Low testosterone: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe Low testosterone Symptoms diagnosis and treatmentMedically reviewed by Roger Bielinski, MD, Urology — By Abanoub Iskander on August 22, 2022Testosterone is a hormone that exists in both males and females and is the primary sex hormone in males. It plays a significant role in the development of male reproductive tissues and secondary sex characteristics, such as increased muscle mass and body hair. Share on Pinterestdeepblue4you/Getty ImagesSome people may experience lower than average testosterone levels. This may result in both physical and psychological symptoms. This article discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of low testosterone levels in males. It also discusses low testosterone in females. Finally, it offers advice on when to consult a doctor and answers some common questions about low testosterone levels. A note about sex and gender Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms, “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more. Symptoms of low testosterone The American Urological Association (AUA) defines low blood testosterone in males as less than 300 nanograms of testosterone per deciliter of blood. Learn about typical testosterone levels in males and females here. Males with low testosterone may experience the following symptoms:decreased libido, or reduced sex driveerectile dysfunction (ED)reduced lean muscle massobesityloss of facial and body hairfatigueirritabilitydepression Causes of low testosterone The main cause of low testosterone is aging, with older males having lower testosterone levels than younger males. Aging aside, medical professionals divide the causes of low testosterone into two categories; primary hypogonadism and secondary hypogonadism. Both types are due to insufficient testosterone production in the testicles, but each has different causes. Primary hypogonadism Primary hypogonadism (PH) occurs as a result of an issue with the testicles. The main risk factors for PH are: undescended testiclestrauma to the testicles from injury, cancer, radiation therapy, or chemotherapygenetic disorders, such as Klinefelter syndrometypical aging Secondary hypogonadism Secondary hypogonadism (SH) occurs due to a signaling issue between the brain and the testicles. Such issues stem from one of two parts of the brain: the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland. Ordinarily, the hypothalamus produces gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which signals the pituitary gland to produce follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. The latter then signals to the testicles to make testosterone. A problem in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland can disrupt typical testosterone production. Such problems may occur due to the following:pituitary disordersobesity HIVKallman syndrome, a condition that involves delayed puberty and an impaired sense of smellsurgery or traumastress-induced hypogonadism Diagnosis of low testosterone The diagnostic procedure for low testosterone will likely involve the following:An assessment of the person’s symptoms: This may include questions about when the symptoms started and their frequency and severity. An assessment of the person’s medical history: This may include questions about the following:any history of head trauma, surgery, or irradiationany history of infection or injury to the testiclesany history of chemotherapy or radiation therapyany past or present use of drugs, such as glucocorticoids, anabolic steroids, or opiatesany family history of diseases linked to low testosteroneA physical examination: During the examination, the doctor may check for the following:indicators of obesity, such as a high body mass index or large waist circumferencemetabolic syndrome symptoms, such as high blood pressure and atypical cholesterol levelssigns of hair loss or reduced hair growthenlarged breaststesticle and prostate size If a doctor suspects low testosterone levels, they will order a total testosterone level blood test, which indicates the testosterone level in the blood. A person needs to take this test early in the morning, when testosterone levels are at their peak. The doctor may also order blood tests to check levels of luteinizing hormone and prolactin, as atypical levels of either can indicate an issue with the pituitary gland. People can also use at-home testing kits to determine if they should seek further medical attention for low testosterone. Learn about five at-home testosterone tests here. Treatment for low testosterone The treatment for low testosterone will depend partly on the cause. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). The most common options for TRT are:oral testosterone medicationsintranasal testosterone gelstopical testosterone gels, creams, or patchestestosterone injectionsimplantable testosterone pellets Where necessary, doctors may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as:maintaining a moderate weightperforming regular exercisefollowing a nutritious diet Side effects and risks According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), TRT has the potential to cause side effects, including: increased appetite and weight gaingeneral weaknessrestlessnessfatiguehot flushesexcessive sweatingacnedepressionirritabilityaggression Anyone who experiences side effects while taking testosterone should notify their doctor as soon as possible. Low testosterone in women A 2014 research group reviewed all available data regarding the therapeutic use of testosterone and other androgens in women. The group concluded that doctors avoid diagnosing androgen deficiency syndrome (ADS) in healthy females due to insufficient data linking androgen deficiency with specific signs or symptoms. Ultimately, the authors stated that ADS in women does not have a clear definition to warrant a formal diagnosis. The authors add that there is evidence supporting the use of testosterone therapy for postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction due to hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). However, they recommend against prescribing testosterone to women as a treatment for most other conditions, including: infertilitysexual dysfunction other than HSDDsurgical menopausehypopituitarismadrenal insufficiency Learn more about low testosterone in females here. When to consult a doctor Medical professionals do not recommend population-level screening for low testosterone. However, if an individual experiences symptoms of low testosterone, they can talk with their doctor about the possibility of medical tests to confirm the diagnosis. Frequently asked questions Below are some answers to common questions about low testosterone. What happens when a male s testosterone is low The level of testosterone in the blood varies considerably throughout the day. Even if there is a significant drop in peak testosterone levels, it is possible to remain asymptomatic. Possible symptoms of low testosterone include: decreased libidoEDreduced lean muscle massobesityloss of facial or body hairfatigueirritabilitydepression How do you treat low testosterone Treatment methods for low testosterone depend on the cause. A doctor can run tests to help determine the cause and may be able to provide appropriate options. Certain lifestyle changes may also help address low testosterone levels. These include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a nutritious diet. Does masturbating reduce testosterone levels There is no evidence of a link between low testosterone levels and masturbation. Summary The symptoms of low testosterone levels are generally nonspecific. They may include physical symptoms, such as ED, obesity, and reduced muscle mass, as well as mental symptoms, such as irritability and depression. Due to the nonspecific nature of symptoms, diagnosing low testosterone can be challenging. Doctors will typically order multiple blood tests to confirm the condition. The treatment for low testosterone depends partly on the cause. In some cases, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a safe and effective way to return testosterone levels to expected levels. In other cases, doctors may recommend TRT, though this can cause side effects. A person can discuss TRT’s potential risks and benefits with their doctor. Last medically reviewed on August 22, 2022Uncategorized 6 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Krzastek, S. C., et al. (2020). Non-testosterone management of male hypogonadism: An examination of the existing literature. https://doi.org/10.21037/tau.2019.11.16Livingston, M., et al. (2017). Serum testosterone levels in male hypogonadism: Why and when to check - a review. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ijcp.12995Sizar O., et al. (2021). Hypogonadism. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532933/Testosterone replacement therapy [Fact sheet]. (2021). https://www.kch.nhs.uk/Doc/pl%20-%20934.1%20-%20testosterone%20replacement%20therapy.pdfWhat is low testosterone? (n.d.). https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/l/low-testosteroneWierman, M. E., et al. (2014). Androgen therapy in women: A reappraisal: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline.https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2014-2260FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Roger Bielinski, MD, Urology — By Abanoub Iskander on August 22, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related Coverage5 of the best home testosterone tests for 2022Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT A home testosterone test may be a convenient way for a person to check their testosterone levels. Learn more here.READ MOREWhat foods reduce testosterone?Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R.D., L.D., ACSM EP-C Certain foods influence hormones. Soy products, dairy, and alcohol all reduce testosterone. Lifestyle changes can help a person maintain their hormone…READ MOREWhat testosterone supplements should I take?Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, PharmD Testosterone supplements may include injectable treatments or those that are transdermal, meaning people apply them to the skin. Learn more about…READ MORECan hCG help raise low testosterone levels?Medically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, MD Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone that may help raise low testosterone levels in males, although more research on its effectiveness is needed.READ MORETestosterone replacement therapy (TRT): What to knowMedically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a treatment for people with low testosterone levels. Learn more about TRT here.READ MORE