Testosterone helps regulate much more than your sex drive. It also contributes to your muscle development, metabolism, and energy levels. Testosterone is the male sex hormone primarily produced in your testes. It controls your sex drive, sperm production, and other male sex characteristics like facial hair, muscle mass, and body composition. Testosterone also helps regulate your metabolism, energy levels, and other critical body functions. Your body maintains a specific balance of testosterone for optimal function. If you don’t have sufficient amounts of testosterone in your blood, you can develop a variety of disruptive symptoms:
- Weight gain
- Loss of muscle mass
- Loss of body hair
- Fatigue
- Low libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue)
You might also lose motivation or not feel like yourself. Low testosterone can also contribute to mood changes, depression, and anxiety.
Diagnosis: If you experience any of the above symptoms, you may be experiencing low testosterone. Your doctor begins with a consultation to review your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. They order blood tests to evaluate your testosterone levels and check for signs of other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.