Testosterone Therapy: What Men Need to Know About Low T and TRT Treatment Los Angeles Times

16 signs and symptoms of low testosterone

A primary care physician may refer an individual to a urologist, who specializes in diseases of the male reproductive system, or to an endocrinologist who specializes in hormone-related diseases. While changes to the lifestyle and diet alone may not raise levels sufficiently, they can often help. Testosterone helps to produce bone tissue and maintain bone volume. Low testosterone can lead to a reduction in this volume, which can make the bones more susceptible to fractures. Most forms of TRT approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have a negative effect on male fertility and sperm quality. The lack of puberty signs by age 14 warrants testing for hypogonadism in boys.

Symptoms of low testosterone (“low T”) are easily missed, especially in older males who experience non-specific symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, low libido, and erectile dysfunction (ED). Spotting low T can even be more challenging in younger males, who often complain of tiredness in the absence of low libido and ED. If low testosterone is caused by your pituitary gland rather than your testicles, TRT would be of little help as it wouldn’t alter levels of LH or FSH in your blood blisters on testicals. If infertility is a concern, injections of LH and FSH may be prescribed to help stimulate sperm production. The depression directly caused by low T can be amplified when low libido and erectile dysfunction start to affect a person’s sex life.

Other side effects include fluid retention, acne, an increased red blood cell count or your testicles may reduce in size. You can be born with male hypogonadism, or it can develop later in life, often from injury or infection. The effects — and what you can do about them — depend on the cause and at what point in your life male hypogonadism occurs. Some types of male hypogonadism can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy. There are a range of treatments to correct your low T levels that can be tailored to your needs and lifestyle, ranging from gels to testosterone injections. You can find out more about your low T therapy and treatment options here.

We also go beyond the research, interviewing top experts in their fields to bring you the most informed insights. Every article is rigorously reviewed by medical experts to ensure accuracy. Some other symptoms of anemia include problems concentrating, dizziness, chest pain, an abnormally rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and pale skin. “Bone metabolism is complex and related to two main cell types,” says Calvert. There are osteoblasts, which build the bone, and osteoclasts that break it down. Testosterone stimulates osteoblasts to deposit bone, so if your T levels are low, you may make less bone.

Maintaining adequate testosterone levels is important for overall health, affecting everything from physical strength and endurance to mental health and metabolic function. Low testosterone, often referred to as “Low-T,” is a condition where the body produces lower levels of testosterone, a hormone important in male development and health. If low testosterone symptoms bother you, speak with a healthcare professional. TRT is a lifelong treatment, so your testosterone levels may drop if you stop treatment. The body requires testosterone to develop the penis and testicles. Research suggests that as you age and your testosterone levels gradually drop, you may also experience a decrease in the size of your testicles.

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. Even high-performing men balancing careers, families, and fitness can find themselves battling unexplained fatigue, diminished focus, low libido, and persistent sluggishness despite adequate rest. For example, testicular atrophy can cause infertility and also reduce a person’s testosterone levels.

By age 65, over 60% of men have testosterone levels well below those seen in men ages 30 to 35. Living with low testosterone can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help you manage the condition effectively and maintain a good quality of life. Low testosterone is when testosterone levels fall below 300 ng/dL. Some research suggests that hot flashes may be a symptom of very low testosterone levels. However, a 2017 study on testosterone supplementation did not find memory improvements in 493 men with low testosterone levels who took testosterone or a placebo.

Additionally, high protein intake, which in turn increases serum albumin [23], is related to the development of nephrolithiasis [24]. Hence, the serum albumin level was adjusted as a parameter of high protein intake to elucidate the association between testosterone and nephrolithiasis. Christopher Wolter, MD, is an assistant professor in urology at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona.

When testosterone levels are low, you might struggle with brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or memory lapses. This is because the hormone helps keep brain cells functioning optimally. If you’ve been feeling mentally sluggish or forgetful, low T could be a contributing factor(4✔ ✔Trusted SourceOn the effects of testosterone on brain behavioral functionsGo to source). Even without medical intervention there are some things you can do to improve your testosterone levels. Following a healthy, balanced diet, which includes enough protein, is a good place to start.

“Men may find that while they go to the gym, and train just as hard, they can’t put on muscle, and get fatter despite nothing changing in their diet,” says Foster. “Interestingly, they also often have poorer sleep even though they are always exhausted. A decreased sports ability was reported in 35 per cent of men with low T, found the study. Males with low T sometimes develop gynecomastia or enlarged breast tissue. This effect is believed to occur due to an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen. Studies suggest that 1 in 4 men ages 40 to 70 have low testosterone.