1. Screening for the Male Hormone
While males and females both have the testosterone hormone, males have it significantly higher amounts. Testosterone levels begin to rise during puberty, as evidenced by the growth of facial and body hair, increased musculature and a deepening voice. Testosterone also affects the male sex drive and sperm production. Up to five million men in the U.S. may experience low testosterone. For most men, testosterone begins dropping slightly around age 30, although men usually don't experience a sudden, significant drop. A blood test can determine testosterone levels. If levels are low, it's a treatable condition with testosterone replacement therapies in the form of injections, patches or a clear gel absorbed through the skin.
2. Know Age Appropriate Development
Puberty starts at 12 for some boys, but not until 16 for others. Regardless of whether a young man is an early or late bloomer, he can expect many changes in his body and emotional drives. If these changes don't occur or occur slowly, the boy may have low testosterone levels. The most obvious sign of low testosterone in teen boys is the slow growth or facial and body hair. Other symptoms of low testosterone include a lack of muscle development, abnormal genital development and a voice that doesn't deepen.
3. Disappearing Sex Drive
Men may first suspect that something is wrong when they experience a waning sex drive or erectile dysfunction. Some men are hesitant to discuss sexual problems with anyone, even their physician, although nearly 10% of men over 50 have problems with impotence. However, experts state that low testosterone can also lead to other physical symptoms, such as high blood pressure and problems sleeping.
4. The Low Testosterone Mood Connection
Men with low testosterone levels may experience a lack of energy and fatigue that contributes to irritability, depression and difficulty concentrating. It's easy to blame a general rundown feeling on stress at work or home, but if fatigue doesn't improve with time off, you should see a doctor. Sometimes, emotional symptoms have a physical cause like low testosterone.
5. Measure Yourself
Without adequate amounts of male hormone, men lose muscle mass and strength. Physical endurance might be low, but even if you stick to an exercise and strength training program, you'll notice that you can't seem to add muscle to your body and that recovery time takes longer than it used to. Eventually, bone density decreases and this could cause osteoporosis. This condition affects a man's posture, reduces his height and places him at risk for fractures.
