Testosterone is a male sex hormone, primarily produced in the testicles. Many male developmental aspects during puberty, like deep voice, facial and body hair, increased bone density etc, attribute to this hormone. Generally, testosterone levels peak during early adulthood and adolescence. However, with age, testosterone levels in the body start to dip. Testosterone levels begin to decline when men hit 30-40 years old. Typical aging is a notable cause of low testosterone levels. It is, however, not the sole reason. Here are other potential causes of low testosterone:
Other causes of low testosterone
- Chemotherapy
- Tumours in the pituitary glands
- Injury hindering blood supply to the testes
- Infection of the testes
- Some medications like opioids
- Obesity or excessive weight loss
- Kallman syndrome
- Klinefelter syndrome
What are the tell-tale signs of low testosterone?
The only sure way to diagnose low testosterone is going for a test at your doctor’s. That said, some symptoms point to low testosterone. If you have any of the symptoms below, you may want to book an appointment with your doctor to check if your hormone levels are within the acceptable range. Let’s look at some symptoms to look out for:
- Problems with memory and concentration
- Feeling depressed often and having a low sense of well-being
- Extreme fatigue
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Being irritable and moody
- Decreased muscular strength
- Increased body fat
- Breast development in males
- Reduced body hair
- Infertility, etc.
The emotional impact of low testosterone
The impact of low testosterone can happen on an emotional level. Mood swings, irritability and loss of self-worth are the more common emotional implications of dealing with Low T. Someone with low testosterone levels needs all the help and emotional support possible. There are several ways to show support for a partner with low testosterone. Here are some of them:
How to support a partner with low testosterone
Consider hormone replacement therapy
Testosterone therapy will reverse the impacts of hypogonadism. It will counter symptoms of low testosterone. Help your partner identify a doctor that will advise you on the different TRT options. Encourage your partner to do frequent follow-up check-ups. There are other types of treatment including ed wave therapy to help with erectile dysfunction.
Try to encourage them to be patient with the treatment
Symptoms of low testosterone can take a toll on anyone. There are some ways to manage the symptoms. But granted, they do not work overnight. Try to encourage your partner to be patient as they wait for positive outcomes.
Advise your partner to exercise
Medical intervention helps counter low testosterone symptoms. Aside from medical treatments, exercise too is a potent way to help deal with the symptoms. Encourage your partner to start a sustainable exercise routine. They can begin with modest exercise, especially if they are new to the exercise world. Slowly, they can ramp up the intensity over time.
Be present for them during doctors’ appointments
Be present for your spouse during their treatment phase. Be open to discussing the treatment options available to arrive at the best fit for you. Some low T symptoms affect you personally. It is necessary to play an active role in decision making. Aside from going over the treatment options together, prioritize going with them to the doctors’ appointments. It allows you to air any concerns you may have.
Avoid making it about yourself
Some symptoms of low T, like low sex drive, may threaten your self-worth. You may feel like it is your fault, but you do not have to. As their partner, show support and avoid taking things personally. Do not blame yourself because the symptoms do not reflect how attractive your partner finds you. It is also no indicator of the strength of the relationship.
Seek couple’s therapy
Coping with low T is no easy feat. It can impact mental health for both of you. Seeking couples therapy can help you through this challenging phase of the relationship. You can express your feelings in an environment where a professional allows you to be open and heal. Therapy will help you unlock better ways to communicate with each other freely. It also makes it easier for you to work as a team as you find a lasting solution.
Unlock new ways to be intimate
Intimacy is more than sex. Identify other ways to maintain intimacy in your relationship and keep the fire burning.
Conclusion
Dealing with low testosterone can take a toll on someone’s mental and emotional well-being. Fortunately, there are ways to counter the symptoms. It also helps to find support from your closest people like your partner to encourage you along the way.
