What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
Testosterone is often seen as a symbol of masculinity, but it does far more than just fuel physical traits like muscle mass and facial hair. It plays a vital role in a man’s overall health, from mood and memory to energy levels, bone density and even heart health. So when testosterone levels drop too low, it can affect more than just your libido.
Low testosterone, also known as testosterone deficiency or male hypogonadism, is surprisingly common, especially as men get older. But because its symptoms can be gradual and easy to dismiss, it often goes undiagnosed.
Here’s what to know about low testosterone: what it looks like, how it feels and what you can do if you think your levels might be low.
What is testosterone and why does it matter?
Testosterone is a hormone primarily produced in the testicles, and it’s essential for several key functions:
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Supporting libido and sexual performance
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Helping build muscle mass and strength
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Maintaining healthy bones
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Regulating mood and energy
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Supporting red blood cell production
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Aiding in cognitive function and focus
Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, typically starting around the age of 30, at a rate of about 1% per year. But some men experience a more significant drop, which can begin earlier and have noticeable effects on health and wellbeing.
Common symptoms of low testosterone
Testosterone deficiency can manifest in many ways, often affecting both the body and mind. Here are the most common signs to look out for:
Low sex drive One of the earliest and most well-known symptoms is a reduced interest in sex. While libido can fluctuate for many reasons - stress, sleep, relationship issues - persistently low sexual desire may point to a hormonal imbalance.
Erectile difficulties Low testosterone can make it harder to achieve or maintain an erection. While it’s not the only cause of erectile dysfunction, it does play a role in stimulating the receptors in the brain that trigger arousal.
Importantly, testosterone doesn’t act alone here. Blood flow, nerves and other hormones are also involved, but a drop in testosterone can contribute to ongoing issues in this area.
Fatigue and low energy Many men with low testosterone describe feeling constantly tired, drained, or sluggish, even with plenty of rest. If your energy levels are unusually low or you’re finding it harder to get through your day, a hormone check might be worth considering.
Mood changes and irritability Because testosterone affects brain chemistry, low levels can lead to mood swings, irritability or even depression. Some men report feeling “flat” or less motivated, while others notice a loss of confidence or enjoyment in things they used to love.
It’s not uncommon for these mood-related symptoms to be mistaken for midlife stress or anxiety, but a hormone imbalance could be part of the picture.
Loss of muscle mass and increased body fat Testosterone helps build and maintain lean muscle. When levels fall, men may notice a decrease in muscle strength, even if their exercise routine hasn’t changed. At the same time, body fat may increase, particularly around the belly.
Some men with low testosterone also develop gynecomastia, or enlarged breast tissue, due to hormonal imbalances affecting fat distribution.
Difficulty concentrating or memory problems If you’re struggling with brain fog, trouble focusing or forgetfulness, testosterone may be a contributing factor. Hormones play an important role in cognitive health, and low testosterone has been linked to difficulties with attention and processing information.
Reduced bone density Long-term testosterone deficiency can weaken bones, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Though this symptom tends to show up later, it’s a serious consequence of untreated low testosterone and one that’s often overlooked in men.
Sleep disturbances Low testosterone is sometimes linked to insomnia or disrupted sleep. Some men find it harder to fall asleep or wake up frequently during the night. In other cases, low testosterone and sleep apnoea (a condition where breathing temporarily stops during sleep) go hand in hand.
What causes low testosterone?
While ageing is a natural factor, there are many reasons testosterone levels can dip below the healthy range. These include:
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Chronic stress
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Obesity
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Diabetes or insulin resistance
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Certain medications (including steroids or opioid painkillers)
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Pituitary gland issues
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Testicular injury or illness
Lifestyle plays a big role too. Poor sleep, lack of exercise and an unbalanced diet can all contribute to hormonal imbalance.
When should you get tested?
Because symptoms of low testosterone can overlap with other conditions, or be mistakenly dismissed as just "getting older", the best way to know what’s going on is to get a simple blood test.
If you’re experiencing one or more of the symptoms above, or you simply want to check in on your health, a private testosterone test can provide clarity.
You don’t need to wait for symptoms to get worse, or try to guess what’s happening based on how you feel. A quick test could help identify whether your hormone levels are within the expected range and if not, what steps you can take next.
What can you do about low testosterone?
Treatment for low testosterone depends on the cause and severity. In some cases, simple lifestyle changes - like losing weight, exercising more or reducing stress - can naturally help boost your hormone levels.
For others, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), such as testosterone gel or injections, may be recommended under medical supervision.
Whatever the route, the first step is understanding your levels. With that information, you can explore your options with confidence and make a plan that works for you.
Private testosterone checks for peace of mind
Low testosterone is more common than many men realise and the symptoms are often subtle or easy to attribute to other life pressures. But if you’re feeling persistently tired, low in mood or not quite yourself, it’s worth checking whether hormones might be part of the reason.
Our private testosterone blood test is fast, accurate, and designed to fit around your life, so you can get the answers you need, when you need them.
Our full-body health MOTs also include checks for blood pressure, cholesterol and more - providing a complete overview of your health in one convenient appointment. With over 350 clinics across the UK and Ireland, it’s easy to book a test close to home. You’ll receive a personalised results report and ongoing GP support for 12 months.
