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Feeling more tired than usual? Noticing changes in your mood, muscle mass, or sex drive? These could be signs of low testosterone in men, also known as "low T," "male menopause," or "andropause." This condition is often under diagnosed but can significantly affect your overall health and quality of life.
Low testosterone can develop gradually, with subtle symptoms that are easy to overlook. By recognising these signs early, you can take proactive steps to improve your health and well-being.
Let’s explore five common symptoms that might indicate low testosterone and how you can get tested.
1. Fatigue & Low Energy
If you’re constantly feeling drained, no matter how much rest you get, low testosterone might be the culprit. Men with low T often experience persistent fatigue that impacts productivity, mental sharpness, and the ability to enjoy daily activities. This isn’t just about feeling tired—it’s an ongoing lack of energy that doesn’t improve with sleep and can significantly affect your quality of life.
Testosterone plays a vital role in regulating several bodily functions, including energy metabolism. When testosterone levels are low, it can interferer with the body’s ability to generate and sustain energy, leading to chronic feelings of exhaustion and decreased stamina. This disruption affects not only physical endurance but also mental clarity, making it difficult to concentrate or stay motivated throughout the day. As a result, everyday tasks may feel overwhelming, and activities that once brought joy might become burdensome. Recognising this persistent fatigue as a potential symptom of low testosterone is crucial in addressing the underlying issue and restoring overall well-being.
2. Mood Changes & Irritability
Testosterone doesn’t just affect the body—it plays a key role in regulating mood. Men with low testosterone often experience emotional shifts, including irritability, anxiety, and even depression. You might find yourself feeling more impatient or easily frustrated, which can strain relationships at work and home. Mood disorders are a common but often overlooked symptom of testosterone deficiency.
3. Reduced Muscle Mass & Strength
Are you struggling to maintain muscle despite regular exercise? Low testosterone may be to blame. Testosterone is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass, as it supports protein synthesis and muscle fibre repair. Men experiencing low T often notice a gradual loss of strength and muscle tone, even with consistent workouts and a healthy diet. This decline can be frustrating, especially for those who are committed to their fitness routines but aren’t seeing the expected results.
Reduced muscle mass doesn’t just affect appearance—it can also lead to decreased physical performance and endurance. Tasks that once felt easy, like lifting weights or even carrying groceries, may become more challenging. Additionally, the loss of muscle strength can increase the risk of injury, as weakened muscles are less able to support joints and stabilise the body during physical activity. Recognising these changes early can be key to identifying low testosterone as the underlying cause and seeking appropriate treatment to restore muscle health and overall vitality.
4. Decreased Libido & Sexual Dysfunction
One of the most noticeable symptoms of low testosterone is a reduced interest in sex. Men may experience a decline in libido or find it difficult to maintain erections, even in situations where they previously had no issues. This can have a profound impact on self-esteem and intimate relationships, potentially leading to feelings of frustration, anxiety, or disconnection from a partner.
Testosterone is crucial for sexual health, as it plays a key role in regulating libido, erectile function, and overall sexual satisfaction. When testosterone levels drop, men may also notice a decrease in the frequency of spontaneous erections, particularly during sleep, which is a natural indicator of healthy testosterone levels. These changes can significantly affect sexual confidence and enjoyment, making it important to recognise and address the issue early. Seeking medical advice can help identify whether low testosterone is the cause and guide appropriate treatments to restore sexual health and improve relationship well-being.
5. Increase in Body Fat & Weight Gain
If you’ve noticed an increase in body fat, particularly around the abdomen, it could be linked to low testosterone. This hormone plays a vital role in regulating metabolism and fat distribution, and a deficiency can lead to weight gain, especially in areas where fat wasn’t previously an issue. Men with low T often find it harder to shed excess weight, even with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Low testosterone doesn’t just affect the number on the scale—it can also contribute to significant changes in body composition. As muscle mass decreases and fat accumulates, the risk of developing obesity-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease rises. Additionally, increased abdominal fat is associated with higher levels of oestrogen, which can further suppress testosterone production, creating a cycle that exacerbates both weight gain and hormonal imbalance. Recognising these changes early can prompt men to seek medical advice, leading to interventions that help restore healthy testosterone levels and improve overall metabolic health.
How is Low Testosterone Tested?
Diagnosing low testosterone is straightforward with a testosterone blood test. This simple blood test measures the level of testosterone in your bloodstream and can help determine if your symptoms are linked to a hormonal imbalance.
At Health Klinix, our Well Man Health Screening Service offers a comprehensive review of key health factors, including testosterone levels. Regular mens health checks can help catch issues like low testosterone early, improving your overall health and well-being.
How is Low Testosterone Treated?
If diagnosed with low testosterone, several treatment options are available to help manage the condition and alleviate symptoms. The most common approach is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), which can be administered in various forms, including gels, injections, implants, patches, or pills. Each method has its own advantages—gels and patches provide steady hormone levels, while injections offer a more concentrated dose at regular intervals. Your healthcare provider can help determine which option is best suited to your needs and lifestyle.
TRT can significantly relieve symptoms associated with low testosterone, such as fatigue, mood swings, and decreased libido. It can also improve bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, boost muscle strength and mass, and enhance overall mood and sexual function. Many men report feeling more energised and mentally sharp after starting treatment. However, it’s important to note that TRT isn’t without risks. Potential side effects include acne, fluid retention, sleep apnoea, and an increased risk of cardiovascular issues or prostate problems. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and potential risks of treatment.
Certain lifestyle changes, in addition to medical interventions, can help support healthy testosterone levels naturally. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients like zinc and vitamin D, engaging in regular physical activity (especially resistance training), managing stress, and getting adequate sleep all contribute to better hormonal balance. Reducing alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking can also have a positive impact. For some men, these changes can complement TRT or, in milder cases, help restore testosterone levels without the need for hormone therapy.
Take Control of Your Health
Low testosterone can have a significant impact on your quality of life, but the good news is that it’s a treatable condition. Recognising the symptoms early and seeking medical advice can lead to better health outcomes and help you feel like yourself again.
Don’t wait—take the first step toward feeling better today with a Well Man Health Screening.
Sources and References:
Written by:
James Hadland, MPhil candidate, University of Cambridge
Approved by:
Dr Ravi Gowda, Consultant Physician , MBBS, MRCP(UK), DTM&H, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, DFFP
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