Low Testosterone: Is it a Normal Part of Aging?

Testosterone is the hormone responsible for male physical attributes. This includes reproductive attributes along with the growth of body hair, muscle, and bone. It is also an essential part of the overall health and well-being of adult men due to its effect on motivation, mood, and cognition. Testosterone levels can decrease as men age, resulting in a variety of adverse symptoms (Wu et al., 2008).

Signs of Testosterone Deficiency

Men with a testosterone deficiency may experience a variety of symptoms, including:

• Lack of energy

• Depression/Anxiety

• Erectile Dysfunction

• Moodiness

• Decreased muscle tone

• Insomnia

• Low stamina

• Difficulty concentrating/remembering

• Lower mental stamina

• Decreased sex drive

• Increase in body pain and aches

• A decrease in bone density

• Increased visceral belly fat

Low testosterone can be caused by aging, but that is not always the case. Some men may experience Low T due to andropause or “male menopause,” which begins as early as age 30 in some men (Buvat et al., 2013).

Additional Health Risks Linked to Low Testosterone

Low testosterone doesn’t only affect mood and sexual health — it can influence long-term physical

wellness. Research shows that men with chronic testosterone deficiency have a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and declining bone strength (Grossmann, 2011). Low T is also associated with increased fat mass, reduced muscle strength, and lower overall physical performance. Identifying and treating testosterone deficiency early can help prevent these long-term health risks and improve quality of life.

How Providers Diagnose Low Testosterone

Diagnosing Low T requires more than a single blood test. Providers typically evaluate total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, LH/FSH, thyroid markers, and metabolic labs to understand the root cause (Bhasin et al., 2018). Symptoms, sleep patterns, lifestyle factors, and medication use are also assessed. This comprehensive evaluation ensures men receive an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Can Testosterone Deficiency Be Treated?

Testosterone replacement therapy can be a highly effective treatment for men who have signs of andropause or “male menopause.” Using Bio-Identical Testosterone, which is structurally identical to the testosterone your body already produces, the condition of testosterone deficiency can be treated — and most if not all adverse side effects can be managed (Saad et al., 2011).

Testosterone replacement therapy provides men with a variety of medical benefits including body and abdominal fat reduction, improved mood, memory, and libido, increase in bone density and more. Other benefits of Bio-Identical testosterone include:

• Restored ability to achieve and maintain an erection

• Rejuvenated immune system

• Reduced insulin resistance

• Protection against heart disease

• Increased lean muscle mass

• Restored vitality and motivation for life

Do You Have Low T?

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of testosterone deficiency, consider taking our Male Testosterone Deficiency Assessment. Contact Hormone Treatment Centers today to learn more about testosterone deficiency and your options for treatment.

APA REFERENCES

Bhasin, S., et al. (2018). Testosterone therapy in men with hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 103(5), 1715–1744.

Buvat, J., Maggi, M., Guay, A., & Torres, L. O. (2013). Testosterone deficiency in men: Systematic review and standard operating procedures for diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 10(1), 245–284.

Grossmann, M. (2011). Low testosterone in men with type 2 diabetes: Significance and treatment. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 96(8), 2341–2353.

Saad, F., Aversa, A., Isidori, A. M., Gooren, L., & Zafalon, L. (2011). Testosterone as therapy in men with testosterone deficiency: Clinical implications and results from long-term studies. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 8(11), 3217–3233.

Wu, F. C., et al. (2008). Identification of late-onset hypogonadism in middle-aged and elderly men. New England Journal of Medicine, 363(2), 123–135.