Feeling tired, losing interest in sex or noticing more belly fat? These changes are easy to blame on stress or age. However, they can also be low testosterone symptoms. In this guide, we explain the common signs, what can cause low testosterone and how a simple blood test can give you answers.
What Is Low Testosterone?
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone. It helps with sex drive, muscle, bone strength, energy and mood. Low testosterone, also called low T or hypogonadism, means your body does not make enough of it. According to the Urology Care Foundation, a total level below 300 ng/dL is generally considered low.
Common Low Testosterone Symptoms
Low T can affect your body, your mood and your sex life. Common signs include:
- Low sex drive: less interest in sex than usual.
- Erection problems: trouble getting or keeping an erection.
- Fatigue: feeling tired even after a full night of sleep.
- Less muscle: losing strength or muscle size, even with exercise.
- More body fat: especially around the belly.
- Mood changes: feeling irritable, down or less motivated.
- Poor focus: trouble concentrating or remembering things.
- Less body hair: including thinner facial or body hair.
Of course, many other health problems can cause these same signs. That is why testing matters.
What Causes Low Testosterone?
Testosterone slowly drops with age, often starting in your 30s or 40s. In addition, other factors can lower it, such as:
- Extra body weight and type 2 diabetes
- Poor sleep or sleep apnea
- Certain medicines, such as opioids or steroids
- Injury to the testicles or problems with the pituitary gland
The good news is that some of these causes can improve. For example, losing extra weight may help raise testosterone levels for some men.
How Is Low T Diagnosed?
Symptoms alone are not enough. Instead, your provider will order blood tests, usually early in the morning, when levels are highest. Because levels can change from day to day, the test is often repeated on a second day. Your provider may also check related labs before making a plan.
Treatment Options for Low Testosterone
If your levels are low and you have symptoms, your provider may suggest testosterone therapy. Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, better sleep and strength training, can also help. However, testosterone therapy is not right for everyone. For instance, it can lower sperm count, so men who want children soon should discuss other options. Regular lab checks are also part of safe care.
Men’s Health Care at Allure in Riverside
At Allure Medical Weight Control & Wellness, men’s health care starts with a private consultation. Then, La’Shawnta Jackson, PA-C, reviews your symptoms, orders labs and builds a plan around your goals. We also offer ED treatment, medical weight loss and performance injections. If you are over 40, our men’s health checkup guide shows what else to track.
Learn more about men’s health in Riverside, book a private consultation or call 951-374-0127.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do low testosterone symptoms start?
They can appear at any adult age. However, they are more common after 40, as levels slowly decline.
Can low testosterone cause weight gain?
Yes. Low T is linked to more body fat and less muscle. Likewise, extra weight can lower testosterone, so the two often go together.
Is the visit private?
Yes. Your visit and your questions stay between you and your provider.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Individual results vary, so talk with your provider about your own care.