Testosterone is crucial for building muscle and boosting your sex drive. It is also necessary for the maintenance of bone mass, the formation of red blood cells and other body functions.

This hormone stimulates penile tissues to produce nitric oxide, which triggers various reactions that cause an erection.

Hormone receptors actually exist throughout the body, from the brain to the bones and blood vessels, Men’s Health reports.

For these reasons, morning sex is the tastiest and most beneficial for health.

So if your levels are low, also known as low testosterone, the health consequences could extend beyond the gym and the bedroom, says UW Medicine endocrinologist Bradley Anawalt, MD, who is a spokesperson for the Endocrine Society.

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Eight signs and symptoms of low testosterone

Below are the common signs and symptoms of low testosterone in men. Women may also experience some of the following:

1. Problems with erection

The following factors can cause erectile dysfunction:

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2. Your belly is growing

A decrease in testosterone can cause an increase in body fat. Photo: Istock

“Low testosterone reduces your motivation to go out and do things, which can cause weight gain,” says Dr. William Nall. Excess body fat can lower testosterone levels through a complex interplay of hormones and enzymes.

3. Decreased bone mass

Testosterone helps in the production of bone tissue and the maintenance of bone volume. And when it decreases, it can cause this volume to decrease, which can make bones more brittle.

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4. Reduction in the size of the testicles

A man with low testosterone may notice a decrease in the size of his testicles that is not related to cold temperatures. The scrotum may also be softer than usual.

The scrotum may also be softer than usual. Photo: Istock

5. Reduction of the amount of semen

Testosterone helps stimulate sperm production. Because this fluid makes up the bulk of the male ejaculate and helps the sperm move towards the egg. Decreased semen levels can also indicate fertility problems.

6. Decrease in muscle mass

Testosterone plays a role in the development of muscle mass, and reduced levels of the hormone can cause a significant loss of muscle mass.

When your testosterone levels drop, your body goes into a catabolic state, breaking down muscle tissue instead of building it. Photo: Nastco

However, while low testosterone causes weight loss, muscle function and strength are not reduced, according to the findings of a 2016 review.

7. Decreased energy levels

Low testosterone can cause decreased energy levels and fatigue. A person may feel tired, even after adequate rest, or may develop less interest in exercise or activity.

A doctor may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy if a person exhibits multiple symptoms. Photo: Istock

8. Increase in body fat

A decrease in testosterone can cause an increase in body fat. In some cases, men with hormone deficiency develop gynecomastia, which causes breasts to enlarge.

Low testosterone does not always have symptoms and some people only notice it after a routine physical examination with blood tests.

However, anyone experiencing one or more of the symptoms described above should seek medical attention.