5 Signs You're Suffering from a Testosterone Deficiency and What to Do About It

Low testosterone, or "low T," affects men in a variety of ways. It’s common for testosterone levels to decrease with age, but some men experience a significant drop, leading to noticeable changes in both body and mind. 

Here are five signs that could indicate you have a testosterone deficiency, along with actionable steps to help manage them from Michael Rotman, MD.

1. You feel a constant dip in energy levels

A telltale sign of low testosterone is persistent fatigue, despite adequate sleep and good nutrition. When testosterone levels drop, energy levels often follow, leading to reduced motivation and a general feeling of sluggishness. If you find yourself too tired for activities you once enjoyed, it may be due to low T.

2. Your muscle mass is dwindling

Testosterone plays a critical role in building and maintaining muscle mass. Men with low T often notice a loss of muscle strength and a harder time building muscle, even with regular exercise. 

Alongside muscle loss, there’s typically an increase in body fat, particularly around the abdomen, which can feel frustrating if you’re putting in effort at the gym.

3. Your libido is noticeably lower

Low testosterone can significantly impact your sex drive. If you’ve experienced a decreased interest in intimacy or find it harder to become aroused, low T could be the culprit. While libido naturally changes over time, a sudden or sustained drop in interest can indicate a hormonal imbalance.

4. You’re experiencing mood changes

Testosterone affects more than just physical attributes. Many men with low T report mood swings, irritability, and even symptoms of depression. Hormones play a key role in mood regulation, and low T can lead to emotional changes that feel out of character.

5. Your hair is thinning

While hair loss can happen for many reasons, low T is sometimes a factor. A drop in testosterone can lead to thinning hair on your body, face, and scalp. If you notice sudden changes in hair thickness along with other symptoms, it might be time to explore the root cause.

What to do about low testosterone

If these symptoms resonate with you, don’t worry — there are options available to help manage low T. We offer an approach using human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG).

HCG treatment stimulates natural testosterone production, minimizing side effects associated with synthetic hormone therapies. Unlike some therapies that may reduce fertility or cause testicular shrinkage, HCG works by instructing the testicles to produce more testosterone on their own, preserving natural hormone production.

We provide thorough guidance for self-administering HCG if it’s prescribed, ensuring men can confidently manage their treatment from home. Side effects are rare but may include mild headaches, irritability, or fatigue. It’s also essential to avoid HCG if you have certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or asthma.

Find out if you have low testosterone

If you suspect you’re experiencing low testosterone, call or schedule an appointment online with Dr. Rotman. We have offices on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and in Hewlett, New York.