Low Testosterone Treatment FAQ's

Low testosterone, sometimes called “low-T”, happens when the body does not make enough of the hormone testosterone. Testosterone is important for energy, mood, sex drive, muscle strength, and bone health. When levels drop too low, men may notice tiredness, less interest in sex, changes in mood, or weaker muscles and bones. While it is normal for testosterone to fall slowly with age, very low levels can cause health problems and may need treatment.

Low testosterone is more common than many people think. Research shows that about 1 in 50 men may be affected, especially as they get older or if they have health issues like being overweight or having type 2 diabetes. The problem is that the symptoms can be easy to miss or are often blamed on stress, poor sleep, or “just getting older”.

This blog will answer the most common questions about low testosterone. You will learn what it is, when to get tested, how doctors treat it, the benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and natural ways to support healthy hormone levels. By the end, you will have a clear picture of what low testosterone means and the options available if you or someone you know is affected.

What Is Low Testosterone?

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It is made mainly in the testicles and plays a significant role in energy, mood, sex drive, muscle growth, and bone strength. Everyone has some testosterone, but men usually have much higher levels than women.

When a man’s body does not make enough testosterone, it is called low testosterone or male hypogonadism. This can happen for different reasons. Sometimes it is due to ageing,  testosterone levels naturally fall slowly after about age 30. In other cases, it can be caused by health problems such as obesity, diabetes, injury to the testicles, or issues with the brain’s hormone control centres (the pituitary gland or hypothalamus) (Verywell Health, Urology Health).

Common symptoms of low testosterone include:

• Feeling very tired, even after rest
  
  
• Lower sex drive or problems with erections
  
  
• Mood changes, such as feeling down or irritable
  
  
• Losing muscle strength or gaining body fat
  
  
• Weaker bones (higher risk of fractures)
  
  
• Trouble with focus or memory

It is important to remember that having one of these symptoms does not always mean you have low testosterone. Stress, poor sleep, and other health conditions can cause similar problems. That is why proper testing and advice from a doctor are so necessary.

Who Should Be Tested and When?

Not all men need a testosterone test. Doctors usually only check it if you have more than one clear sign of low testosterone, like feeling very tired, losing interest in sex, or having trouble with erections.

The test is a quick blood test, done in the morning when testosterone is highest. Doctors often repeat the test on another day to be sure the result is correct.

You may need a test if:

• You have several common symptoms (like low energy, mood changes, or muscle loss).
  
  
• You have health problems such as being overweight or having type 2 diabetes, and you also have symptoms.
  
  
• You are a younger man who is worried about fertility or having children.

If you don’t have intense symptoms and just feel tired sometimes, a test usually isn’t needed. In many cases, better sleep, exercise, and healthy eating can help first.

What Does Testosterone Do in the Male Body?

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone, although women also produce it in much smaller amounts. In men, it is primarily made in the testicles after receiving signals from the pituitary gland, located just beneath the brain.

Testosterone plays a key role in many body functions, including:

• Sexual development: guiding the growth of the testicles and penis during puberty.
  
  
• Libido: increasing sexual desire.
  
  
• Fertility: supporting sperm production.
  
  
• Physical appearance: promoting body and facial hair growth.
  
  
• Strength and structure: building muscle mass and maintaining bone density.
  
  
• Blood health: stimulating the production of red blood cells.
  
  
• Metabolism: regulating how the body stores and uses fat.
  
  
• Well-being: influencing mood, energy levels, and even heart health.
  
  

What Are Normal Testosterone Levels in Men?

Testosterone levels in men are not constant. They rise sharply during adolescence and early adulthood, then slowly decline with age. Levels also change throughout the day, usually highest in the morning and lower in the afternoon.

For healthy adult men, normal testosterone levels typically range between 300 and 1,000 ng/dL. Levels below 300 ng/dL may indicate low testosterone, also called low T or testosterone deficiency syndrome (TD).

What Are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone (Low T)?

Low testosterone (low T) can affect men in different ways, and the symptoms are often gradual or subtle. They usually fall into three main categories: physical, emotional, and sexual.

How Is Low Testosterone Diagnosed?

Doctors don’t just rely on symptoms to say if a man has low testosterone. They also need to check blood tests to be sure.

The main steps are:

1. Talk about symptoms: The doctor will ask about tiredness, sex drive, mood, muscle changes, and other signs.
   
   
2. Physical check: Sometimes a doctor will look for symptoms such as loss of body hair, weight gain, or smaller testicles.
   
   
3. Blood test: A blood test is done in the morning when testosterone levels are highest. This test measures the amount of testosterone in the blood.
   
   
4. Repeat test: The doctor may repeat the test on a different day. Testosterone can change from day to day, so checking twice helps make the result more reliable.
   
   
5. Other blood tests: Sometimes doctors test other hormones, like LH and FSH, to find out if the problem comes from the testicles or from the brain’s hormone control centres.
   
   

Only when symptoms and blood test results both show low testosterone will a doctor usually make the diagnosis.

How Is Low Testosterone Diagnosed?

The signs of low testosterone can be subtle, so symptoms alone are not enough to confirm it. If you think you may have low testosterone, your doctor will check your levels with a blood test. This test is done in the morning, when testosterone is at its highest.

To be sure of the result, your doctor may ask you to repeat the test on another day. Testosterone levels can change, so testing more than once gives a clearer picture. It is also important to tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking, as some treatments can temporarily lower testosterone. This helps avoid a false result.

Is Low Testosterone a Normal Part of Ageing?

As men get older, their body goes through many natural changes. One of these changes is a slow decline in testosterone. Research shows that levels can drop by about 1% each year after the age of 30. For some men, this drop is hardly noticeable. For others, the effects are more apparent and may cause symptoms such as tiredness or reduced sex drive.

Your overall health and lifestyle can also play a significant role. For example, being overweight, not sleeping well, or having certain medical conditions can cause testosterone levels to fall faster than normal ageing alone.

What Causes Low Testosterone Besides Ageing?

Although testosterone levels naturally decline with age, not all men develop low testosterone as they get older. Some may experience it even in their 20s or 30s. Several medical and lifestyle factors can cause testosterone levels to drop, including:

• Injury or trauma to the testes: damage that affects testosterone production.
  
  
• Chronic health conditions: such as liver disease, kidney failure, or type 2 diabetes.
  
  
• Cancer treatments: chemotherapy and radiation can lower testosterone levels.
  
  
• Excess iron in the body (haemochromatosis) disrupts hormone function.
  
  
• Certain medications, especially long-term use of opioids or steroids.
  
  
• Excessive alcohol use can harm both the liver and hormone balance.
  
  
• Pituitary gland problems: since this gland controls hormone signals to the testes.
  
  
• Brain surgery or tumours that interfere with hormone regulation.
  
  
• Sleep disorders: particularly obstructive sleep apnoea.
  
  
• Significant weight changes: either rapid weight gain or extreme weight loss.
  
  
• Excess oestrogen production, which disrupts the balance of male hormones.
  
  

Can Testosterone Levels Be Restored Naturally?

Yes. In many cases, testosterone levels can be improved through healthy lifestyle changes. If you are diagnosed with low testosterone, your doctor will usually recommend trying natural methods first. These include:

• Eating a balanced diet: include carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats.
  
  
• Exercising regularly, such as high-intensity training and weight lifting, can boost testosterone production.
  
  
• Managing stress: chronic stress raises cortisol, which lowers testosterone levels.
  
  
• Raising vitamin D levels: spend time in sunlight or take vitamin D supplements if needed.
  
  
• Taking essential nutrients: Ensure you get enough minerals and vitamins such as zinc and magnesium.
  
  
• Getting quality sleep: aim for at least 7 to 8 hours each night to optimise hormone balance.
  
  
• Reducing alcohol intake and avoiding substances that act like oestrogen in the body.
  
  

If these approaches are not enough, your doctor may discuss testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) as the next option.

What Is TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy)?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a standard treatment for men with low testosterone. It works by supplementing the body with testosterone through injections, patches, gels, pellets, or oral medications. Your doctor will recommend the method that best suits your needs.

TRT can help reverse many of the effects of low testosterone, such as restoring energy, boosting libido, regrowing body or facial hair, increasing muscle strength, supporting bone health, and normalising red blood cell production.

TRT Benefits and Risks at a Glance

How Effective Is TRT for Low Testosterone?

The effectiveness of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can vary from man to man. According to the American College of Physicians (ACP), most men experience noticeable improvements in sexual health, including stronger sex drive and better erectile function.

Beyond sexual health, many men also report increased energy, improved mood, and greater muscle strength. However, the degree of improvement depends on individual factors such as age, overall health, and the underlying cause of low testosterone.

Overall, TRT is generally considered safe when prescribed and monitored by a doctor, and it has a high success rate in relieving the key symptoms of low testosterone.

How Does Testosterone Replacement Therapy Work?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) works by supplying the body with testosterone when natural production is too low. This can be done through gels, patches, injections, pellets, or oral medications.

Once absorbed, the testosterone enters the bloodstream and interacts with the body’s cells in the same way as naturally produced testosterone. It binds to receptors in tissues such as muscles, bones, and the brain, helping to restore regular hormone activity and support vital functions like energy, muscle growth, bone strength, mood, and sexual health.

Who Should and Shouldn’t Get Testosterone Therapy?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can help many men with low testosterone, but it is not suitable for everyone. Because TRT can stimulate prostate growth, it is not recommended for men with prostate cancer or those at high risk. Doctors typically perform prostate checks before starting treatment.

Men who should generally avoid TRT include those with:

• Prostate or breast cancer
  
  
• Untreated obstructive sleep apnoea
  
  
• Severe heart failure
  
  
• Enlarged prostate with significant urinary symptoms
  
  

What Are the Side Effects of TRT?

TRT is usually safe when monitored by a doctor, but it can still cause side effects in some men. These may include:

• Increased red blood cell count: raises the risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack if unmanaged
  
  
• Oily skin and acne
  
  
• Reduced sperm count, which may affect fertility
  
  
• Breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
  
  
• Shrinking of the testicles
  
  

Other FAQs About TRT Treatment

Can TRT Improve Fertility and Sperm Count?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is not recommended for men who want to improve fertility or father children. While TRT can increase sex drive, it does not raise sperm count. In fact, it often lowers sperm production by reducing levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a hormone essential for healthy sperm development.

If fertility is a concern, other treatments such as lifestyle changes, medications, or specialist hormone therapies may be more suitable.

How Often Should You Test Testosterone Levels During TRT?

Once you begin TRT, regular monitoring is essential to ensure your testosterone levels remain within a healthy range. Doctors usually recommend testing about 6 to 12 months after starting therapy, and then at regular intervals depending on your health, symptoms, and treatment response.

Frequently Asked Questions About Low Testosterone and TRT

What are the early signs of low testosterone in men?

Some of the first signs include fatigue, reduced sex drive (low libido), muscle loss, and mood changes such as irritability or low motivation.

Is testosterone replacement therapy safe for long-term use?

TRT is generally safe when prescribed and monitored by a doctor. Regular testing for prostate health and red blood cell levels is essential to minimise risks.

Can I naturally increase testosterone without medication?

Yes. Exercise (especially weight training), good sleep, stress management, and a balanced diet can help raise testosterone levels naturally. However, men with very low testosterone may still need TRT.

How soon will I feel the effects of TRT?

Energy and mood often improve within 3 to 6 weeks. Physical changes such as increased muscle mass or reduced fat may take several months.

Does TRT improve sperm production or fertility?

No. TRT can actually lower sperm count. Men who want to maintain fertility should consider alternatives such as hCG therapy or other fertility-preserving treatments.

How is TRT administered?

TRT can be delivered through injections, gels, skin patches, oral tablets, or small pellets implanted under the skin. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.

Do I need follow-up tests after starting TRT?

Yes. Ongoing check-ups are essential to monitor testosterone levels, prostate health, and red blood cell counts, ensuring the treatment remains safe and effective.

Do I Need Follow-Up Appointments While on TRT?

You need regular checkups after your first TRT session to ensure your testosterone levels are normal and the side effects are minimal compared to having low testosterone. Doctors will screen your prostate to see if it is getting bigger and do blood tests to check your red blood cell levels. Your testosterone dose may need to be adjusted based on your body's response to the first dose.

If you have any other questions or want to know more about testosterone replacement therapy, we can help. Please don't hesitate to contact us for more information and support. We're here to assist you with all your concerns.