What Is Low Testosterone?
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone responsible for muscle mass, bone density, fat distribution, red blood cell production, sex drive, and mood regulation. "Low T" occurs when testosterone falls below the normal range — generally below 300 ng/dL, though symptoms can appear at higher levels depending on the individual.
What Causes Low Testosterone?
Testosterone naturally declines about 1% per year after age 30. But age isn't the only factor:
- Obesity: Fat tissue converts testosterone to estrogen. Higher body fat = lower testosterone
- Chronic stress: Elevated cortisol directly suppresses testosterone production
- Poor sleep: Most testosterone is produced during deep sleep. Consistently poor sleep tanks levels
- Medications: Opioids, statins, and certain other medications can lower testosterone
- Medical conditions: Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, thyroid disorders, pituitary issues
- Alcohol: Regular heavy drinking is directly toxic to testosterone production
- Environmental toxins: Endocrine disruptors in plastics, pesticides, and other chemicals
Recognizing the Symptoms
- Persistent fatigue that sleep doesn't fix
- Decreased muscle mass and increased body fat (especially belly fat)
- Low libido and sexual dysfunction
- Brain fog, poor concentration, memory issues
- Mood changes — irritability, depression, anxiety
- Decreased motivation and drive
- Poor sleep quality
- Loss of morning erections
What You Can Do
The first step is testing. A simple blood test measures your total and free testosterone along with other relevant markers. If levels are low, treatment options range from lifestyle modifications to testosterone replacement therapy — always customized to your situation.
Schedule your testosterone evaluation and get answers.