Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Low Testosterone Levels Cause Weight Gain?
Question: Hello. What is the truth about the vicious circle of weight gain and low testosterone? My own level was found to be half of the proper level a few years ago. Now that I am 60, is there any merit to obtain testosterone injections to defeat the suppression of testosterone by fat? Especially if dieting doesn't do it, and. extensive exercise is impractical? Thank you.
Brief Answer:
About low testosterone levels:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking on HCM!
You are right, one of the most common side effects of low testosterone is weight gain.
It is not approved as a medication to loose weight, but in persons who have low testosterone ( confirmed biologically) and symptoms of low testosterone, treatment to correct the low level is recommended.
Rather obesity is a cause or a consequence of low testosterone is difficult to say, because at your age low testosterone level is a common finding.
So, we can not say that after loosing weight you will not need testosterone injections any more.
You may need lower doses.
Hope the information will help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
About low testosterone levels:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking on HCM!
You are right, one of the most common side effects of low testosterone is weight gain.
It is not approved as a medication to loose weight, but in persons who have low testosterone ( confirmed biologically) and symptoms of low testosterone, treatment to correct the low level is recommended.
Rather obesity is a cause or a consequence of low testosterone is difficult to say, because at your age low testosterone level is a common finding.
So, we can not say that after loosing weight you will not need testosterone injections any more.
You may need lower doses.
Hope the information will help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thank you very much. Why wouldn't it be a good idea to help lose weight if as in my case the level is only 275? Are there side effects of testosterone injections? Are there any natural methods for increasing testosterone?
If a person has other low hormones it is recommended to increase it, do why not testosterone too? My brother went on a diet for a year and lost 40 pounds, but he probably has low testosterone too and doesn't look so good. Isn't that why most people who diet gain it back?
If a person has other low hormones it is recommended to increase it, do why not testosterone too? My brother went on a diet for a year and lost 40 pounds, but he probably has low testosterone too and doesn't look so good. Isn't that why most people who diet gain it back?
Brief Answer:
Some more info about low testosterone;
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back,
To increase naturally the testosterone level, take a daily zinc supplement containing no less than 11 mg of zinc per day; this is the dose recommended by the USDA for men over 50. Even a moderate zinc deficiency can cause your testosterone levels to plummet.
The most common side effects of testosterone therapy ( injections and other forms) are;
- Urination symptoms such as a decreased stream or frequency
-Increased risk of developing prostate cancer
-Breast enlargement
-Increased risk of blood clots
-Increased aggression and mood swings
-May increase risk of heart attack and stroke
That is why a careful clinical examination is needed before starting it.
Regarding to other low hormonal levels, please specify them, because a low thyroid hormone level may be exacerbate the low testosterone level.
About the weight loss: as i explained you above, at your age the testosterone level is expected to be 30% lower than in adults. In obese people this deficiency is higher. So regardless of weight loss, testosterone deficiency may still persist.
Hope i have answered your queries.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta
Some more info about low testosterone;
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back,
To increase naturally the testosterone level, take a daily zinc supplement containing no less than 11 mg of zinc per day; this is the dose recommended by the USDA for men over 50. Even a moderate zinc deficiency can cause your testosterone levels to plummet.
The most common side effects of testosterone therapy ( injections and other forms) are;
- Urination symptoms such as a decreased stream or frequency
-Increased risk of developing prostate cancer
-Breast enlargement
-Increased risk of blood clots
-Increased aggression and mood swings
-May increase risk of heart attack and stroke
That is why a careful clinical examination is needed before starting it.
Regarding to other low hormonal levels, please specify them, because a low thyroid hormone level may be exacerbate the low testosterone level.
About the weight loss: as i explained you above, at your age the testosterone level is expected to be 30% lower than in adults. In obese people this deficiency is higher. So regardless of weight loss, testosterone deficiency may still persist.
Hope i have answered your queries.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
I forgot to mention that I have not tested my testosterone a second time, but for a year or two I take 30mg tablet of zinc citrate. But I haven't been losing much weight anyway. Should I double the amount to 60mg?
Brief Answer:
check testosterone level;
Detailed Answer:
I would recommend to check testosterone level and thyroid function too.
One of the causes of weight gain or difficulty in losing weight is an underactive thyroid.
If the testosterone level is decreased in comparison with the previous result, i would recommend to start testosterone therapy rather than increasing zinc dose.
If course, your treating physician should approve it before.
Kind Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
check testosterone level;
Detailed Answer:
I would recommend to check testosterone level and thyroid function too.
One of the causes of weight gain or difficulty in losing weight is an underactive thyroid.
If the testosterone level is decreased in comparison with the previous result, i would recommend to start testosterone therapy rather than increasing zinc dose.
If course, your treating physician should approve it before.
Kind Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you. If the endocrinologist were to suggest injections, what effect would I notice, especially on weight? When I last did my regular blood test a few months ago for life insurance my thyroid numbers were normal.
Brief Answer:
The weight will decrease after months of treatment;
Detailed Answer:
Well, thyroid is excluded than, as a cause of weight gain or low testosterone.
The effect of testosterone therapy on weight gaing is gradual, within 6 month of treatment fat accumulated in the abdominal area is expected to be reduced.
At the other hand, the muscular force will increase and you will have more energies to do physical activity, which of course will be more efficient.
Will be a pleasure to answer further questions at any time.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta
The weight will decrease after months of treatment;
Detailed Answer:
Well, thyroid is excluded than, as a cause of weight gain or low testosterone.
The effect of testosterone therapy on weight gaing is gradual, within 6 month of treatment fat accumulated in the abdominal area is expected to be reduced.
At the other hand, the muscular force will increase and you will have more energies to do physical activity, which of course will be more efficient.
Will be a pleasure to answer further questions at any time.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
