Testosterone plays a major role in the body’s everyday health and functionality, and a decrease in the hormone could cause a number of symptoms to arise. But, while the physical effects might be a little easier to see and diagnose, low T levels could be influencing your social health and relationships in ways you don’t realize.
But, don’t worry. Staying educated and finding the right treatment can help you get your low testosterone levels back to normal. Keep an eye out for these four ways low testosterone affects your love life.
Low Energy
One of the most common complaints from men with low testosterone is decreased energy levels. While feeling tired and worn-out is perfectly normal from time to time, chronic fatigue could be a sign you’re dealing with low T levels.
You might notice any or all of the following due to a lack of energy:
- You no longer enjoy some of your favorite activities.
- You’re struggling to make it through the day.
- You just don’t feel up to socializing and being active like you normally are.
- You find yourself falling asleep on the couch or in your chair after work.
Acknowledging that your decreased energy is more than just a little exhaustion can help you keep low testosterone from having a negative effect on your relationships.
Changes in Mood
Another one of the four ways low testosterone affects your love life is by causing a number of mental and emotional changes, including anxiety and irritability. One study even found that men suffering from low testosterone were more likely to experience symptoms of depression.
Mood swings and mental changes can cause confusion and difficulty communicating with your partner, which can make any relationship suffer. Often, the people closest to you will start to notice these symptoms more quickly than you do, so it’s important to listen to your loved ones. Talking with your doctor to find ways to combat these symptoms can help you start feeling like the old you again.
Decreased Sex Drive
Along with low energy and emotional changes, one of the most common symptoms associated with low testosterone is a decrease in sex drive, or libido. While this is generally normal for any aging male, a significant decrease in sex drive at any age could be rooted in low T levels.
Many men suffering from low testosterone report that they still find their partners desirable, but the drive is no longer there. And, although there is no direct link between low testosterone and erectile dysfunction, low T levels are thought to contribute to many conditions that lead to erectile dysfunction. These symptoms can put strain on any relationship if not addressed.
Insecurity
Along with a lowered sex drive, decreased energy, and mood swings—men with low testosterone can also experience weight gain, lack of body hair, gynecomastia (development of breast tissue), decreased muscle mass, and other physical symptoms. Dealing with these changes can cause insecurity about both your physical and emotional state and affect the way you interact with your romantic partner. Thankfully, there are a number of different treatment options available to help you get your T levels regulated and your confidence back.
Staying educated about these four ways low testosterone affects your love life is key to taking the steps needed to overcome the problem. Speak with your significant other, record your symptoms, and call us to talk about testosterone replacement therapy, and let us help you keep your relationships strong and healthy.
