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Low Testosterone: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Get Tested

Testosterone often gets labeled as the “male hormone,” but in reality, both men and women need it for healthy energy, mood, metabolism, and sexual function. When testosterone levels drop too low, the effects can ripple throughout the whole body.

So how do you know if your testosterone might be low, and when should you consider testing? Let’s break it down.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Low Testosterone

In Men

  • Low sex drive or erectile dysfunction

  • Fatigue and low energy (despite getting enough rest)

  • Loss of muscle mass or increased body fat

  • Mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, or depression

  • Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”

  • Reduced body or facial hair growth

  • Bone weakness or increased fracture risk

This is shocking: around 1 in 4 men over age 30 has low testosterone, but most don’t realize it.

In Women

Yes, women can experience low testosterone too. Symptoms may include:

  • Low libido

  • Fatigue and decreased stamina

  • Loss of muscle tone

  • Mood changes or feeling “flat” emotionally

  • Weaker bones (increased risk for osteoporosis)

About 10–15% of women may experience low testosterone, often overlooked as a root cause of fatigue and low libido.

Why Testosterone Levels Drop

Testosterone naturally declines with age, around 1% per year after age 30. But many factors can accelerate that drop, including:

  • Chronic stress and high cortisol

  • Poor sleep

  • Certain medications (like opioids or steroids)

  • Obesity or metabolic conditions

  • Thyroid or pituitary disorders

  • Nutrient deficiencies

All of these conditions should be evaluated for the best approach to “root cause” reasons for low testosterone.

When Should You Get Tested?

If you’re noticing several of the symptoms above, especially if they’re affecting your quality of life—it’s worth getting tested.

What to expect from testing:

  • Bloodwork (done in the morning): Testosterone peaks in the early hours, so morning labs are most accurate.

  • Total testosterone: The first marker most labs run. This evaluates testosterone circulating in the bloodstream attached to its carrier protein, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG—see below). Why does it need a carrier protein to circulate? All hormones are made of fat, so in order to move through the “watery” bloodstream, they need a carrier protein escort. This is true for testosterone as well as all other hormones!

  • Free testosterone and SHBG: Free testosterone evaluates testosterone that is not attached to SHBG. Understanding this level as well as the SHBG gives a more well-rounded picture of actual testosterone “function” at the level of the receptor where it docks and exerts its effects.

  • DHEA: This is an important building block for testosterone (as well as many other hormones). Deficiencies can lead to low testosterone and low testosterone symptoms. Sometimes correcting DHEA deficiencies is enough to correct low testosterone by itself!

At Vytal Health, our functional medicine doctors go beyond just checking “total testosterone.” We look at the whole hormone picture—including thyroid, cortisol, and other key markers. Hormones are messaging chemicals, so understanding the whole network matters!

Treatment Options for Low Testosterone

At Vytal Health, we take a root-cause, whole-body approach to treatment. That means starting with foundational lifestyle changes before considering supplements or medications.

1. Lifestyle Support

  • Prioritizing sleep: Consistent, high-quality sleep helps regulate testosterone production.

  • Morning sunlight: Just 20 minutes of morning light exposure supports your circadian rhythm, which boosts both sleep quality and testosterone.

  • Managing stress: Chronic stress raises cortisol, which directly suppresses testosterone.

  • Strength training & movement: Resistance exercise is one of the most effective natural boosters.

  • Balanced nutrition: Protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients all play a role in hormone production.

  • Limiting alcohol & toxins: Excess alcohol, smoking, and environmental toxins can impair hormone balance.

2. Supplements

Every plan is customized, but common supportive supplements may include:

  • Vitamin D – plays a direct role in hormone production.

  • Zinc & magnesium – minerals essential for testosterone synthesis.

  • Ashwagandha – an adaptogen shown to support testosterone and reduce stress.

  • DHEA (in select cases) – a hormone precursor that can support testosterone balance.

3. Medications & Hormone Therapy

If lifestyle and supplements aren’t enough, some patients may benefit from medical therapies.

  • Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): In select states and with select Vytal Health providers, we can prescribe bioidentical testosterone to restore balance.

  • Careful monitoring: Any hormone therapy is closely monitored with labs and symptom tracking to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Can You Boost Testosterone Naturally?

In many cases, yes! Lifestyle changes such as improving sleep, reducing stress, and eating a nutrient-dense diet can support healthy testosterone. We’ve put together a helpful guide on testosterone-boosting foods you can start adding to your plate today.

Taking the Next Step

Low testosterone is more common than most people realize and it’s not just about sex drive. If you’re experiencing fatigue, mood changes, or shifts in your body composition, testing your hormones can provide clarity.

👉 Ready to learn more? Schedule a call with a Vytal Health care coordinator today to explore your options.