What Is Low Testosterone? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

01/10/2026

What is low testosterone?                

Low testosterone, medically known as male hypogonadism, is a condition wherein testicles fail to produce enough testosterone to facilitate various bodily functions. The Leydig cells in the testes or testicles are responsible for making testosterone. Testosterone is an essential hormone that plays vital roles in the body, including promoting sexual development, stimulating sperm production, and supporting muscle and bone mass.

When a diagnostic test confirms testosterone levels below 300 nanograms per decilitre, it is referred to as low testosterone. Low testosterone is also popularly known by some other names, such as andropause, male menopause, testosterone deficiency, and low T. As you age, your testosterone levels start depleting. The American Urological Association confirmed that 4 in 10 males aged above 45 years have low testosterone.

Testosterone is not the sole factor influencing your sex drive and performance. However, low testosterone is likely to induce a wide range of complications such as erectile dysfunction, low libido, poor sexual performance, etc.

What are the symptoms or signs of low testosterone?

Low testosterone or male hypogonadism can lead to a wide range of symptoms if the levels drop drastically. The number and severity of symptoms may vary from one man to another for various reasons. The signs are usually subtle but may worsen over time if left ignored. The following are the common signs of low testosterone in men:

Low sex drive:

Testosterone is not the only factor, yet it is the most influential factor in determining your sex drive and libido. As you age or get older, it’s common to feel a decline in sex drive. However, people with low T are likely to experience a steep decline in sex drive, which may be bothersome and stress-causing. Low sex drive is considered one of the most common low testosterone symptoms in men.

Erectile dysfunction:

This male hormone, testosterone, assists in achieving a firm erection by telling brain receptors to release nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a molecule that aids in activating a series of chemical reactions, which, as a result, allow you to get and sustain a firm erection upon sexual arousal.

Having low testosterone can cause trouble achieving an erection or a spontaneous erection during sleep. A study confirmed that approximately 35% of males with erectile dysfunction have low testosterone. Low testosterone is not the only cause of erectile dysfunction.

Fatigue:

If you have low levels of testosterone, it is common to experience constant fatigue and low energy despite taking enough rest and sleep. In addition, you may find it difficult to get motivated to go to the gym.

Reduced muscle mass:

Being low on testosterone levels can cause an increase in body fat and may cause gynecomastia, which is characterized by enlarged breast tissue. Under these conditions, gynecomastia usually occurs when the levels of testosterone and estrogen are not in the ideal range. 

Mood changes and memory:

Low testosterone can affect your mood and memory greatly. It is believed that testosterone plays an essential role in mood, self-perception, and quality of life. Low T can cause you to have stress, irritability, and depression. In addition, a decline in testosterone with age can affect cognitive function, especially memory. Low T can lead to weak memory and other similar complications.

Decrease in the size of the penis and testicles:

Testosterone plays an essential role in determining the size of your penis and testicles. With growing age, it's common to observe a decline in testosterone, which may cause you to experience a shrinkage in the size of your testicles.

Hair loss:

Your hair health is directly proportional to testosterone levels. While balding is a natural part of growing old for many men, low testosterone can cause the loss of facial and body hair, too.

Common causes of low testosterone

As mentioned above, testosterone levels decline naturally as you age, but certain conditions and factors can lead to low testosterone, causing a wide range of annoying symptoms. If levels decline due to aging, this will not lead to noticeable symptoms, and the decline is gradual. The following are the common causes of low testosterone:

• Aids

• Stress

• Kidney disease

• Cirrhosis of the liver

• Autoimmune disease

• Infections

• Testicles injuries

• Certain medications

• Obesity

• Metabolic syndrome

• Alcohol addiction

• Cancer treatments

• Pituitary gland conditions

Treatment options

In order to confirm low testosterone levels, your healthcare provider will perform a blood test. The doctor will also check for other causes of your symptoms that may include side effects of specific medications, depression, thyroid problems, etc.

The most recommended and reliable treatment for low testosterone levels is hormone therapy. The medicine used to manage this condition is man-made testosterone. This medical treatment is also popular as testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone replacement therapy, commonly known as TRT, is accessible in many forms, such as gel, patch, pill, injection, and implant. Which form is best for you will be determined by your medic.

You will not be given this medical treatment for low testosterone if you have a medical history of any of the following:

• Breast cancer

• Untreated obstructive sleep apnea

• Uncontrolled heart failure

• Prostate cancer

• An unchecked lump on your prostate

Testosterone replacement therapy can lead to various side effects, ranging from mild to severe. If any of them become bothersome or affect your life severely, it’s important see a doctor. The following are the common side effects of TRT:

• Infertility

• Cholesterol problems

• Sleep problems

• Blood clots

• Worsening cardiovascular disease

• An enlarged prostate causing difficulty passing urine

Conclusion:

Observing a decline in testosterone levels with aging is common and usually not a cause for concern. However, if your testosterone levels dwindle suddenly, it may cause you to go through low testosterone symptoms, such as low sex drive, ED or erectile dysfunction, decreased energy levels, and mood problems. A vast range of factors can cause low testosterone levels in all age groups, but this condition is often diagnosed in males aged 40 years and above. It’s important to seek medical attention at the earliest opportunity, as delaying treatment can exacerbate symptoms. Low testosterone is not a stigma and doesn’t decrease your masculinity. Treatment options like hormone therapy can help you get through and live a meaningful life ahead. If left untreated, it may hinder your self-confidence, cause troubles in your relationship with your partner, and become a roadblock in your sex life.