A proper balance of this hormone is essential to lead a healthy life. It influences a man’s life in various ways. If T levels are high, it can stimulate aggression, and it is too low, it can make a person weaker to the extent that they can’t move a muscle. Furthermore, with age, the problem of decreasing testosterone levels is common nowadays. 

As we grow older, the hormone level drops. An abrupt fall of testosterone can also be there if a person faces any injury, illness, chemotherapy, or strong medications. This hormone’s drop can also lead to erectile Dysfunction, a lackluster libido, reduced muscle mass, fatigue, loss of bone strength, and mood changes. 

There are several other reasons rather than age, which can reduce testosterone in males. Hence, if someone wants to add a zest to their sex life, it is crucial to figure out those reasons, their relation with sex drive, and how to overcome it. 

In men, testosterone plays a significant role in:

  • Mood
  • Erectile function
  • Libido
  • Sperm production
  • Red blood cell production
  • Bone density and muscle mass
  • Growth of facial and body hair

What Are the Reasons Behind Declining Testosterone Levels in Men?

Usually, the natural decline in testosterone levels in males starts after they hit their 30’s. But there is a bucketful of other reasons behind this phenomenon. Here are some of the potential cause of low testosterone:

  • Interrupted blood supply to testes, injury, and infection in testes
  • Metabolic disorders such as hemochromatosis caused by excess iron present in the body
  • Chemotherapy for cancer
  • Tumors or Dysfunction of the pituitary gland
  • Chronic (long-term) or Acute (short-term) illness
  • Medications, including hormones used to ail prostate cancer, opioids, and steroids 
  • Kidney failure
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • AIDS/HIV
  • Excess levels of the milk-producing hormone prolactin
  • Extreme weight loss or weight gain
  • Inflammatory conditions like sarcoidosis Puberty Delay
  • Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes

Does Testosterone Boost Your Sex Drive?

Testosterone is one of the pivotal hormones in males that triggers sex drives. As per the Massachusetts Male Aging Study (MMAS) reports, men with low T levels have lower sexual desires. Hypogonadism is a term used to describe the condition where the body cannot produce enough testosterone. 

In this condition, the T levels in the blood can go below 300 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter). Whereas, health T level should be between 300 and 1,000 ng/dL. As per the Cleveland Clinic, 40% of men aged 45 and older have this low testosterone level. After a certain period, mostly beyond the ’30s, the pituitary glands send lesser messages telling the testes to produce testosterone. 

Meanwhile, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) level increases in males with growing age. All of these phenomena of the body eventually reduce the active forms of testosterone. Testosterone is related to many bodily functions, so when its level starts declining, one might face problems such as loss of muscle mass, fatigue, anemia, etc.

If we talk about sexual health, then it mostly impacts:

  • Erectile Dysfunction with loss of morning erections 
  • Low libido
  • Reduced sperm count
  • Infertility

Low Testosterone and Erectile Dysfunction

The low levels of testosterone alone cannot cause Erectile Dysfunction. The men with just low T levels with no other health issues are less prone to ED. Most of the time, this problem takes place due to the hardening of arteries known as atherosclerosis. If there is any damage, the tiny blood vessel supplying the penis loses the capacity to bring in the intense flow needed for a firm erection. 

Some of the major reasons for this problem of atherosclerosis are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes. 

If someone wants to check their testosterone level, they can be figured out with just a simple blood test. The T levels are mostly high in the morning and vary throughout the day. Hence, doctors usually take this test in the early morning. 

What Are The Common Symptoms of Low Testosterone Levels?

As per American Urology Association (AUA), low blood testosterone (Low-T) levels are less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). One can identify these low T symptoms:

  • Low sex drive 
  • Reduced lean muscle mass
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Less Beard Growth 
  • Loss of body hair

What is testosterone therapy, and who should consider it?

The FDA has given the green flag to one therapy that can increase testosterone and treat the symptoms of low T levels. The method is widely known as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). It is usually administered in these ways:

  • Gels
  • Tablets
  • Injections
  • Skin patch 
  • Surgically implanted pellets

One might consider this therapy if they lose their testicles or they have harmed them in any way. In some cases, the testicles are removed for treatment, such as cancer. In such circumstances, one requires this therapy. The men with low T can be treated with this technique. 

The therapy will help you but can also cause side effects. Low sperm is one of the most common side-effects that one might come across. Your body may slow down the production of sex hormones when injected with artificial testosterone. It is because the body thinks you are already making enough of it. Apart from slowing down the sperm count, it can also affect the body’s ability to make its testosterone to a level that you become dependent on therapy. 

As per American Urological Association, some other side-effects include an enlarged prostate, lower fertility, lack of sleep, enlarged breasts, and acne. Furthermore, FDA also suggests that TRT enhances the chances of cardiovascular diseases. 

In a nutshell, the people facing reduced sexual function or chronic low sex drive should always talk to their healthcare provider first. Once they evaluate your symptoms and conditions, they can further tell you what to do.