Symptoms of low testosterone in a man—especially low energy levels, moodiness, and reduced sex drive—are usually first noticed by a spouse or significant other. Men tend to shrug symptoms off until they start to affect their work and home life.

As an added bonus, men are well known for “living in denial” when it comes to health, mood, and energy level changes. Because of this, it can be hard to approach your spouse when you think he may need medical intervention to feel better.

If you think your husband may be suffering from low testosterone symptoms, there are a few warning signs you can watch for. If you’ve noticed these changes in your partner, then it may be time to encourage him to consult a testosterone specialist.

1. He’s more tired.

Have you recently noticed a change in your husband’s energy? Has he passed on playing catch with the kids, or does he fall asleep during his favorite shows? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” and it’s uncharacteristic of your spouse, it may be due to low T.

The most common side effect of low testosterone in men is decreased energy. Because testosterone is the most dominant male hormone, it’s responsible for regulating many mental and physical functions, including hair and muscle growth, mood and memory, red blood cell production, and bone mass regulation. So, when a man’s body starts producing less T, his body has to work harder to keep all everything functioning properly. As a result, his brain and body gets tired more quickly, his energy slows down, and his motivation plummets.

2. He’s more irritable.

Has your husband been more irritable lately? Does he get easily annoyed by little things, or is he more prone to arguments and picking fights?

Irritability is another common side effect of low testosterone in men. The male brain is covered in testosterone receptors, so when your man is low on this important hormone, it takes a toll on his mental and emotional health. As a result, your man may experience higher levels of irritability, impatience, anxiety, lack of concentration, or even depression. These can have serious consequences on a man’s mental state, so pay close attention if your husband begins to show these signs.

3. He’s gaining weight.

Has your husband put on a bit of weight recently? Has he been more self-conscious about his appearance, or has he injured himself or felt weak?

Weight gain is typical in men experiencing low T levels. Other side effects on your man’s physical appearance can include a loss of body hair, gynecomastia (development of breast tissue), and decreased muscle mass. Low testosterone also causes a loss in strength and fragile bones — making him more prone to injury.

Because testosterone is responsible for the makeup of a man’s physical features from a young age, it can be extremely hard on your husband when those things begin to change. Therefore, he may become more self-conscious about his appearance, causing him to withdraw from social interactions and conversations concerning his build.

4. He’s more distant.

Has your husband been more distant from you lately? Have you struggled with intimacy in your marriage, or has he seemed less interested in sex? Has it been challenging to connect with him?

If your husband falls into any of these categories, it’s likely that it’s a result of low T levels. Connecting emotionally and physically with your spouse is a vital part of every marriage; so, when it feels like this aspect of your relationship is at risk, it can be hard on both you and your husband.

As a wife, this distance in your marriage can cause you to feel confused, unwanted, or even frustrated. While these feelings are normal and justified, it’s important to remember that physical and emotional distance is likely a result of a hormonal imbalance—and not your spouse’s feelings or intentions. If this is a serious issue in your marriage, be honest with your partner, remember it’s not anyone’s fault, and be patient with him as he copes with low libido and an inability to connect emotionally.

So what do I do?

If you relate to any of these scenarios, then it may be time to talk to your husband about the probability of low testosterone. The reality is that if you’ve noticed these changes in your partner, then he’s already noticed them, too—he just may need a little prodding to admit it. However, you will need to approach the conversation carefully since he likely feels self-conscious and potentially embarrassed by these changes.

At the end of the day, prolonged low testosterone can be harmful to male health. So, having the conversation is important for your husband’s well-being. When approaching the topic, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• • Approach it as “our” problem, not “your” problem.

• • Remain calm and non-judgemental.

• • Be honest about your emotions so he feels comfortable to be honest about his.

• • Tell him you’re concerned about his health, and you think it’s important that he gets checked out.

• Most importantly, be sure he knows you love and support him and that you want what’s best for him.

If your husband’s testosterone levels are low, restoring them to a healthy range can help him feel more like himself again. If your husband is fighting low energy, weight gain, muscle loss, or a lower libido, he may be one of the millions of men that struggle with symptoms of low testosterone. You can help by asking questions, listening, and encouraging him. Assessing the situation and discussing your options as a couple can help get your relationship back on track and restore his health to optimal levels!

Volonte helps people 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 .