Low Testosterone Low T: Symptoms, Causes, and More
9 Signs of Low Testosterone In Men
If you’re taking hormone replacement therapy, regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are important. Healthcare providers and medical researchers don’t know how to prevent low testosterone from genetic conditions or damage to your testicles, hypothalamus or pituitary gland. If you’re noticing it’s hard to get and keep an erection, it’s worth getting your testosterone ethanate before and after levels checked. Plus, plenty of men walk around feeling crappy for years, not even thinking their hormones could be to blame. "A lot of guys walk into clinics running on fumes when it comes to their testosterone levels," says Calvert.
Free testosterone (the active form) also matters, as does the patient’s overall health picture. In 2025, clinics like AlphaMan, a men’s health center specializing in hormone optimization, are rethinking how testosterone therapy fits into modern masculinity. Because when it comes to low testosterone, the stakes extend far beyond the gym.
However, as low testosterone causes a decrease in mass, the function and strength of the muscles do not diminish, according to a 2016 review. Here are five signs that could indicate you have a testosterone deficiency, along with actionable steps to help manage them from Michael Rotman, MD. Depending on how low your testosterone is and the causes, doctors can also refer you for testosterone replacement therapy. The condition is also referred to as testosterone deficiency or hypogonadism. Low testosterone can be caused by numerous things, with illness, injuries, stress and genetic conditions all playing a role in how the hormone is produced. Since testosterone is a key influencer in so many bodily functions for men, it’s no surprise that low T may result in serious emotional changes.
Xofigo releases radiation that accumulates in areas of bone undergoing increased bone turnover, and also where bone metastases manifest. PARP inhibitors are pills or capsules that are effective in treating prostate cancers with specific gene mutations, which are changes in the DNA sequence. All of the above can be used to treat nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Xtandi can also be used to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. While undergoing hormone therapy, a person's cancer care team will monitor them regularly to see if the cancer is progressing. Multiple factors contribute to the timing of when hormone therapy stops working, which, for mCRPC, is around two to three years after starting treatment. Today, an estimated 25 percent of men over the age of 30 have low testosterone (or, less than 300 ng/dL of testosterone in their blood).
People with low testosterone may find it difficult to fall or stay asleep. This article will use the terms "male," "female," or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. If you suspect you’re experiencing low testosterone, call or schedule an appointment online with Dr. Rotman. We have offices on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and in Hewlett, New York.
Recognizing the signs early and seeking treatment can help you regain your vitality and improve your quality of life. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. Testosterone receptors in the brain are crucial for cognitive functions like memory and focus.
Testosterone and its derivative, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), play a significant role in hair growth and follicle health. While genetic factors primarily influence male pattern baldness, low testosterone can exacerbate hair loss or trigger it in individuals without a genetic predisposition. This symptom can affect not only the scalp but also facial and body hair, leading to a reduction in hair density and coverage. Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns, can be a symptom of low testosterone. Testosterone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day, peaking during sleep. When these levels are imbalanced, it can lead to difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, resulting in poor sleep quality.
As a result, doctors have theorized that lower testosterone levels may contribute to affected memory. One high profile case of growth hormone deficiency is soccer player Lionel Messi. He received a GH deficiency diagnosis at 11 years old when doctors told his family without hormone therapy he wouldn’t grow past 5 feet. The most common treatment to correct low growth hormone levels is injections with synthetic growth hormone to correct the deficiency. It requires support from loved ones and a dedicated discussion about goals and expectations of care, quality of life, and potential risks vs. benefits of treatment. Prostate cancer cells require androgens, namely testosterone, to stimulate their growth.
"Testosterone stimulates the growth of muscles and increases muscle strength," says Calvert. Other low testosterone symptoms—gaining weight, losing hair, and a lack of energy can also make your interest in sex decline. Dr. Joshua Calvert, M.D., is a urologist and member of The Edge’s medical advisory board. Specific areas of interest include vasectomy and vasectomy reversal, Peyronie’s disease, testosterone management, and male infertility. Some research suggests that hot flashes may be a symptom of very low testosterone levels.
