A medical professional has shared what he believes to be the most ‘dangerous’ indicator of low testosterone levels.
Recently, discussions about low testosterone have gained traction within wellness circles.
Hormones function as chemical messengers in the body, delivering instructions that regulate various processes, from energy to mood. A drop in testosterone can significantly influence both bodily and mental functions.
Beyond just sexual health, there is a growing interest in understanding how testosterone influences other aspects of life.
Dr. Eric Berg DC is an advocate for raising awareness about low testosterone. He elaborates on the symptoms of low testosterone: “Testosterone is not just a sex hormone, it’s a metabolic hormone. It also supports dopamine, which is the hormone that gets you to ‘want things’.”
The Urology Care Foundation lists common indicators of low testosterone, such as decreased libido, fatigue, reduced muscle mass, irritability, erectile dysfunction, and depression.
Dopamine plays a role in reinforcing behaviors by signaling satisfaction, contributing to alertness. It’s released when the brain anticipates pleasure, encouraging repeated behavior.
Testosterone supports dopamine function in the brain, affecting motivation, reward-seeking behaviors, mood, focus, and overall drive and purpose.
This interaction is crucial because, as Dr. Berg points out, testosterone and dopamine work together to regulate motivation, reward-seeking, and mood. He highlights:
“The most dangerous sign of low testosterone is loss of drive,” Dr. Berg notes. “You have less ambition, less motivation, less endurance.”
He further explains that the impact goes beyond just motivation: “When men lose testosterone as they age, they lose that ability to get up and go, leading to more weight gain, mental sluggishness, and overall decreased health.”
WebMD also notes that fatigue is a potential consequence of low testosterone, manifesting as a lack of energy to perform usual activities.
Other potential symptoms include difficulty concentrating, mood shifts, sleep disturbances, reduced bone density, thinning body hair, increased body fat, muscle mass changes, and mental fog.
For those seeking natural ways to enhance testosterone, Dr. Berg recommends three approaches:
It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements and to address persistent fatigue. More information on low testosterone can be found here.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, assistance is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 for 24-hour crisis support or webchat at 988lifeline.org. The Crisis Text Line can also be reached by texting MHA to 741741.