Testosterone naturally declines with age, but a meaningful drop can affect energy, mood, body composition, and sexual health. The key is distinguishing true low testosterone — confirmed by testing and matched to your symptoms — from the many other things that cause similar feelings.
Symptoms to watch for
- Low energy, fatigue, and reduced stamina
- Reduced sex drive or erectile difficulties
- Low mood, irritability, or loss of motivation
- Loss of muscle and increased body fat
- Poor concentration and “brain fog”
- Disturbed sleep
Because these overlap with thyroid issues, sleep problems, depression, and other conditions, guessing is a poor strategy. Precise testing is what separates a real hormonal cause from a look-alike.
Low-T and ED often travel together. If erectile difficulties are part of the picture, an evaluation can address both — see erectile dysfunction.
How we evaluate it
Diagnosis starts with a morning blood test, when testosterone peaks, usually confirmed on a second sample. Dr. Shusterman looks beyond a single number — reviewing free and total testosterone, related hormones, and your full symptom picture — so any treatment decision rests on solid ground rather than one lab value.
Treatment options
Address the root cause
Sometimes low levels trace back to sleep, weight, medications, or other treatable factors. Correcting those can raise testosterone naturally and improve overall health.
Testosterone therapy
For appropriately selected men, testosterone therapy can restore energy, libido, mood, and muscle. It’s monitored closely and isn’t right for everyone — Dr. Shusterman reviews the benefits, risks, and alternatives candidly before starting, including effects on fertility and the prostate.
Part of a bigger picture. Hormonal health is central to healthy aging. For men who want a proactive, data-driven approach to function and longevity, explore Urolongevity.
Common questions
What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
Low energy, reduced sex drive, erectile difficulties, low mood, loss of muscle, and poor concentration are common. They can have other causes too — which is why testing matters.
How is it diagnosed?
With a morning blood test, usually confirmed on a second draw, interpreted alongside your symptoms rather than in isolation.
Is testosterone therapy safe?
For the right candidates, it can be effective and is monitored closely. It isn’t for everyone, so we weigh benefits, risks, and alternatives first.
Will it affect fertility?
Standard testosterone therapy can reduce fertility, so if you’re planning to have children we’ll discuss approaches that protect it.