How to Know if You Have Low Testosterone
Feeling Off but Not Sure Why?
If you’re experiencing fatigue, low libido, or trouble concentrating, you might be dealing with more than just a stressful week.
These could be signs of low Testosterone, a common but often overlooked condition in men’s health—and sometimes even in women.
At Defy Medical, we specialize in identifying and treating hormone imbalances to help you feel like yourself again.
So, how do you know if low Testosterone is the issue? Let’s break it down.
What Is Testosterone and Why Does It Matter?
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men and plays a key role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, mood, energy, and sexual health.
In women, Testosterone is also present in smaller amounts and contributes to overall hormone balance, libido, and mood.
Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, typically around 1% per year after age 30. This can lead to symptoms that impact your quality of life.
What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Low Testosterone?
Testosterone deficiency does not always appear in obvious ways. Symptoms can be subtle at first and build gradually over time. Here are some of the most common indicators:
- Decreased libido or sexual performance issues
- Fatigue or low energy, even after rest
- Mood swings, depression, or irritability
- Loss of muscle mass or increased body fat
- Trouble focusing or forgetfulness (often called “brain fog”)
- Sleep disturbances or poor recovery
- Reduced motivation or drive
If you’re noticing a combination of these, it’s worth taking a closer look at your hormone health.
How Is Low Testosterone Diagnosed?
The only way to definitively know if you have low Testosterone is through comprehensive lab testing. At Defy Medical, we look at more than total Testosterone. We also examine:
- Free Testosterone – the bioavailable form your body can actually use
- Estradiol (E2) – important for hormone balance, especially during treatment
- DHEA – which is a precursor hormone to Testosterone
- Thyroid Panel – including Free T3/T4 and TSH, which often interact with Testosterone
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Metabolic Panel – to check for underlying conditions that may cause similar symptoms to low T
- Luteinizing Hormone and Prostate Specific Antigen – to monitor overall reproductive health and check for prostate issues
We recommend getting tested in the morning when Testosterone levels are naturally at their highest.
What Causes Low Testosterone?
Testosterone deficiency can result from a variety of internal and external factors—and often, it’s not just one cause, but a combination. That’s why it’s important to look at the full picture.
Some of the most common causes of low Testosterone include:
Natural aging —While this is a normal part of aging, symptoms can lead to a drop in your quality of life.
Chronic stress and elevated cortisol — Elevated cortisol can suppress Testosterone production and throw off your overall hormone balance, especially if stress becomes a daily norm.
Poor sleep or sleep apnea — Testosterone is mainly made during deep sleep, so good rest is important for hormone health.
Injury or trauma to the testicles — The testicles make Testosterone. Physical trauma, surgery, or past infections like mumps can harm them.
Obesity or insulin resistance — Excess fat tissue can convert Testosterone into Estrogen, further contributing to hormonal imbalance.
Excess alcohol consumption – Excessive alcohol use and recreational drug use can negatively affect hormone levels and testicular function.
In many cases, multiple factors play a role, which is why working with a knowledgeable provider is key.
Can Stress or Lifestyle Really Impact Testosterone?
Chronic stress raises cortisol, a hormone that directly competes with Testosterone. Over time, elevated cortisol can suppress Testosterone production and increase symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and belly fat.
Inadequate sleep, nutrient deficiencies, or lack of exercise can also disrupt your hormonal balance. That’s why Defy Medical takes a full-picture approach, we look at your lifestyle, diet, sleep, stress levels, and more.
Should You Get Tested Even if You’re Young?
Low Testosterone isn’t just an “older man’s problem.” We’re seeing more men in their 20s and 30s with hormonal imbalances—potentially due to modern stressors, environmental toxins, or past steroid use.
If you’re under 40 and experiencing symptoms, getting tested can give you answers—and peace of mind.
What Happens If Low Testosterone Is Left Untreated?
When Testosterone remains low over time, the effects can go beyond fatigue or sexual issues. Long-term Testosterone deficiency has been linked to:
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
- Loss of bone density (osteoporosis)
- Worsening insulin resistance
- Mental health struggles like depression and anxiety
Early detection and treatment can help prevent these complications and restore your health trajectory.
What Are the Treatment Options for Low Testosterone?
If your lab results confirm a Testosterone deficiency, our expert care team will guide you through treatment options tailored to your goals and health status. These may include:
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) – Delivered via injection, topical cream, or subcutaneous pellet
- Lifestyle Coaching – Addressing sleep, diet, exercise, and stress
- Supplementation – With nutrients like DHEA, zinc, or Vitamin D if needed
- Monitoring and Adjustments – Ongoing lab work to fine-tune your plan and keep you feeling your best
At Defy Medical, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Our protocols are designed around your unique lab results and symptoms.
How Can You Get Started with Testing?
Getting started is simple. We offer convenient telemedicine appointments and access to nationwide lab testing. Through our partnership with laboratories like LabCorp and Quest, patients can order comprehensive labs and have them performed at a lab near them.
Once your results are in, you’ll meet with one of our experienced providers to go over your results and discuss treatment options, including Testosterone Replacement Therapy if appropriate.
When Should You Talk to a Provider About Low Testosterone?
If your symptoms are impacting your daily life, or if you just don’t feel like yourself anymore, it’s time to take action. Testosterone deficiency is treatable, and the earlier you address it, the better your long-term outcome.
At Defy Medical, our goal is to help you regain your vitality through science-backed, individualized care. We’ve helped thousands of patients feel better, think clearer, and live more fully, and we can help you, too.
Ready to take the first step?
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