What are the symptoms of low testosterone?

Seek urgent medical attention if you have any of the following:

• Sudden, severe chest pain
• Severe shortness of breath
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Sudden, severe headache
• Serious psychiatric symptoms or thoughts of self-harm

These problems may not be caused by hormone issues but require immediate evaluation.

Complaints often reported and that may be related to low testosterone include:

• Decreased libido (low sexual desire)
• Erectile dysfunction (erection problems)
• Lack of energy and constant fatigue.
• Decrease in muscle mass and loss of strength.
• Increased body fat (especially in the abdominal area)

These symptoms can have other causes and do not by themselves establish a diagnosis.

The usual first step is to see a primary care doctor or an internal medicine physician. During evaluation the clinician asks about your symptoms, medications, chronic health conditions and how long and how severe the symptoms are. A physical exam is performed and, if appropriate, referrals are made to specialists.

• Initial visit: Primary care or Internal Medicine
• Specialist referrals: Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Urology
• Assessment: clinical history, physical examination and indicated laboratory or specific tests

Test results are interpreted together with clinical findings to decide on monitoring or further investigation.

Before or alongside medical assessment, low-risk lifestyle measures may help overall health and symptoms:

• Adequate and regular sleep
• Regular physical activity including resistance exercises
• Balanced and sufficient nutrition
• Weight maintenance or reducing excess weight
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol

These are general health measures; consult a health professional for specific medical needs.