Wondering why you feel so sluggish all the time? There could be a multitude of reasons that play into your feeling of tiredness, such as a lack of sleep, excessive stress, subpar diet and any medications you’re taking. But have you ever considered that the relationship between fatigue and low testosterone might be the reason that you’re feeling less than your usual self?
Fatigue goes a step beyond tiredness. It’s a persistent, overwhelming absence of energy that doesn’t seem to shift, even when you get certain lifestyle changes in place. Will low testosterone cause fatigue in the face of your conscious adjustments? This article will offer more insights into low testosterone fatigue, explaining how the hormone influences long-term energy levels. It will also shed some light on how adjusting your T levels could do wonders for your general state of being.
Does low testosterone cause fatigue?
In short, yes. Testosterone plays an essential role in the body, largely regarding functions related to energy and metabolism. Having healthy T levels in your body will help to maintain a more consistent supply of energy, with lower levels causing a struggle for vitality.
Red blood cell production
This can largely be attributed to the relationship between T and red blood cell production. Without the former, the latter cannot thrive. If red blood cells aren’t thriving, you can start to experience anaemia, leading to reduced oxygen transport and general feelings of weakness.
Muscle mass, strength and power
Reduced testosterone often means reduced muscle mass and strength. This then means that physical activities can become more strenuous and tiring, contributing to full-blown fatigue.
Mental health and motivation
Mental tiredness is a very real thing, and testosterone has a huge impact on mood regulation and psychological drive. Low T can result in brain fog, lack of motivation and even depression, all of which massively contribute to fatigue in the long run.
Metabolism and body fat levels
In line with muscle mass and strength, T levels can also play a significant role in the body’s overall metabolism. This can lead to a buildup of body fat, especially around the belly, which creates a sort of feedback loop – body fat encouraging the conversion of T into estrogen. All of this can contribute to consistent feelings of sluggishness.
Symptoms related to fatigue and low testosterone
If you’re not sure if you’re experiencing fatigue or living with low T, there are a range of symptoms that you can keep an eye out for. It’s worth noting that while these symptoms exist within the venn diagram of the two, related conditions, they might not necessarily be because of either of them.
- Reduced sexual function, encompassing libido and erectile dysfunction
- Depression, irritability, reduced happiness and other forms of low mood
- Loss of body and facial hair
- Poor memory and concentration skills
- Signs of reduced bone density
If you’re noticing these things, or any of the other T-related aspects of fatigue, it might be worth consulting with your doctor.
Does testosterone boost energy?
If low T can play such a big part of your fatigue, can more testosterone help with rebuilding your energy levels? Well, yes! Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) generally provides patients with a new lease on their own energy, aiding with lifestyle aspects like energy and fitness significantly. This will then lead to a better natural increase in testosterone, helping you to create a lifestyle that better sustains your body’s levels consistently.
If you’re not at a level of low T that necessitates TRT, you can try to aid your body with lifestyle changes and supplements. However, if fatigue persists, make sure to talk to your doctor. It could be for a plethora of reasons and figuring that out early is the best way to make things better.
Sex differences in low testosterone diagnoses
Sex differences in low testosterone are significant due to the hormone’s distinct roles in male and female physiology. In men, testosterone is the primary sex hormone, and low levels—often associated with aging or medical conditions—can lead to fatigue, decreased muscle mass, low libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, and reduced bone density. In contrast, women naturally have much lower testosterone levels, but a deficiency can still affect well-being. In women, low testosterone may contribute to reduced libido, diminished muscle strength, fatigue, and mood disturbances, especially after menopause when hormone levels shift. However, the clinical definition and treatment of low testosterone in women remain less well-established, partly due to ongoing debate about what constitutes “normal” levels for females and the more subtle presentation of symptoms compared to men.
Excess testosterone in women can lead to a range of health issues, both physical and emotional. Common symptoms include acne, excessive body or facial hair (hirsutism), and irregular or absent menstrual periods. Over time, high testosterone levels may contribute to infertility and the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that can also increase the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In some cases, elevated testosterone can lead to male-pattern baldness and deepening of the voice. Psychologically, it may cause mood swings, aggression, or depression. Long-term hormonal imbalance may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially if accompanied by other metabolic issues.