Low Testosterone Symptoms in Men: What MedlinePlus and FDA Say to Know
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Quick answer: Low testosterone symptoms in men can include low sex drive, trouble getting an erection, low sperm count, sleep problems, less muscle size and strength, bone loss, more body fat, depression and trouble concentrating. MedlinePlus says some men with low testosterone have no symptoms at all. It also says other conditions can cause the same symptoms, so a blood test and a visit with your provider are how you find out.
I'm not a doctor, and this post can't tell you what you have. It summarizes U.S. government pages in plain language.
Note: This is general education, not medical advice. MedlinePlus says to contact your provider if you have symptoms of low testosterone or questions about treatment.
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What does testosterone do?
MedlinePlus says testosterone is a hormone made by the testicles. It's important for a man's sex drive, bodily development and physical appearance.
It lists what the hormone helps do in the body, from keeping bones and muscles strong to making sperm and red blood cells.
What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
MedlinePlus says some men with low testosterone have no symptoms. Others may have:
- Low sex drive.
- Problems having an erection.
- Low sperm count.
- Sleep problems such as insomnia.
- A decrease in muscle size and strength.
- Bone loss.
- An increase in body fat.
- Depression.
- Trouble concentrating.
Is it just normal aging?
Sometimes. MedlinePlus says some symptoms may be a normal part of aging. For example, it's normal to feel less interested in sex as you get older. But it says it's not usually normal to have no interest in sex.
It also says symptoms may be caused by other conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. That's why guessing doesn't help. If any of these symptoms bother you, talk with your provider.
What causes low testosterone?
MedlinePlus says certain health conditions, medicines or injury can lead to low testosterone. Levels also drop naturally with age, starting around age 30 to 40. The drop is slow. Other causes it lists:
- Medicine side effects, such as from chemotherapy.
- Testicle injury or cancer.
- Problems with the glands in the brain (the hypothalamus and pituitary) that control hormone production.
- Low thyroid function.
- Too much body fat (obesity).
- Other disorders, chronic diseases, treatments or infection.
Does diabetes play a role?
The NIDDK says men's testosterone levels naturally lower with age. It says lower-than-normal levels may be the cause of some men's erectile problems, or can explain why some men often feel tired or depressed, or have a low sex drive.
It adds that men with diabetes, especially those who are older and overweight, are more likely to have low testosterone. That NIDDK page was last reviewed in June 2018, so treat it as background and ask your doctor about current care.
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How is low testosterone checked?
MedlinePlus says your provider will likely have you get a blood test to check your testosterone level. You'll also be checked for other causes of your symptoms, such as medicine side effects, thyroid problems or depression.
For men with obesity, MedlinePlus suggests asking your provider whether you need a test called free testosterone.
What is testosterone therapy?
MedlinePlus says that if you have low testosterone, hormone therapy may help. The medicine is man-made testosterone, called testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). It says TRT can be given as a pill, gel, patch, injection or implant.
It says TRT may relieve or improve symptoms in some men, and that it seems to be more effective in young men with very low levels. It can also help older men. If you notice no change in symptoms after 3 months, MedlinePlus says TRT is less likely to benefit you.
What risks should you know about?
MedlinePlus says TRT has risks. They may include:
- Infertility.
- An enlarged prostate that leads to difficulty urinating.
- Blood clots.
- Worsening cardiovascular disease.
- Sleep problems.
- Cholesterol problems.
It adds that TRT is avoided in men with prostate or breast cancer, because it may worsen their condition. It also says there's an increased risk of high blood pressure with TRT, and that regular checkups matter if you start.
What does the FDA say?
The FDA says testosterone is approved solely for use in men who lack or have low testosterone levels along with an associated medical condition. In a February 28, 2025 notice, it told makers of testosterone products about labeling changes:
- Add the results of the TRAVERSE trial to all testosterone products.
- Keep the "Limitation of Use" language for age-related hypogonadism.
- Remove Boxed Warning language about a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
- Add or update warnings about increased blood pressure.
The FDA says the TRAVERSE results concluded there was no increase in adverse cardiovascular outcomes in men using testosterone for hypogonadism. It also says completed blood pressure studies confirmed an increase in blood pressure with all testosterone products. Which of these applies to you is a question for your doctor.
What can you do next?
Here is a short plan built from the pages above:
- Write down which symptoms you notice and when they started.
- List your medicines and health conditions, since both can matter.
- Book a visit and ask about a blood test.
- Ask what else could explain your symptoms.
- If treatment comes up, ask about the risks and how you'll be monitored.
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Where can you read more on our blog?
Sleep problems are on the MedlinePlus list, so see how to fix your sleep schedule. Diabetes and body weight come up too, so try best exercises for prediabetes.
If cost is a worry, see our guides to telehealth cost without insurance and prescription discount programs.
Frequently asked questions
What are the signs of low testosterone in men?
MedlinePlus lists low sex drive, erection problems, low sperm count, sleep problems, less muscle, bone loss, more body fat, depression and trouble concentrating.
Can you have low testosterone with no symptoms?
Yes. MedlinePlus says some men with low testosterone do not have any symptoms.
Is low testosterone a normal part of aging?
MedlinePlus says levels drop naturally with age, and some symptoms may be a normal part of aging. It also says other conditions can cause the same symptoms.
How do doctors check testosterone?
MedlinePlus says your provider will likely order a blood test and check for other causes of your symptoms.
When should I see a provider?
MedlinePlus says to contact your provider if you have symptoms of low testosterone or questions about treatment.
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Could you have low testosterone? (reviewed Apr. 24, 2025). medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000722.htm
- FDA: FDA issues class-wide labeling changes for testosterone products (Feb. 28, 2025). fda.gov/drugs/drug-alerts-and-statements/fda-issues-class-wide-labeling-changes-testosterone-products
- NIDDK: Diabetes, Sexual, & Bladder Problems (last reviewed June 2018). niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/sexual-bladder-problems
Reviewed against the linked pages on November 3, 2026. Guidance changes over time. This article is an editorial summary and interpretation, not medical advice.
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