Symptoms of Low Testosterone
In Men
As men age, a gradual decline in testosterone is normal. However, when levels drop too low, it can significantly impact your quality of life. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward reclaiming your health. This page is designed to help you identify the common warning signs of low testosterone.
The Common Signs
of Low Testosterone (Low T)
Low T can manifest in many different ways, both physically and mentally. Here are the most common symptoms our patients report:
Low Libido & Sexual Dysfunction
Testosterone is a primary driver of sex drive. A noticeable drop in your interest in sex, or difficulty achieving or maintaining erections, is one of the most common signs of low T.
Persistent Fatigue & Lack of Energy
If you feel tired all the time, no matter how much you sleep, low testosterone could be the culprit. It plays a key role in energy metabolism.
Lack of Motivation & Drive
Beyond just feeling tired, low T can sap your ambition and competitive edge. If you’ve lost your drive at work or for your personal goals, it could be a key hormonal symptom.
Loss of Muscle Mass & Strength
Are you finding it harder to build muscle at the gym, or noticing a decrease in your strength and endurance? Testosterone is essential for the protein synthesis that builds muscle.
Increase in Body Fat
Low T can alter your body’s fat distribution, often leading to an increase in visceral fat around your abdomen.
Mood Swings, Irritability, or Depression
Testosterone has a significant effect on mood regulation. Men with low T often experience unexplained irritability, sadness, or a general lack of enjoyment in life.
“Brain Fog” & Difficulty Concentrating
Feeling like your mind isn’t as sharp as it used to be? Difficulty with memory and focus is a frequently reported neurological symptom of low T.
Poor Sleep Quality
Testosterone plays a role in regulating sleep cycles. Many men with low T report difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrested.
Think You Have Low T? Take the Quiz
This 2-minute self-assessment, the ADAM Questionnaire, is a screening tool used by medical professionals to identify potential symptoms of low testosterone. Answer “Yes” or “No” to see your results instantly.
Ask yourself the following questions…
The Broader Health Risks of Low T
Untreated low testosterone is more than just a quality of life issue; it can contribute to an increased risk of several other significant health conditions over time, including:
- Obesity
- High Cholesterol
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
Frequently Asked Questions
Though a gradual decrease in testosterone levels is a sign of aging, there are other contributing factors to low-T. The lifestyle choices we make have an impact on our overall health. Though there is no exact way to prevent low testosterone, your best strategy is to maintain a healthy & active lifestyle. Consider prioritizing:
- Exercise
The American Heart Association recommends “at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both preferably spread throughout the week.” Add a moderate- to high-intensity resistance training workout 2–3 times a week to reap the full benefits. - A Healthy Diet
Obesity can cause low testosterone. Eat a well-rounded diet complete with proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to help support optimal hormone levels. - Decrease Stress
The American Psychological Association attributes a decrease in testosterone production to “chronic, ongoing stress.” To help keep your levels where they should be, try to find ways to reduce or remove stressors in your life. - Sleep Quality & Sleep Apnea
Much of a man’s daily testosterone is released while he sleeps. If you aren’t getting enough sleep or if you have sleep apnea, chances are you aren’t getting enough testosterone either.
The brain and pituitary gland control the production of testosterone by the testes. From there, testosterone moves through the body via the blood. Testosterone levels change from hour to hour, tending to be highest in the morning and lowest at night. Generally highest during adolescence and early adulthood, as you age, your testosterone level will gradually decline by roughly 1% a year after age 30 or 40.
- Bone growth & density
- Fat distribution
- Muscle strength & mass
- Facial & body hair
- Sex drive
- Sperm production
- Mental health & well-being
- Red blood cell production
- Voice deepening during puberty
The brain and pituitary gland control the production of testosterone by the testes. From there, testosterone moves through the body via the blood. Testosterone levels change from hour to hour, tending to be highest in the morning and lowest at night. Generally highest during adolescence and early adulthood, as you age, your testosterone level will gradually decline by roughly 1% a year after age 30 or 40.
There are a couple ways to determine whether a man has low testosterone:
- A blood test
- Symptoms such as erectile dysfunction, increased body fat, low energy, difficulty concentrating, decreased muscle mass, depressed mood
Low testosterone (male hypogonadism) may have several possible causes. There are two main types of hypogonadism: primary and central (secondary). Though both types result in the same effect (low testosterone), their root causes are different.
Primary hypogonadism occurs when your testicles aren’t producing enough testosterone even though they are still receiving the signal to do so from the brain. Some causes of this type of hypogonadism could be:
- Autoimmune diseases such as Addison’s disease
- Genetic disorders, such as Turner syndrome & Klinefelter syndrome
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Liver & kidney diseases
- Severe infections of your testes
- Hemochromatosis
- Testicular trauma
- Surgery on your penis
- Radiation exposure
- Chemotherapy
- Anabolic steroid abuse
Central hypogonadism occurs when there is a problem with your hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Some causes of this type of hypogonadism could be:
- A tumor in or near your pituitary gland or hypothalamus
- Brain or head injury
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Alcohol use
- Rapid weight loss
- Obesity
- Genetic or autoimmune disorders
- Use of steroids or opioids
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Injury to your pituitary gland or hypothalamus
- Normal aging
- Medications
If you suspect you have low testosterone, it is vital to see a medical provider. With a simple blood test, they can assess your levels and begin the process of identifying the cause.
Though many different forms of testosterone are available, PharmAssist Providers are dedicated to providing the best, individualized treatment available. In addition, you will receive supplemental medications to ensure that your other hormones stay at optimal levels and your body continues to make its own testosterone.
You are not a candidate if you:
- Have a red blood cell disorder
- Prostate cancer or breast cancer
- Compromised kidney or liver function
- Congestive heart failure
- High PSA or a hematocrit greater than 50%
Yes, these include:
- Use of certain medication/drug classes such as opiates, suboxone methadone.
- Sleep Apnea
- Obesity
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The Next Step is Clear.
Recognizing your symptoms is the first step, and you’ve already done the hard part. The next step is to get a definitive answer from a medical professional. Schedule your consultation today to speak with our provider, or learn more about our medically-supervised TRT program.
