If your testosterone levels are lower than they should be, you may experience a range of unwanted symptoms – from a reduced sex drive, to poor sleep and loss of muscle. If you suspect you may have low testosterone levels, read on for the most common symptoms and to find out whether you’re among the groups that are most at risk of testosterone deficiency.
What is a ‘normal’ testosterone level for men?
Men’s testosterone levels naturally drop as they age (by about 1-2% per year from age 30-40) but there are also other variables at play other than age. So answering the question of what a ‘normal’ level looks like isn’t simple. But here’s a general look at how we evaluate your total testosterone levels:
- 30-50 nmol/L: High testosterone.
- 20-30 nmol/L: A good level of testosterone (what we like to call the sweet spot)
- 15-20 nmol/L: A bit low, but normal for older men.
- 12-15 nmol/L: Low testosterone (patient may experience symptoms of low testosterone).
- 0-12 nmol/L: Patient classed as testosterone-deficient, and likely to experience symptoms of low testosterone.
10 Possible symptoms of low testosterone
Low testosterone can affect you in various ways: sexually, physically, and even mentally. Often, these symptoms creep in over time, rather than arriving suddenly.
Men with low testosterone may experience all, some, or none of the symptoms outlined below. But a definitive diagnosis can only be made by measuring your testosterone levels with a blood test, so it’s important to avoid jumping to conclusions – even if several of these symptoms sound familiar.
Fatigue or low energy
Sometimes, it’s hard to put your finger on exactly what’s changed, but patients describe having a bit less ‘oomph’, less energy, or less ‘get up and go’.
Poor sleep
Low testosterone can impact your quality of sleep, meaning that feeling more tired than usual may be a sign of low testosterone.
Low mood, anxiety or depression
Much like other hormones, testosterone can have a serious impact on your mood. If you’re more irritable, feeling hopeless, regularly in a low mood, or find that you’re not enjoying activities as much as before, it may be a result of low testosterone.
Lower sex drive
A decrease in sexual desire can be a sign of low testosterone. You may find you’re less interested in having sex, or have sex less often.
Weaker bones
Low testosterone can lead to decreased bone density, which can cause you to have back pain or even mean you get slightly shorter. It can also make you more prone to broken bones.
Hair loss
Facial and body hair loss can sometimes be a sign of low testosterone.
Brain fog
Struggling to get your thoughts straight? Forgetting the right words, or where you left your keys? Hormonal imbalances (including low testosterone) can make your brain feel less sharp than usual.
Increased or stubborn fat
Changing testosterone levels can affect your body composition. If you have gained weight, or are struggling to lose weight despite taking all the right steps, this could be a symptom of low testosterone. Low testosterone can also cause ‘man boobs’ to develop.
Loss of muscle
Similarly, if you notice you’re losing muscle (without changing up your exercise routine), this could be a sign of low testosterone.
Loss of morning erections or erectile dysfunction
Difficulty getting or staying hard can be a sign of low testosterone levels. You may also get fewer morning erections than is normal for you.
What are the most common symptoms of low testosterone?
It’s hard to isolate the most common symptom of testosterone deficiency, because a lot of them are interlinked.
We find that men with low testosterone levels typically experience around three of the symptoms listed above at once, but this looks different to every man. While ’loss of morning erections’ is a hallmark for low testosterone, we also found that when we surveyed Ted’s Health patients, ‘reduced libido’ and ‘low energy’ were the other most common symptoms they were experiencing, prior to getting their blood test.
Who is most at risk of testosterone deficiency?
Again, it’s normal for men’s testosterone levels to drop by around 1-2% every year, starting between the age of 30 and 40.
The problems generally arise when this drops by too much, or too quickly – and some groups of men are more at risk of this than others:
- Middle-aged or older men. Research suggests that up to 40% of men over 45 will experience low testosterone levels at some point.
- Men with type 2 diabetes. Research suggests that up to 50% of men with type 2 diabetes will experience low testosterone levels.
- Overweight or obese men. Your lifestyle can impact your testosterone levels, and there is a strong correlation between obesity and testosterone deficiency.
- Men who have suffered serious head injuries or an injury to their testicles. Both of these traumas can directly impact the amount of testosterone your body produces.
Certain other illnesses or medications can also increase your chance of developing testosterone deficiency. That said, testosterone deficiency can affect any man at any time – no matter their age, lifestyle, or general health.
How do I know if I have low testosterone?
A blood test is the only reliable way to confirm whether your testosterone levels are lower than they should be, even if you find yourself experiencing several of the typical symptoms.
Your blood should be taken in the morning when your testosterone levels are naturally at their highest, and a second ‘confirmatory’ blood test is recommended to back up the results of the first.
It’s important to combine this with a consultation, too. The numbers in isolation don’t tell the full story – your doctor will discuss your symptoms, lifestyle and any medical conditions before recommending the next course of action. They’ll also check that your low testosterone levels aren’t being caused by a more serious underlying medical issue.
If I do have low testosterone levels, what’s next?
If your testosterone levels are outside the ideal range but you’re not experiencing any negative symptoms, you don’t necessarily need to do anything – just monitor how you feel.
For men who are experiencing negative symptoms as a result of low testosterone levels, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) might be a good option for them to explore with their doctor.
TRT increases the amount of testosterone in your body to bring your levels back to normal, which can help relieve symptoms caused by low testosterone. It’s a UK-licensed treatment that’s only available on prescription.
TRT comes in several different forms:
- Injections (given every few weeks to every few months).
- Gels and patches (applied to the skin daily).
- Capsules or tablets (consumed daily).
Each has its pros and cons, which your doctor will explore with you. Together, you will work on a treatment plan that’s entirely personalised to you and your lifestyle.
The first step is to find out where your testosterone levels are sitting right now. Order a blood test and consultation with one of our friendly doctors, who are experts in men’s and hormone health, to learn whether your testosterone is at the optimum level for your age.
FAQs
Can I check my own testosterone levels?
You can complete a simple finger-prick blood test at home to check your testosterone levels, but you will need to return the blood for analysis. At Ted’s Health, we also offer the option to have your blood drawn by a professional, either at home or in a local clinic.
Is there anything I can do to improve my testosterone levels?
Leading a healthy lifestyle is the best way to give your body the best chance of producing testosterone well on its own. There’s no silver bullet or magic ingredient; it’s a case of optimising lifestyle factors - such as eating a balanced diet, moving often, optimising sleep, avoiding stress, smoking and excessive alcohol – all the classic stuff.
You can also consider supplements containing ingredients proven to support testosterone production (although this isn’t a substitute for a healthy lifestyle).
It’s worth reiterating here that any man can experience low testosterone levels, even if they’re very fit and healthy – but it’s worth giving your body the best possible chance.
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