Can Low Testosterone Cause Tiredness? Signs and Solutions You Shouldn’t Ignore

Low testosterone levels might contribute significantly to tiredness in men. While fatigue is a common complaint, knowing the relationship between low testosterone and fatigue is critical for properly managing both conditions.

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a sex hormone that is largely generated in men’s testes and women’s ovaries and adrenals. It is essential for the development and maintenance of male physical traits as well as reproductive tissue.

Some key functions of testosterone include:

• Development of male reproductive tissues like the testes and prostate gland
• Stimulating sperm production
• Development of male secondary sex characteristics like facial hair, deep voice, and muscle growth
• Regulating libido or sex drive
• Building bone density and strength
• Production of red blood cells
• Regulating the distribution of fat

Testosterone levels are highest when the body is maturing. They begin to decline naturally after the age of 30 at a rate of around 1% every year. Testosterone is an important hormone that affects men’s physical and mental health.

What are Normal Testosterone Levels?

Individual testosterone levels vary significantly. Adult boys’ normal total testosterone levels vary from normal range of 240 to 950 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Levels peak in the teen years and early twenties. After 30, they begin a slow drop of approximately 1% every year.

By age 40, testosterone levels had dropped by 10% on average. The reduction continues with age, reaching 20% by age 60 and 50% by age 80 compared to peak levels. Although testosterone diminishes normally, levels below 300 ng/dL might cause symptoms of low testosterone.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone can cause and present with a variety of symptoms, including:

• Fatigue in Men: Persistent tiredness and low energy levels, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life, is a common sign of low testosterone.
• Reduced Libido: A significant decrease in sexual desire and activity, leading to changes in sex life.
• Erectile Dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and low energy levels, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life, is a common sign of low testosterone.
• Mood Changes: Increased feelings of depression, irritability, or anxiety, leading to changes in mood.
• Decreased Muscle Mass and Strength: Noticeable loss of muscle and strength.
• Increased Body Fat: Particularly around the abdomen, contributing to more body fat.
• Reduced Bone Density: Making bones more susceptible to fractures and loss of bone mass.
• Cognitive Decline: Problems with concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function, often referred to as testosterone focus problems mood.
• Thinning Body Hair: A noticeable reduction in body hair growth.

These symptoms demonstrate how low testosterone can have significant effects on both physical and mental health. Hormonal abnormalities, such as low testosterone, can also alter the thyroid hormone, which contributes to men’s weariness. Addressing these symptoms with correct diagnosis and treatment can boost overall health and quality of life.

Can Low Testosterone Cause Tiredness in Men?

Research studies indicate a strong association between low testosterone and fatigue. Testosterone is crucial for red blood cell synthesis, energy maintenance, and mood regulation, all of which are directly related to energy levels and tiredness predisposition.

When testosterone levels drop, people may experience a significant drop in energy levels, independent of food or sleep. Thus, prolonged, unexplained tiredness may indicate low testosterone levels and is a common

However, it is critical to remember that tiredness is a frequent symptom linked with a variety of diseases, so check with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and testosterone treatment to avoid potential side effects.

Why Does Low Testosterone Cause Fatigue?

Here are several potential causes for tiredness caused by low testosterone:

• Reduced Red Blood Cell Production: Testosterone promotes the formation of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. Low testosterone levels can cause anemia, which is characterized by a lack of red blood cells, leading to health problems such as chronic fatigue and weakness.
• Reduced Muscular Mass and Strength: Testosterone is essential for growing and maintaining muscular mass. Low testosterone levels can cause muscular atrophy or loss of bone and muscle mass, contributing to low energy in men, fatigue, and poor physical endurance.
• Disrupted Sleep Patterns: TTestosterone can affect sleep quality. Low testosterone levels may cause sleep apnea, which affects sleep patterns and leaves people feeling tired during the day. Additionally, insufficient testosterone may lead to trouble falling and staying asleep.
• Impact on Mood and Motivation: Testosterone can alter mood management. Low testosterone levels may be linked to symptoms of a point sadness depression, and anxiety, which can lead to fatigue and low motivation.

It’s worth noting that low testosterone isn’t the sole reason for fatigue. Other causes that might cause tiredness include sleep difficulties, chronic diseases, and certain drugs.

To establish the underlying and undiagnosed reason of your tiredness, you should consult a healthcare specialist for a full assessment.

Other Causes of Fatigue

Fatigue is a frequent symptom with several possible explanations other than low testosterone. When analyzing symptoms, it is crucial to consider various variables that may contribute to exhaustion.

Sleep Deprivation

One of the leading reasons for fatigue is a lack of enough sleep. Adults require 7-9 hours of sleep every night to maintain good health and wellness. 

Getting less sleep than necessary can lead to persistent fatigue, a lack mental focus and memory and energy, and difficulties concentrating during the day. Establishing excellent sleep habits, such as sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, minimizing screen time before bed, and establishing a relaxing sleep environment, will help ensure enough sleep.

Poor Diet

Diet and nutrition affect energy levels. Fatigue might result from consuming insufficient amounts of nutritious calories and nutrients. A diet deficient in iron, potassium, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and other vital vitamins and minerals might result in low energy. 

Staying adequately hydrated is also important help with unusual fatigue. Eat a healthy diet well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet and drinking enough of water can help combat tiredness.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Fatigue can be caused by various medical illnesses, including anemia, thyroid issues, heart disease, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep apnea, cancer, or autoimmune diseases. Inflammatory diseases, infections, dietary intolerances, hormonal abnormalities, and obesity might also play a role.

Diagnosing and treating underlying medical conditions is critical to addressing unexplained persistent tiredness. Discussing symptoms with a doctor might help discover any underlying health issues.

How to Treat Low Testosterone and Tiredness

If your doctor finds that your fatigue is due to low testosterone, therapeutic options are available to help raise your energy levels

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can be given by injections, gels, patches, or oral forms. Testosterone therapy seeks to restore natural testosterone levels while also improving tiredness, muscular mass, and mood. According to a study, men with TRT reported significantly higher energy levels and less tiredness.

• Injections are typically delivered every two to four weeks.
• Gels: Apply daily to the skin.
• Patches are worn on the skin and changed every 24 hours.
• Oral: Taken in tablet form, although less often used owing to probable liver consequences.

Medications

Treating the underlying causes of low testosterone, such as obesity or diabetes, might indirectly boost testosterone levels. Metformin, for example, is frequently recommended for diabetes control and has been proven to boost testosterone levels in men with type 2 diabetes.

Diet

A balanced diet high in lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs is vital. Foods abundant in zinc (shellfish, meat, and legumes) and vitamin D (fatty fish and fortified foods) are especially advantageous for testosterone synthesis. A research in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism discovered that males who ate a diet strong in these foods had higher testosterone levels.

Exercise

Regular physical exercise, including aerobic and resistance training. Resistance exercise, in particular, including weight-bearing exercise, has been linked to increased testosterone levels naturally. According to a study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology, males who engaged in regular weightlifting activities had significantly higher testosterone levels.

Sleep Hygiene

Improving good night’s sleep and habits by sticking to a consistent sleep schedule and establishing a relaxing atmosphere is critical. Quality sleep is essential for hormone synthesis. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association discovered that males who slept for less than five hours each night over a one-week period had considerably lower testosterone levels than those who slept for a full night’s sleep.

Stress Management

Mindfulness, yoga, and meditation can help lower stress and cortisol levels, which can positively affect testosterone levels. Research found that males who practiced mindfulness-based stress reduction had decreased cortisol levels and increased testosterone levels. As men age, testosterone levels naturally decrease, and managing stress effectively can mitigate some of these effects.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is critical for increasing testosterone levels. Obesity is closely linked to low testosterone. A study discovered that weight loss by diet and exercise resulted in substantial increases in testosterone levels in obese males.

Herbs and Supplements for Testosterone

Some herbs, like ashwagandha and fenugreek, have been examined for their ability to increase testosterone levels. For example, research discovered that males who took fenugreek supplements had higher testosterone levels and improved strength and body composition.

Acupuncture

Some studies show that acupuncture can help balance hormones and alleviate symptoms of low testosterone, although more study is needed in this area. Addressing sexual difficulties and low testosterone through alternative therapies like acupuncture may provide additional benefits as testosterone levels naturally decrease.

FAQ: Low Testosterone and Tiredness

What Causes Low Testosterone in Young Males?

Low testosterone levels in young guys can be caused by hereditary problems (such as Klinefelter syndrome), testicular injuries, infections, pituitary gland abnormalities, and lifestyle variables like obesity and substance addiction.

Does High Testosterone Make You Tired?

High testosterone levels are less typically linked to tiredness. However, excessive amounts might cause aggressive behavior, mood fluctuations, and other problems on the job that may indirectly contribute to fatigue.

How Do You Test for Low Testosterone?

A simple blood test is used to detect low testosterone levels, which include total and free testosterone. It is often a blood test performed in the early morning when testosterone levels are highest.

Why Can Low Testosterone Cause Fatigue?

Low testosterone levels cause fatigue because it regulates red blood cell synthesis, muscle mass maintenance, energy metabolism, and the central nervous system. Deficiencies in these regions result in reduced oxygen transport to tissues, muscular weakness, and interrupted sleep, all contributing to chronic fatigue.

Conclusion

Low testosterone can indeed cause fatigue, impacting both physical activity and mental health. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options is crucial for managing this condition effectively. If you suspect you have low testosterone, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

By addressing low testosterone through lifestyle changes, medical treatment, and managing underlying conditions, individuals can experience significant improvements in energy levels and overall well-being.

If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read this article How Can Low Testosterone Cause Dizziness?

*This information is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice tailored to individual needs.

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526128/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16670164/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2917954/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8823386/