Low Testosterone in Men: When It May Be More Than Aging
Changes in energy, muscle mass, body composition, sexual health, or mood can be easy to dismiss as simply part of getting older. But aging is not always the whole story. In some men, low testosterone may be one piece of the picture, although these symptoms can have many possible causes.
What Does Low Testosterone Mean?
Testosterone levels naturally change with age, but having symptoms does not automatically mean testosterone is low. Testosterone deficiency is generally evaluated by looking at both symptoms and appropriately measured testosterone levels. Because testosterone levels can vary, testing may need to be repeated before a diagnosis is made.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Low testosterone can affect men differently, and symptoms may develop gradually. Some symptoms are more specific to testosterone deficiency than others, while many can also be associated with other health conditions, medications, sleep problems, stress, or aging.
Reduced sexual desire
Erectile difficulties
Fewer spontaneous or morning erections
Decreased energy
Reduced muscle mass or strength
Increased body fat
Mood changes or irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Reduced motivation or sense of well-being
Decreased bone density over time
Why Symptoms Alone Aren’t Enough
Many symptoms associated with low testosterone are not specific to testosterone deficiency. Fatigue, changes in body composition, low mood, reduced motivation, and sexual concerns can also be associated with sleep disorders, thyroid conditions, medications, chronic illness, stress, and other health factors.
That’s why evaluating possible testosterone deficiency involves more than checking symptoms alone. A healthcare provider can consider your symptoms, medical history, medications, and appropriate laboratory testing together to determine what may be contributing.
How Is Low Testosterone Evaluated?
Evaluation typically begins with a discussion of symptoms and medical history along with laboratory testing. Because testosterone levels naturally vary throughout the day, blood testing is generally performed in the morning, when levels tend to be highest.
A single low result is usually not enough to establish a diagnosis. If an initial testosterone level is low, repeat testing may be recommended to confirm the finding. Depending on the individual, additional laboratory testing may also help determine whether another condition could be contributing to the symptoms or low testosterone level.
When Should You Talk With Your Healthcare Provider?
If you’ve noticed persistent changes in sexual health, energy, strength, body composition, mood, or other symptoms that are affecting how you feel or function, it may be worth discussing them with your healthcare provider. These changes do not necessarily mean you have low testosterone, but they may be worth evaluating rather than simply assuming they are a normal part of aging.
Keeping track of your symptoms can help you recognize patterns and give you useful information to bring to that conversation.
Start Tracking Your Symptoms
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References
Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
Bhasin S, Brito JP, Cunningham GR, et al. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2018;103(5):1715-1744.
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Evaluation and Management of Testosterone Deficiency: AUA Guideline
Mulhall JP, Trost LW, Brannigan RE, et al. Journal of Urology. 2018;200(2):423-432.
View Study →
Optimizing Diagnostic Accuracy and Treatment Decisions in Men With Testosterone Deficiency
Bhasin S. Endocrine Practice. 2021.
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Educational Disclaimer
For educational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice from your healthcare provider.