It’s easy to dismiss changes in your mind, body, and energy levels as signs of aging and ignore the possibility that it could be low testosterone. In fact, your T levels signal that you’re getting older by naturally dropping 1 to 2 percent each year once you’re 30. However, some physical, emotional, and sexual signs may indicate lower-than-normal testosterone levels.

The good news is that these issues are pretty typical of men over 30 with low testosterone—and that you have options for combating low T. We’ve listed five common low T problems and solutions you can try to see if they begin to improve your symptoms.

Problem # 1: Fatigue

Do you struggle to find the motivation to get out of bed each morning or play catch with your kids? Do you fall asleep in front of the TV as soon as you get home from work each night? If you’re constantly tired—and it’s affecting your routine, family, and relationships—you may be suffering from low T.

Because your testosterone naturally drops with age, it’s normal to have less energy now than you did when you were a teenager. But, it’s not normal for your T levels to drop so low that your fatigue and lack of energy is getting in the way of your daily activities.

Solutions to Try:

You’ve probably heard that adults need seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. But, when was the last time you slept that long? There are household chores to do, kids to care for, work, and other demands that understandably take away from your time to rest.

Tonight, however, try to go to bed nine hours before you have to wake up (so, if you’ve set your alarm for 6 a.m., call it a night at 9 p.m.). This will help you feel more rested and prepared to take on the next day!

Problem #2: Weight Gain

It’s natural for your metabolism to slow down 2 to 4 percent each year as you get older, causing a little weight gain. So what does weight gain have to do with common low T problems?

According to the Hotze Health & Wellness Center, men with low testosterone typically have more body fat than men with normal T levels. This is because testosterone actually helps your body maintain a healthy metabolism by helping you burn fat more efficiently. So, when your T levels drop, so does your energy and motivation to keep that weight off—which usually causes weight gain.

Solutions to Try:

Remember: It’s normal to have difficulties in maintaining a healthy weight as you get older! But, you still have options for stopping weight gain in its tracks. Pay attention to situations or people who cause unnecessary stress (cortisol), and take time for yourself. Decreasing your stress levels will help you recharge and find the energy you need to fight off unwanted weight.

Eating a healthy diet will also help you manage your weight and increase T levels. You’ll want to introduce changes slowly into your diet, but these 11 superfoods taste great and will help make the switch a lot easier!

Problem #3: Moodiness

Do you have low energy and feel tired all of the time? These symptoms may result in moodiness. If you’re happy one moment, then irritable or sad the next, your loved ones would likely agree that you’re experiencing drastic mood swings.

Experts are still studying the relationship between low testosterone and mental health issues, but a study of 600 elderly Dutch men showed a significant correlation: Those with low T levels were more likely to also experience symptoms of depression.

Solutions to Try:

Your family and friends know you well, so they’ve probably noticed if you’re moodier or more reserved than usual. As uncomfortable as this may be, it may help to communicate with your loved ones if you suspect you may be experiencing sudden mood changes.

If you’re fighting fatigue and mood swings, or you’re often feeling overwhelmed or irritated, you may want to speak to a low testosterone expert who can advise about the effects of medically low testosterone.

Problem #4: Loss of Strength

It’s completely normal to feel as if you’ve lost some muscle as you age. In fact, most people reach their peak muscle mass in their mid-40s. But, if you’ve noticed you’re still gaining weight and losing muscle mass, even though you continue to work out, your loss of strength may be tied to low testosterone.

According to a Mount Sinai Diabetes Center physician, muscle cells have androgen receptors for testosterone, which binds to the receptors to maintain muscle. When testosterone drops, it can’t bind to the receptors as easily, and the body loses muscle.

Solutions to Try:

If you’re not exercising, you’ll want to slowly incorporate workouts into your routine, especially if you’re fighting low energy. It’s okay to start small, with just a couple of trips to the gym each week. Weight training and resistance will give you the biggest, fastest testosterone boost, so pump some iron today!

Getting 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week will help you regain muscle, too. Try walking briskly or biking in addition to your resistance routine, and watch your strength return.

Problem #5: Diminished Libido

We understand that a lower sex drive—and issues with your love life—are extremely personal. Diminished libido is normal in aging men to some extent, but most men maintain at least some sexual desire in their 60s and 70s. If you are under 60 and still desire your partner, but you’re struggling to connect on a physical level, low testosterone may be the culprit.

As you now know, low T levels can contribute to fatigue and a lack of energy. These can both cause various issues for men seeking intimacy: physical complications like erectile dysfunction, emotional issues such as insecurity about your performance, and more.

Solutions to Try:

Ask your partner if they have noticed anything different in this area. Often, our loved ones can spot changes in us before we notice them. It’s understandable that you might be nervous about bringing up the subject, but your partner may already be concerned and willing to help you find a solution.

You can also make an appointment to talk with a low T expert about your symptoms. He or she will be able to help you better understand what’s going on with your symptoms and create an action plan so you can feel more like yourself again.

   

It’s important to remember that one in four men over 30 struggle with low testosterone symptoms—so, you’re not alone.

The solutions we discussed are great options to try on your own. But, if you still aren’t feeling better and are seeking a long-term answer, low T therapy can help.

Volonte helps men regain their health and well-being through low T testing, testosterone replacement therapy, and weight-loss programs.

Call Volonte today to schedule your FREE low T screening, and follow us on Facebook.