Signs of Low Testosterone in Men

Testosterone slowly declines with age, and some men fall below the normal range. Low testosterone can affect energy, sex drive, mood, muscle and body fat, and the signs are easy to blame on stress or getting older.

Common signs

• Low sex drive
• Erectile changes and fewer morning erections
• Fatigue and low motivation
• Loss of muscle and strength
• More belly fat
• Irritability or low mood
• Poor sleep
• Trouble concentrating
• Breast tenderness or enlargement

Explore each one in our low testosterone symptoms guide.

What causes it?

Aging, obesity, type 2 diabetes, untreated sleep apnea, some medications, opioid use and problems with the testes or pituitary gland can all lower testosterone.

How it is diagnosed

Testosterone is highest in the morning, so it should be tested then, and a low result should be confirmed with a second test. Many guidelines use a total testosterone below about 300 ng/dL, along with symptoms, as the threshold. Related labs help find the cause.

Treatment options

Lifestyle changes like losing weight, better sleep and strength training can raise testosterone. When levels are confirmed low, testosterone replacement therapy, including testosterone pellets, may help, with regular labs to keep treatment safe.

Have questions about your hormones or weight? Julie Bernell, MD, sees women and men from Kingwood, The Woodlands and the Lake Houston area at our New Caney office. Call 281-319-4111 or request an appointment.

This article is for general education and does not replace individualized medical advice.