Testosterone deficiency is a condition characterized by unusually low levels of testosterone within a man's body. This condition, which is also called androgen deficiency or male hypogonadism, can affect male infants, adolescents and adults. Low testosterone levels typically arise as the result of a genetic condition, testicular problems or normal aging. Males who develop any of the signs of testosterone deficiency should seek further evaluation and care from a medical professional.
Genital Abnormalities
Poor testosterone production during fetal growth and development can result in genital abnormalities in male infants. An affected infant may exhibit female genitals, small male genitals or ambiguous genitals, despite the fact that the infant is genetically male, according to MayoClinic.com. Male infants with testosterone deficiency can also develop undescended testicles, a condition in which the testicles stay in the lower abdomen rather than falling normally into place within the scrotum.
Poor Muscle Development
A child's physical growth can also be impacted by low testosterone levels. Affected boys may exhibit poor muscle mass or may have difficulty building muscle. Adult men who experience a gradual decline in testosterone levels during normal aging can also notice a concurrent decrease in muscle mass or strength, the Better Health Channel reports. These signs of testosterone deficiency can contribute to symptoms of increased weakness or fatigue in certain males.
Voice or Body Hair Abnormalities
Young men with testosterone deficiency typically experience puberty later than their healthy male peers. Consequently, men with low testosterone levels can have an unusually high speaking voice or may have thin or sparse facial, body or public hair, according to the The Merck Manual Online Medical Library. These signs of testosterone deficiency typically persist throughout a man's life.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia, or enlarged breast tissue, may be a sign of testosterone deficiency in men, The University of California Los Angeles explains. Swelling or growth of the breast tissue can be embarrassing, especially to younger adolescent men with this condition. Certain men can also experience breast tenderness or discomfort due to abnormal breast tissue growth.
Sexual Complications
Adolescent and adult males with low testosterone levels can experience sexual complications as symptoms of this condition. Affected men may have an unusually small penis or testicles, MayoClinic.com reports. Additionally, men with testosterone deficiency can experience erectile dysfunction, a condition characterized by recurrent difficulties achieving or maintaining an erection during sexual stimulation. Men may also be infertile due to poor sperm production. These sexual complications can contribute to a decrease in a man's sexual interest or libido.
Osteoporosis
Testosterone is also involved in the maintenance of bone strength in men. Males who have low levels of testosterone are at risk of experiencing a significant decrease in bone mass, a condition called osteoporosis, the Better Health Channel warns. Osteoporosis can cause a man to be more susceptible to fractures and can result in back pain or noticeably poor posture.
Hot Flashes
Low testosterone levels can cause hot flashes in men with this condition. Hot flashes are uncomfortable and may cause affected men to wake frequently throughout the night drenched in sweat. Certain men may also begin to sweat more frequently throughout the day while at work, home or the gym.
Mood-Related Changes
Men with testosterone deficiency may become unusually depressed, lethargic or irritable due to low testosterone levels, the University of California Los Angeles explains. Affected men can also have difficulty focusing or concentrating while at home or work.
