Low Testosterone: What It Means and What to Do Next
Low testosterone (total T below 264 ng/dL in men) causes fatigue, reduced libido, muscle loss, and mood changes. It affects 4-5 million American men and becomes more common with age. Diagnosis of low testosterone requires two separate morning blood draws confirming low levels.
What Causes Low Testosterone?
Aging
Testosterone declines about 1% per year after age 30. By 70, levels may be 30-50% lower than peak.
Obesity
Fat tissue converts testosterone to estrogen. Weight loss can significantly improve testosterone levels.
Primary Hypogonadism
Testicular dysfunction from injury, infection, or genetic conditions (Klinefelter syndrome).
Secondary Hypogonadism
Pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction reducing the signals that tell testes to produce testosterone.
Medications
Opioids, glucocorticoids, and some antidepressants can suppress testosterone production.
Associated Symptoms
What to Do Next
1. Retest to confirm
A single abnormal result should be confirmed with a repeat test. Temporary factors like stress, illness, or medications can affect results.
2. Related tests to consider
3. When to see a doctor
If your Testosterone is significantly abnormal, if you have severe symptoms, or if repeated results confirm the abnormality, consult a healthcare professional for appropriate evaluation and treatment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider for interpretation of your results.
Content reviewed for accuracy by the JustLabs editorial team.