MedDroid
Ask MedDroid
Low Testosterone
Low testosterone (low male hormone) can cause tiredness, low sex drive and mood changes. It becomes more common with age but can also occur in younger men.
Causes & risk factors
- Increasing age
- Obesity and type 2 diabetes
- Testicular injury, infection or surgery
- Pituitary gland problems
- Certain medicines and long-term illness
- Chronic alcohol use
Common symptoms
- Low sex drive
- Tiredness and low energy
- Erection difficulties
- Low mood or irritability
- Loss of muscle and increased body fat
- Reduced facial or body hair
Tests & diagnosis
- Testosterone (morning sample)
- LH and FSH
- Prolactin
- Blood sugar
- CBC
Treatment & management
- Treating the cause — weight loss, better diabetes control
- Reviewing medicines that lower testosterone
- Testosterone replacement therapy in confirmed cases
- Monitoring blood count, prostate and symptoms during treatment
- Lifestyle changes — exercise, sleep and less alcohol
When to see a doctor urgently
- Persistent low libido with tiredness and low mood
- Erection problems with reduced body hair
- Two low morning testosterone readings
- Symptoms with a known pituitary or testicular problem
Frequently asked questions
When should testosterone be tested?
A blood sample taken in the morning is best, as levels are highest then. Because they vary, a low result is usually confirmed with a repeat test.
Is testosterone therapy safe?
It can help men with genuinely low levels but is not for everyone and needs monitoring of blood count and prostate. It is avoided in men trying to conceive as it can lower sperm production.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.