Reduced Muscle Mass and Increased Body Fat
Testosterone is involved in muscle growth. Moreover, a decrease in muscle mass is another low testosterone symptom that men might notice over time. In medical terms, this condition is called muscle wasting, which is already a late indication of low testosterone.
Yet even before you see muscle wasting, you could feel less energetic and vigorous. This is because androgen receptors are testosterone receptors found in muscle cells. The receptors are bound by testosterone, which maintains muscle fibers. With low testosterone levels, muscle maintenance halts, resulting in muscle wasting.
According to a medical journal, lacking testosterone levels can lead to gaining weight. It is mainly due to increased fat deposits in the abdomen. These fat deposits in the abdomen produce aromatase, an enzyme released by fat cells.
This enzyme produces estrogen from testosterone. When estrogen is present, extra fat is subsequently stored in your thighs, chest, and hips. Excessive body fat depletes testosterone, creating a potentially vicious cycle.
What makes this situation worse is that low testosterone symptoms also include fatigue, lethargy, and depression. These symptoms can make it harder to exercise and build muscles.
