Low Testosterone: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways
What Causes Low Testosterone
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Diagnosis and Evaluation of Low Testosterone
Treatment Options
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Support for Low Testosterone in Connecticut!

Testosterone plays a crucial role in men’s health, influencing energy levels, muscle mass, mood, and sexual function. Over time, hormone levels naturally decrease, and research indicates that the estimated cross-sectional decline in total testosterone levels is approximately 0.4% per year of age. This gradual drop, along with other health and lifestyle factors, can contribute to noticeable changes in overall well-being. 

Here are the main causes, symptoms, methods of diagnosis, and treatment options to understand.

What Causes Low Testosterone

Low testosterone can happen for different reasons. Understanding the main causes of low testosterone helps explain why hormone levels may drop and what factors can contribute to the issue. 

Age-Related Decline

As men get older, testosterone levels tend to decrease gradually over time. This natural change can bring about certain shifts in overall health and well-being.

• Natural Aging: As part of the normal aging process, the body slowly reduces hormone production. In men, lower testosterone levels can lead to decreases in muscle mass, bone density, and physical ability. Although expected with age, these changes may still cause noticeable effects on energy and overall health.

Medical Conditions

Certain health issues can be direct reasons for low testosterone. When the body is under strain from these conditions, hormone levels may fall.

• Obesity: Extra body fat can interfere with hormone balance and lower testosterone. Fat tissue produces estrogen, which can further suppress testosterone levels. Carrying excess weight may also reduce energy and limit physical activity, worsening the cycle.
• Diabetes: Testosterone deficiency is often seen in men who have diabetes, no matter the type. Insulin resistance also plays a role in influencing testosterone levels.
• Hormonal Disorders: Problems with the thyroid, pituitary gland, or adrenal glands can disrupt testosterone production. These glands control hormone signals, and when they malfunction, testosterone naturally decreases. Early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions can help manage hormone balance.

Injury or Infection of the Testes

Since testosterone is mainly produced in the testes, any damage can have a major effect.

• Testicular Injury: Physical trauma may reduce or stop hormone production. Serious injuries can scar the tissue and make it harder for the testes to function. In some cases, hormone levels never fully recover after damage.
• Infections: Mumps is widely recognized for causing inflammation of the testicles, which may reduce testosterone levels, disrupt sperm production, and lead to infertility. It remains a significant contributor to infection-related infertility, with a high prevalence of exposure.

Certain Medications and Treatments

Some medical treatments and prescribed drugs can interfere with the body’s natural testosterone production, sometimes causing temporary or lasting changes in hormone balance.

• Chemotherapy: Some cancer treatments may lower hormone production. These drugs often harm healthy cells along with cancer cells, which include the hormone-producing cells. Recovery of testosterone after chemotherapy may be slow or incomplete.
• Steroids: Steroids may increase muscle growth, but they can also cause serious side effects. Prolonged use can damage the reproductive system, and in men, this may result in impotence, reduced sperm production, and shrinking of the testicles.
• Prescription Medications: Research on the subject is still limited, but some antidepressant medications have been linked to lower testosterone levels in certain individuals. This effect is generally mild and can often be managed with proper treatment.

Lifestyle Factors

Everyday habits play an important role in hormone balance and can be a key reason behind what makes testosterone low. Choices related to diet, activity level, stress, and sleep often have a direct impact on how well the body produces and maintains testosterone.

• Poor Diet: Eating too much processed food and sugar can lead to weight gain and hormonal imbalance. A lack of nutrients like zinc and vitamin D also harms testosterone production. Over time, these diet choices create long-term health problems that worsen hormone decline.
• Stress: High stress levels increase cortisol, a hormone that works against testosterone. Constant stress keeps cortisol high, which lowers energy and reduces hormone output. Managing stress through relaxation or lifestyle changes can improve testosterone levels.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone can affect the body and mind in many ways. These symptoms may develop slowly over time, making it important to recognize the changes. Some people may notice only one or two symptoms, while others may experience several. 

Physical Symptoms

Low testosterone can affect the body in ways that may be noticed in daily strength, energy, and appearance.

• Fatigue: A person may feel tired most of the time, even after a full night of sleep. This happens because testosterone supports energy levels and stamina in daily activities. Without enough of it, the body can struggle to keep up with regular tasks.
• Reduced Muscle Mass: Testosterone helps the body build and maintain muscle tissue. When levels drop, muscles may shrink or lose their firmness, leading to weaker strength. Over time, this can make physical activities or exercise harder.
• Weight Gain: Low testosterone often causes more body fat to build up, especially in the stomach area. The body’s metabolism slows down, making it easier to gain weight even with little change in diet. This change can also make losing weight more difficult.

Sexual Symptoms

Changes in testosterone levels often influence sexual health and intimacy in noticeable ways.

• Low Libido: A person may lose interest in sexual activity, even if they enjoyed it before. Hormones strongly influence sexual desire, and lower levels reduce that natural drive. This can affect relationships and self-confidence over time.
• Erectile Dysfunction: Low testosterone can make it hard to get or keep an erection. Blood flow and nerve function both depend on balanced hormones, and a drop can interfere with them. This issue may also lead to stress and anxiety about intimacy.

Emotional And Mental Changes

Hormone imbalances can also play a part in how a person feels and reacts emotionally or mentally.

• Depression: Feelings of sadness may become stronger or last longer when testosterone is low. The hormone plays a role in brain chemistry, which affects mood regulation. Without enough of it, people may feel less motivated and less positive.
• Irritability: Small frustrations can feel much bigger when hormone levels are low. This shift may cause frequent mood swings or outbursts that were not common before. Over time, irritability can strain personal and work relationships.
• Poor Focus: Low testosterone can make it harder to concentrate on tasks or remember details. Mental clarity often depends on healthy hormone balance, and a drop can slow brain function. This may lead to reduced productivity or more frequent mistakes.

Long-Term Effects

When testosterone stays low for an extended time, it may lead to more serious and lasting health concerns.

• Bone Loss: Testosterone helps keep bones strong by supporting bone density. When levels drop too much, bones can become fragile and more likely to break. This condition, called osteoporosis, may appear silently without obvious signs at first.
• Infertility: Testosterone is key to healthy sperm production and fertility. Low levels may reduce sperm count or quality, making conception harder. In some cases, it may even cause long-term difficulties in having children.

Diagnosis and Evaluation of Low Testosterone

When low testosterone is suspected, a proper diagnosis is important to confirm the condition and find out the underlying issue. Many men often ask, “Why is my testosterone low?” Diagnosis helps answer these questions and guides the best treatment.

Medical History and Physical Examination

The first step in diagnosis usually involves a complete medical history and a physical check. This helps doctors understand possible health concerns and spot any signs that the body shows.

• Personal Health History: Doctors usually review symptoms, lifestyle, past illnesses, injuries, and medications that might influence hormone levels. They also consider daily habits such as sleep patterns, diet, and stress, since these factors can affect overall health. Collecting this information helps identify potential causes of low testosterone and guides the next steps in diagnosis.
• Physical Examination: The doctor examines muscle mass, body hair, weight changes, and testicular health to look for signs of hormonal imbalance. In some cases, the body shows outward changes such as reduced facial hair or increased abdominal fat. A physical exam can also reveal possible reasons for low testosterone that may not be immediately clear through blood tests alone.

Blood Tests to Measure Testosterone Levels

A blood test is the most reliable way to confirm low testosterone. Since hormone levels can change during the day, doctors usually test blood in the morning when levels are highest.

• Total Testosterone: This test measures the overall amount of testosterone in the blood to see if levels fall within a healthy range. Lower results may be linked to aging, illness, or other underlying conditions. Abnormal readings often prompt doctors to investigate further and determine the source of the imbalance.
• Free Testosterone: This test looks at the active form of testosterone that directly affects body functions. Because this is the portion the body can actually use for energy, muscle growth, and other processes, it provides important insight into hormone health. Low results can reveal issues even when total testosterone levels appear normal.
• Other Hormone Tests: Doctors may also check related hormones to see if glands like the pituitary or thyroid are involved. These organs regulate many essential body functions and play a role in overall hormone balance. Detecting problems here can explain low testosterone that is not solely caused by aging.

Additional Tests to Rule Out Underlying Conditions

Sometimes, more tests are needed to fully understand the problem and to check if another health condition is involved.

• Imaging Tests: scans may be done to look at the pituitary gland or testes if an abnormality is suspected. Images can reveal growths, injuries, or other issues that interfere with hormone production.
• Bone Density Test: measures bone strength, since long-term low testosterone can lead to bone loss. Weaker bones raise the risk of fractures and injuries. Tracking bone health can also reveal what makes testosterone low by showing how long the hormone levels have been affecting the body.
• Screening for Other Conditions: tests for diabetes, obesity, or thyroid problems that may lower testosterone levels. These health issues often go hand in hand with hormonal changes. They also help explain why testosterone is low in men with ongoing medical problems.

Treatment Options

Low testosterone can be managed in several ways depending on the cause, symptoms, and overall health. Treatment usually starts with identifying what causes low testosterone or what makes testosterone low, then choosing the most effective and safest method.

Lifestyle Changes

Healthy lifestyle habits are often the first step in improving testosterone levels. Making adjustments to daily routines can help address common reasons for low testosterone.

• Exercise: Regular physical activity, especially strength training and cardio, supports hormone balance and increases energy. Working out also helps reduce body fat, which is often linked to hormonal imbalances. Over time, consistent exercise can improve overall stamina and mood.
• Diet: Eating a balanced diet with enough protein, healthy fats, and whole foods provides the body with nutrients it needs for hormone production. Nutrient-rich foods like lean meats, nuts, and vegetables can support healthy testosterone function. A poor diet, on the other hand, is one of the common causes of low testosterone.
• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent hormonal imbalances, as excess body fat can affect testosterone levels. Extra fat tissue may convert testosterone into estrogen, reducing hormone balance. Keeping weight under control supports long-term energy and sexual health.
• Stress Reduction: High stress increases cortisol, which can lower testosterone. Reducing stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can make a big difference in hormone stability. Managing stress is also linked to better sleep and improved emotional health.

Medications

In some cases, medical treatments are needed when lifestyle changes are not enough or when a clear medical reason explains why testosterone is low.

• Hormone Replacement Therapy: Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help restore normal hormone levels, improving symptoms such as low energy, mood changes, and sexual health. Doctors usually monitor patients closely to ensure safe and effective treatment. While effective, TRT should be carefully considered since it may not address the original reasons for low testosterone.
• Addressing Underlying Health Issues: Treating conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or other illnesses that may cause low testosterone can improve hormone balance naturally. Correcting these health issues may allow testosterone levels to return to normal without direct hormone therapy.

Other Therapies

Low testosterone not only affects the body but also the mind. Emotional and mental health support is an important part of treatment.

• Counseling: Talking to a mental health professional can help manage depression, anxiety, or irritability linked to low testosterone. Therapy can also provide coping strategies for stress and emotional changes. For many, counseling improves quality of life while medical treatment addresses the physical causes.
• Support Groups: Sharing experiences with others facing similar struggles can provide encouragement and useful advice. Support groups also reduce feelings of isolation by connecting people who face the same challenges. Hearing how others manage their symptoms can motivate healthier choices.

Risks And Considerations Of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

While testosterone replacement therapy can be very effective, it is not without risks. It is important to explore the underlying causes with a healthcare provider before starting TRT.

• Possible Side Effects: TRT may cause acne, sleep problems, or mood changes. Some people also notice fluid retention or changes in red blood cell counts. These side effects should always be discussed with a doctor before starting therapy.
• Individual Assessment: Not everyone is a candidate for TRT. Age, health history, and reasons for low testosterone are important factors in deciding treatment. Careful medical evaluation helps ensure the safest and most effective plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to a guy when he has low testosterone?

When a man has low testosterone, he may feel tired, have less muscle strength, and gain weight more easily. Sexual changes like low sex drive or trouble with erections are also common. Mood swings, irritability, and difficulty focusing can happen too. Over time, bone strength may decrease, raising the risk of fractures.

Can testosterone cause headaches?

Yes, testosterone treatments can sometimes cause headaches as a side effect. This may happen because of changes in hormone levels that affect blood pressure or fluid balance. Headaches are usually mild but should be discussed with a doctor if they persist. Adjustments in treatment may help reduce the problem.

How does a man act when he has low testosterone?

A man with low testosterone may seem more irritable or moody than usual. He might also feel depressed, anxious, or less motivated. Low energy and poor concentration can affect daily life and work performance. These changes in behavior are often linked to the body’s hormonal imbalance.

What is a dangerously low testosterone level?

A dangerously low testosterone level is generally considered below 200 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). At this point, symptoms like extreme fatigue, severe sexual dysfunction, and loss of bone density can appear. Doctors confirm this through blood tests and compare results with normal ranges. Treatment is usually recommended when levels drop this low.

Can low testosterone return to normal?

Yes, in some cases, low testosterone can return to normal, especially if the cause is temporary like stress, weight gain, or illness. Lifestyle changes such as exercise, a healthy diet, and better sleep may help. For others, medical treatments like hormone therapy may be needed to restore balance. Recovery depends on the underlying reason for the low levels.

Get Support for Low Testosterone in Connecticut!

Low testosterone can affect energy, mood, and overall health, but the right care makes a big difference. At BioRestore in Connecticut, we provide treatment plans designed to address what causes low testosterone and help restore balance. Our team focuses on safe and effective therapies, combining lifestyle guidance, medical treatment, and ongoing support. As a trusted provider in Connecticut, we are committed to helping individuals regain strength, confidence, and overall well-being.

Schedule a consultation with BioRestore today and let us guide the way toward better health in Connecticut!