How to Tell if You Have Low Testosterone

Testosterone is the male hormone, but it is also found in women. In men, it is produced in the testes.[1] In women, testosterone is produced in the ovaries, the adrenal glands, and in various tissues of the body.[2] Both women and men can suffer from low testosterone. If you believe this might be a problem for you, there are ways you can tell if have low testosterone.

Things You Should Know

  • If you're a man, low testosterone may cause you to have a decreased libido, trouble getting or maintaining an erection, or decreased sperm counts.
  • You might also notice physical changes, like smaller testicles, swollen breasts, hot flashes, and a decrease in muscle mass.
  • If you're a woman and you have low testosterone, you might notice a decreased sex drive, muscle weakness, decreased vaginal lubrication during sex, or even infertility.
  • There are a lot of factors that can lead to low testosterone levels, including your age, weight, and certain conditions like high blood pressure or alcoholism.
  • If you think you have low testosterone, have your levels checked by your doctor, then talk about your treatment options.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Determining If You Have Low Testosterone Levels

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    Watch for lowered sex drives. It is quite normal to have fewer erections as a man ages. It is not normal, however, to be unable to have or sustain an erection, and it is not normal to lose interest in sex. Lowered testosterone levels can cause sex-related symptoms, such as:[3]
    • Decreased sex drive (libido) and other sexually related problems:
    • Erectile dysfunction (ED)
    • A decrease in the number and quality of erections.
    • Decreased sperm counts and possible infertility
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    Look for changes in your body. It is quite normal for a man’s testosterone level to decrease gradually with age, but you should not see many abnormal changes in your body. Lower testosterone in men can cause some bodily changes. This includes smaller testicles and swollen or tender breasts.[4]
    • In adolescents or young adults who have completed puberty yet, having low testosterone may cause them to appear younger than their chronological age. These adolescents/young adults may also be void of body or facial hair.
    • Men with lower levels may also experience hot flashes.
    • Men may also experience a decrease in muscle mass leading to decreased strength and endurance, along with osteopenia (softening of the bones) and osteoporosis (decreased bone density).
    • Men may also experience changes in blood lipids, such as cholesterol levels.
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    Check for behavioral changes. Men who experience low testosterone levels may experience some changes to their behavior. They may feel fatigue, difficulty sleeping, or a change in sleep patterns. Mood changes can also occur, like depression, irritability, and anxiety.[5]
    • Men may also suffer from problems with memory, concentration, or a sudden lack of self-confidence.
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    Monitor symptoms of low testosterone in women. Women can have low testosterone as well. Symptoms in women most commonly occur around menopause and can complicate any treatment of menopausal symptoms. Symptoms of low testosterone in women include:[6]
    • Decreased sexual desire and function
    • Muscle weakness
    • Decreased vaginal lubrication
    • Infertility
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    Understand how aging influences testosterone levels. Testosterone levels in both men and women normally decrease with age. In men, testosterone levels decrease about 1% each year after the age of 30.[7] Women over 40 may have half the testosterone they did in their 20s.[8] These lower levels are normal, however, and may not point to a problem.
    • However, testosterone levels may drop significantly with age. Approximately 40% of men over the age of 45 have low testosterone.[9] Watch for symptoms or discuss with your doctor if your testosterone levels are decreasing normally or if you are at risk for low levels.
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    Monitor your symptoms if you are overweight. Low-level production of testosterone can be due to a problem with the pituitary or hypothalamus glands. Obesity and type 2 diabetes may put you at risk for low testosterone in connection with these glands.[10]
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    Decide if you have any of the conditions that lead to low testosterone levels. Low testosterone levels can be caused by a variety of the conditions. Some of the common conditions include:[11] [12]
    • Injury to the testicles
    • Alcoholism
    • Medication side effects
    • Testicular cancer or the treatments for testicular cancer
    • High blood pressure or cholesterol
    • Other hormonal disorders
    • Infections, such as HIV/AIDS
    • Chronic liver or kidney disease
    • Type 2 diabetes
    • Obstructive sleep apnea
    • Chronic opiate medication use
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Handling Low Testosterone Levels

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    See your physician. People can have primary low testosterone or low testosterone due to a secondary condition. In order to tell whether you have low testosterone or a secondary condition, you need to see your doctor. Remember to tell your physician about all your medical history, and especially all your medications since low testosterone can be due to medications.[13]
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    Get a blood test to check your testosterone levels. Diagnosis involves primarily a blood test along with a physical exam. The test is most often done using blood drawn in the morning, when testosterone levels are highest. If the combination of symptoms you tell the doctor about and the lab results indicate low testosterone levels, you may be diagnosed with low testosterone levels.[14]
    • Depending on your physical exam, your symptoms, and your history, other tests for thyroid function, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease may be performed as well.
    • Since testosterone levels can fluctuate, check 2–3 times in the morning to truly confirm if you have low testosterone levels.
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    Decide on a treatment. If you have low testosterone levels, you may be able to get testosterone therapy. Testosterone replacement therapy may be done through an applied gel on the skin or patch. You can also get an injection or tablets that dissolve in your mouth.[15]
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    Know the importance of testosterone. Testosterone is responsible for the production of the primary male sexual characteristics and functions, including a deep voice, facial hair, a prominent Adam’s apple, and denser bone and muscle mass. For men, testosterone is also directly related to erectile functions, penis and testicular size, and sex drive. Testosterone is also involved with the production of red blood cells and sperm and can decrease as a man ages.[16]
    • In women, testosterone is also important for muscle and bone development, sex drive, and regulation of body organs.[17]
    • Testosterone levels vary in different men, so it can be difficult to determine if the levels detected in one man are too low.
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References

  1. ↑ http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5747
  2. ↑ http://www.bumc.bu.edu/sexualmedicine/publications/testosterone-insufficiency-in-women-fact-or-fiction/
  3. ↑ http://www.hormone.org/questions-and-answers/2010/low-testosterone-and-mens-health
  4. ↑ http://www.hormone.org/questions-and-answers/2010/low-testosterone-and-mens-health
  5. ↑ http://www.hormone.org/questions-and-answers/2010/low-testosterone-and-mens-health
  6. ↑ http://www.bumc.bu.edu/sexualmedicine/publications/testosterone-insufficiency-in-women-fact-or-fiction/
  7. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/testosterone-therapy/art-20045728
  8. ↑ http://med.monash.edu.au/sphpm/womenshealth/docs/testosterone-and-androgens-in-women.pdf
  9. ↑ http://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/low-testosterone-(hypogonadism)
  1. ↑ http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/low-testosterone/what-low-testosterone
  2. ↑ http://www.medicinenet.com/low_testosterone_low_t/article.htm
  3. ↑ http://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/low-testosterone-(hypogonadism)/causes
  4. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/men/features/low-testosterone-explained-how-do-you-know-when-levels-are-too-low?page=2
  5. ↑ http://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/low-testosterone-(hypogonadism)/diagnosis
  6. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/men/features/low-testosterone-explained-how-do-you-know-when-levels-are-too-low?page=2
  7. ↑ http://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/understanding-how-testosterone-affects-men
  8. ↑ http://med.monash.edu.au/sphpm/womenshealth/docs/testosterone-and-androgens-in-women.pdf

About This Article

Erik Kramer, DO, MPH
Co-authored by:
Erik Kramer, DO, MPH
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
This article was co-authored by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Board-Certified Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado. With over 15 years of experience, his clinical interests include obesity and weight management, diabetes care, and preventive care, as well as embracing a holistic approach to primary care. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Central Maine Medical Center. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. This article has been viewed 36,067 times.
33 votes - 73%
Co-authors: 8
Updated: March 10, 2023
Views: 36,067
Categories: Hormones

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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