosterone, they will notice a decrease in the size and overall mass of their muscle tissue, regardless of any lack of change in their physical activities. 

Fortunately, however, studies have shown the loss in muscle mass due to low testosterone doesn’t necessarily mean loss of strength or function.

Second, low testosterone creates an imbalance of hormones which, in turn, affects the metabolism. This leads to increased body fat.

2. Decrease Bone Density

Low testosterone affects bone mass similarly to how it affects muscle mass. 

It plays a vital part in creating strong, voluminous bones. A decrease in testosterone can lead to osteoporosis, leaving bones weak and more susceptible to breaking or fracturing.

3. A Decrease in Semen Count

The testosterone hormone is important for semen production. Semen is the main component of male ejaculate, next to sperm. 

When men suffer from low testosterone, one of the side effects is poor semen production. Unfortunately, semen is needed to facilitate sperm mobility, and therefore, fertility.

Men with low testosterone often experience low fertility and sometimes, even the inability to ejaculate.

4. Erectile Dysfunction

Another sexual side effect of low testosterone in males is the inability to maintain or achieve an erection. Testosterone is vital in penis-tissue stimulation, the beginning phase of an erection. 

Erectile dysfunction resulting from low testosterone can lead to a decrease in confidence and desire for men to have sex. Eventually, this can lead to a psychological issue, preventing sexual performance an in otherwise healthy male.

5. Low Libido

For aging men, a slowly diminishing sex drive is natural. However, a sudden, unexplained change in libido, especially in men below their 40s, is not.

Men experiencing this side effect of low testosterone shouldn’t panic but rather check with their doctor to further understand their situation.

6. Swollen and Tender Breast Tissue

As we mentioned before, one of the side effects of low testosterone in males is an increase in body fat. 

Unfortunately, one of the commonplaces men with low testosterone experience increased body fat is in their breast tissue. This can lead to gynecomastia, more commonly referred to as “man boobs”.

7. Reduction in Testicle Size

As testosterone is a male sex hormone, a lack of it may lead to a reduction in testicle size. 

Additionally, men with this particular side effect may notice their scrotum to be softer than usual.

8. Trouble Sleeping

While scientists aren’t quite sure why low testosterone causes sleeplessness, studies link the two together.

Another common side effect of low testosterone in males is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is an occurrence in which you stop breathing while you’re sleeping for short periods of time. 

Some men with low testosterone experience insomnia as well, in which they have great difficulty falling asleep at all.

9. Mood Swings 

As testosterone is a fundamental hormone in men, any imbalance of it will naturally affect their mood.

Mood swings are a common side effect of low testosterone in males. The changes in mood include irritability, lack of concentration, and depression.

10. Low Energy

Because low testosterone causes sleep apnea and insomnia, it’s not surprising that it also leads to decreased energy. 

However, the decrease in energy is not solely because of the low testosterone’s effect on sleep. In fact, even men with low testosterone who get plenty of sleep can sometimes feel extreme levels of chronic fatigue.

Causes of Low Testosterone in Males

There are various things that cause low testosterone, from simple obesity to the onset of HIV. Here are the most common causes:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Injury to the testicles
• Drug/alcohol use
• Poor diet
• Extreme weight loss
• Anabolic steroid use
• Head injuries
• Certain medications
• Metabolic disorders

Remember, sometimes low testosterone can be indicative of an underlying condition. Low testosterone itself may be the side effect of something more serious. 

Don’t leave these things to chance, check with your doctor for the smartest, safest approach when experiencing any of the side effects of low testosterone.

How to Fix Low Testosterone in Males

The side effects of low testosterone in males can be alarming. However, there are a variety of natural remedies and clinical treatments available. 

For a natural approach, first, focus on your health. Lift weights, exercise, and eat right. 

This approach will help build your metabolism up, put on lean muscle mass, and kick-start your testosterone production. 

Alternatively, you can look into testosterone replacement therapies or hit the market for some testosterone boosters. However, make sure you do your research and ensure you’re finding the best testosterone boosters on the market.

The best thing you can do if you suspect you have low testosterone for any reason is to check with your doctor. You can get your blood levels checked for an accurate answer and discuss reasons and treatments from there.

While we know our bodies very well and have limitless resources of knowledge at our fingertips, these things are best left to the experts.

Visit our men’s page for more low testosterone advice for men.