10 Signs You Might Have Low Testosterone and When to Get Tested

Testosterone plays a big role in how men feel every day. It affects energy, mood, muscle strength, and sex drive. When levels drop, things start to feel “off.” You might feel tired all the time, lose focus, or notice changes in your body that don’t make sense.

Low testosterone, or Low T, is more common than most men think. It can happen with age, stress, poor sleep, or certain health issues. But many ignore the symptoms until they start affecting work, relationships, or confidence.

If you’ve been feeling like something’s not right lately, it’s worth learning the signs and knowing when to get tested.

What Is Low Testosterone?

Testosterone is the main male hormone made in the testicles. It controls sex drive, muscle growth, mood, and bone strength. Normal levels usually range between 300 and 1,000 ng/dL, but they can vary depending on age and overall health.

When testosterone drops below that range, it’s considered low testosterone or hypogonadism. This doesn’t always happen suddenly — sometimes it’s a slow decline over years. The symptoms may start small but grow noticeable over time.

Common Signs of Low Testosterone

1. Low Energy and Constant Fatigue

Feeling drained even after a full night’s sleep is one of the first signs. Low testosterone slows down metabolism and reduces stamina. You may find yourself skipping workouts, needing naps, or struggling to focus by mid-afternoon.

2. Decreased Sex Drive

Testosterone fuels sexual desire. When levels dip, libido often drops too. Some men may lose interest in sex altogether or find it hard to stay aroused. While this can happen naturally with age, a sudden change is worth checking.

3. Erectile Dysfunction

Although other factors like stress or heart issues can cause ED, low testosterone is a major contributor. You might notice weaker erections or less frequent morning erections. TRT can often help restore normal function.

4. Mood Swings and Irritability

Hormones affect mental health. Men with low testosterone often report being more emotional, anxious, or irritable. Some also experience mild depression or loss of motivation.

5. Loss of Muscle Mass

If you work out but aren’t gaining muscle — or worse, losing it — testosterone could be the issue. This hormone supports protein synthesis, which builds and maintains muscle. Without enough of it, progress becomes harder no matter how consistent your workouts are.

6. Increased Body Fat

Low T can cause the body to store more fat, especially around the abdomen. It also makes it harder to burn calories efficiently. This shift in body composition is often noticeable even without big changes in diet.

7. Poor Sleep Quality

Men with low testosterone often struggle with sleep. You may find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. In some cases, low T is linked to sleep apnea, which interrupts breathing during rest.

8. Reduced Cognitive Function

Brain fog, poor memory, or slower thinking can be linked to hormonal imbalance. Testosterone supports concentration and mental clarity, so a drop may make tasks feel more difficult than before.

9. Hair Loss

While genetics play a big role in balding, testosterone levels also influence hair growth. Some men with low T experience faster hair thinning or less facial and body hair.

10. Low Confidence or Motivation

One of the most subtle but telling signs is loss of drive — both at work and in personal life. When testosterone drops, so does dopamine response, which affects motivation and overall outlook.

Causes of Low Testosterone

Low T doesn’t happen overnight. Here are some common reasons it develops:

• Aging – Testosterone levels naturally decline about 1% per year after age 30.
• Chronic Stress – High cortisol (stress hormone) lowers testosterone production.
• Poor Sleep – Inadequate rest disrupts hormone regulation.
• Obesity – Extra fat converts testosterone into estrogen.
• Medical Conditions – Diabetes, thyroid problems, or pituitary disorders can reduce hormone levels.
• Medications – Some antidepressants or painkillers can suppress testosterone.

Recognizing the cause helps doctors find the right treatment plan — whether that’s therapy, medication changes, or TRT.

When Should You Get Tested?

You should get tested if you’ve been noticing two or more of the above symptoms for several weeks. The test is a simple blood test that checks total and free testosterone levels.

Here’s when testing makes sense:

• You’re underperforming sexually without clear cause.
• You’ve gained weight despite healthy habits.
• Your motivation, focus, or strength has dropped sharply.
• You’ve noticed mood changes or ongoing fatigue.

Testing usually happens in the morning when levels are highest. If your results are borderline, your doctor may ask for a repeat test to confirm.

Treatment Options if You Have Low Testosterone

If your levels are low, there are several ways to raise them safely.

1. Lifestyle Changes

Sometimes, improving sleep, reducing alcohol, and losing weight can naturally raise testosterone. Strength training and eating enough protein also help maintain healthy levels.

2. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, TRT may be recommended. It replaces missing testosterone using:

• Injections – Usually given weekly or biweekly.
• Gels or Creams – Applied daily to the skin.
• Patches – Provide steady hormone release throughout the day.
• Pellets – Implanted under the skin for long-term release.

TRT can boost energy, improve mood, restore muscle, and enhance sexual performance.

3. Regular Monitoring

Once treatment begins, blood levels should be checked every few months to adjust dosage and monitor side effects.

Possible Risks of Untreated Low Testosterone

Ignoring low T can lead to more than low energy. Long-term effects may include:

• Muscle loss and weaker bones
• Higher risk of diabetes or obesity
• Ongoing depression and low motivation
• Reduced fertility

Addressing it early prevents these complications and helps you maintain long-term vitality.

Key Takeaway

Low testosterone doesn’t mean you’re getting old — it means your body needs balance. If you’re feeling off lately, don’t brush it aside. A simple blood test can give you clarity and open the door to feeling like yourself again.

Getting tested early helps you take control before the symptoms get worse. Whether it’s through small lifestyle changes or professional TRT support, restoring healthy testosterone can change how you look, feel, and live every day.