Testosterone is considered a primary male hormone, though both genders have it, men have much higher levels compared to women. Testosterone regulates bodily processes such as the production & development of sperm, sex drive, and distribution of fat in the body; bone mass, production of blood cells, and muscle size & strength. As the name suggests it's produced by the testes and contributes to male sexuality, insufficient testosterone in a man renders him infertile. Studies have shown that testosterone levels begin to drop between the ages of 30-40 at a pace of 1 percent every year. How can you tell that your testosterone levels are dipping? The following symptoms are indicators of low testosterone in men

Decreased Libido

The desire for sex decreases in men with low levels of testosterone. Erections that have in the past occurred naturally will also reduce especially those that occur at night when sleeping. The affected person also will have difficulty in getting an erection. The sexual performance will also dip, and if the levels are deficient, it will cause infertility. Reduced testosterone also lowers sperm count.

Depression/Mood swings

Reduces sex drive coupled with fatigue is most likely to leave a man depressed. They feel more tired than usual, feel empty, and their self-esteem goes down. They are also more irritable and grumpy. Low testosterone levels also affect cognitive functions like memory and attention spans.

Body changes

Testosterone transforms a boy into a man. At puberty, it helps boys grow hair on their chests, break voices, build muscle and bones. When testosterone starts to diminish, body hair reduces. The bones also become fragile due to the reduction in bone density. It also affects muscle mass, which lowers muscle strength. Body fat especially in the abdominal area goes up and can also cause breast tissue tenderness. It also leads to lethargy and fatigue, can also cause sweating at night.

Alters sleep patterns

Low testosterone levels change sleeping patterns; it disrupts sleep causing insomnia and reduces sleeping hours. The fatigue associated with low testosterone does not translate to deep sleep. Treatments meant to restore testosterone levels also disrupt sleep patterns.

These symptoms will not be all experienced at your 30th birthday, but rather occur gradually as you age. The symptoms may also be due to other underlying causes such as disease. The good news is there is a treatment to increase testosterone levels.