What's the Deal with Low Testosterone?
The Online Buzz
Low testosterone is a hot topic online, but most of what people say about it is not backed by science. Many videos and posts claim to have the answers, but the truth is much more complicated.
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone that helps with:
- Muscle growth
- Energy levels
- Sex drive
Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, is a real medical condition. It is more common in:
- Older men
- Those who are overweight
- People with poorly managed type 2 diabetes
Prevalence and Symptoms
It is hard to say exactly how many people have low testosterone. Different studies use different methods and definitions.
- Some studies say that between 2% and 5.6% of men aged 40–79 have low testosterone with symptoms.
- Other studies say that 38.7% of men over 45 have low testosterone levels in their blood, but they may not have any symptoms.
Doctors do not routinely check testosterone levels during a physical exam. The real reason is that low testosterone is not very common in the general population. Also, test results can be unreliable.
Symptoms and Misconceptions
Having low testosterone is only a problem if you have specific symptoms. These symptoms can include:
- Fatigue
- Low libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of muscle mass
But these symptoms can also be caused by other health issues like stress, poor sleep, diabetes, or obesity.
Low testosterone is not the same as "toxic masculinity" or any other social issue. It does not cause people to act in certain ways or seek validation from others. It is also not the reason why you feel run down or stressed out.
Quick Fixes and Misinformation
The idea of boosting testosterone is not new. In the 1800s, people sold snake oil as a cure for lack of strength and energy. In the 1920s, some people even tried to treat lack of virility by injecting goat glands into the testicles.
Today, people sell herbs and supplements like Tongkat Ali, ginger, and Jamaican Chaney Root as testosterone boosters. But there is not much evidence that these herbs work. A review of 32 studies found that only two herbs, Fenugreek and Ashwagandha, showed any promise. But the research is not very strong.
When to See a Doctor
If you think you have low testosterone, you should talk to your doctor. Do not take herbs or listen to influencers. Some symptoms of low testosterone include:
- Significant decrease in libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Depression
- Unexplained swelling or tenderness of the breast tissue
- Loss of body or facial hair
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
- Infertility
But other symptoms, like not enjoying bitter food or not getting a boner when you're holding hands, likely have other causes.
