Hormones are powerful chemicals. Even just tiny amounts of them can cause major changes to your cells and lead to noticeable symptoms. If you’re a man, testosterone is one of the most influential hormones your body produces and having too much or too little of it can affect your body functions, physical appearance and mood in significant ways.
That’s why it’s so crucial to maintain healthy levels—particularly as you age and your testosterone naturally declines. Being able to recognize signs that indicate you may be one of the approximately 5 million men in the U.S. who have low testosterone can enable you to take steps to support healthy levels. Here are four potential indicators that your t-levels might be less than optimal.
Related Article: Why Testosterone Matters and Tips For Keeping It In Check
Four Potential Indicators of Low T Levels
YOUR GUNS JUST AREN’T WHAT THEY USED TO BE
If it’s become a struggle to rip through your usual reps and loads at the gym and your regular training sessions aren’t yielding the gains you expect, low testosterone may be the culprit. Testosterone helps keep your muscles and bones big and strong, so it’s important to ensure that your body has healthy levels of it.
YOUR LIBIDO IS LAGGING
If your enthusiasm for sex has taken an unwanted and unexpected nosedive and you suddenly find it difficult to get and maintain an erection, your testosterone levels might also be taking a nosedive. Testosterone plays a key role in helping men’s bodies produce sperm, which in turn, keeps them interested in sex. Low levels mean less sperm, which translates to a decrease in sexual appetite.
TIRED AND CRANKY HAS BECOME YOUR NATURAL STATE
Lack of energy and a low mood can be testosterone red flags. If you find yourself feeling exhausted all the time despite getting plenty of sleep, it could be due to waning t-levels. And, because hormones are your body’s chemical messengers, they can influence your mood. If you’re feeling irritable or depressed more often than not, and you’re not sure why, it could be hormonal.
YOU SUDDENLY GET A BEER BELLY
Sudden and noticeable increases in body fat, particularly in the belly area, can also be an indication that your t-levels aren’t where they should be. Low testosterone has also been associated with enlargement of breast tissue, so if you experience unusual growth in your chest area, that’s another warning sign.
If you experience some or all of the above signs, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to get your testosterone levels checked via a blood test. Anything below 300 ng/dL is considered too low. Making healthy lifestyle changes like eating a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and getting adequate sleep every night can all go a long way toward boosting your levels. You may also want to consider supplementing with Testofen-brand Fenugreek, a natural herb that helps support healthy testosterone levels and has been clinically proven to improve your overall sexual health.