Are You Suffering from Low T? 5 Signs to Look For

Low testosterone, or low T, affects many men as they age. Testosterone controls several vital body functions. Falling testosterone levels can negatively impact overall health and well-being.

At Coastal Regenerative Orthopedics & Wellness Center in San Diego, California, Dr. Ronald Cohen and our experienced team help determine if you’re dealing with a hormone issue.

Five signs of low T

Low testosterone can affect your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Identifying the signs early helps you improve your health and quality of life. If you’re feeling “off” or not quite yourself, it may be worth investigating whether low T is the underlying issue.

Here are five common signs to watch for:

1. Decreased energy levels and fatigue

Feeling fatigued even after sleeping all night? One of the most common symptoms of low testosterone is a noticeable drop in energy. Many men with low T report feeling drained, no matter how much rest they get.

A lack of energy often interferes with daily activities, work, and relationships. Testosterone is responsible for maintaining energy levels and motivation. When levels decline, you may feel sluggish and unmotivated. 

If even simple tasks feel more exhausting than before, low T could be the culprit.

2. Decreased libido and sexual dysfunction

Testosterone directly influences sex drive. As testosterone levels decline, many men notice a decreased libido. If you feel less interested in sex or find it harder to get aroused, low T may be the reason. 

Low testosterone doesn’t just affect desire; it also causes erectile dysfunction, making it difficult to maintain an erection.

These changes can be physically and emotionally distressing, but they’re common among men with low testosterone.

3. Reduced muscle mass and strength

Testosterone supports muscle mass and strength. As testosterone levels decline, you might gradually lose muscle. Low T makes building and maintaining muscle harder, and you may feel weaker during physical activities or workouts.

Maintaining muscle tone or strength might require more effort, and you might also notice a decrease in stamina. If gaining muscle seems harder or you see more fat accumulation, low T could be why.

4. Mood changes and irritability

Testosterone affects not only your physical health but also your mental and emotional well-being. Many men with low T report mood swings, irritability, or even depression. Low testosterone might be the reason you feel more anxious, sad, or frustrated than usual.

Low testosterone also impacts cognitive function, making concentrating or remembering things harder. The emotional and mental changes can disrupt your work, relationships, and overall quality of life. 

If your mood fluctuates more than usual, consider whether low T contributes to these changes.

5. Increased body fat

The body stores more fat when testosterone levels drop, particularly around the abdomen. Many men with low testosterone notice increased body fat, especially visceral fat, accumulating around internal organs.

Changes in body composition often lead to an increase in waist size, even if you haven’t altered your diet or exercise routine. Declining testosterone levels also reduce muscle mass and slow metabolism, making weight gain more likely.

What to do if you suspect low T

If you experience these symptoms, schedule a consultation by phone or online today with one of our certified providers. A blood test measures your testosterone levels and confirms if low T is the issue.

Before recommending a treatment plan, we consider your symptoms, age, and overall health. Treatment options for low testosterone include hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, or other medications. 

Addressing low T early can improve your quality of life, restore energy, and reverse many of the physical and emotional symptoms tied to low testosterone.