Medically reviewed by Anand Thakkar, MD, MSCP. Last updated: September 28, 2026.
Low testosterone symptoms can be easy to miss because they build slowly. A dip in drive, energy or strength often gets blamed on age or stress.
What Testosterone Does
Men make testosterone mainly in the testes. Women make smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands.
It supports sexual health, muscle, bone strength, energy and mood.
Levels in men decline with age. Cleveland Clinic says the drop is about 1% a year, starting in the late 30s.1 Other factors can speed it up, and that is when low testosterone symptoms tend to appear.
Why Patients Choose Bliss MD for Testosterone Care
- Hormone expertise. Since 2011, Dr. Anand Thakkar has treated hormone concerns. His board certifications are in Internal Medicine (ABIM) and Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine (A4M/ABAARM).
- Menopause training. His MSCP certification shapes how he doses women.
- Two locations. Lincoln Park and our Schaumburg-area clinic in Hanover Park.
8 Low Testosterone Symptoms in Men
Sexual changes are the most specific sign of low testosterone. Common low testosterone symptoms in men include:
- Low sex drive
- Fewer morning erections
- Trouble getting or keeping an erection
- Fatigue and low stamina
- Mood swings, irritability or poor focus
- Loss of muscle and strength
- More body fat, especially at the waist
- Body hair loss or breast tenderness
Low Testosterone Symptoms in Women
Women make testosterone in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Levels fall slowly through the 30s and 40s, and they can drop suddenly if the ovaries are removed. Possible low testosterone symptoms in women include:
- Low sexual desire that causes distress (the most specific sign)
- Fewer sexual thoughts or less response to touch
- Low energy and a reduced sense of well-being
- Changes in mood or focus
Most of these overlap with perimenopause, thyroid problems, iron deficiency, poor sleep and depression. That’s why we test broadly first.
What the Evidence Supports
An international consensus statement from major medical societies found one evidence-based reason to treat women with testosterone. That reason is low sexual desire that causes distress, mainly after menopause.4 It found too little evidence to use testosterone for fatigue, mood, memory or muscle. When we do prescribe it for a woman, we check blood levels to keep them in the normal female range. Learn more about women’s dosing on our hormone replacement therapy Chicago page.
Common Causes of Testosterone Deficiency
Causes beyond aging include:
- Excess weight and type 2 diabetes
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Opioids, steroids and some other medicines
- Pituitary gland problems
- Oral estrogen or birth control, which can lower free testosterone in women
Primary vs. Secondary Low Testosterone
Doctors sort low testosterone in men into two main types. Knowing which one you have changes your plan.
- Primary hypogonadism starts in the testes. They don’t make enough testosterone even though the brain sends the signal. LH and FSH, the brain’s signal hormones, are usually high.
- Secondary hypogonadism starts in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus in the brain. The signal is weak, so LH and FSH are low or normal. Obesity, opioids, high prolactin and pituitary problems are common causes.
This is why we check LH and FSH, not just testosterone, when you have low testosterone symptoms. Secondary causes can sometimes be treated directly. Some men who want to keep their fertility have options other than testosterone. Low T can also play a part in erectile dysfunction.
Can Chemical Exposures Affect Testosterone?
Endocrine disruptors can scramble hormone messages. Some, called xenoestrogens, act like estrogen. Others block androgens such as testosterone.
Some human studies link higher phthalate or BPA exposure with lower testosterone. These show links, not proof of cause.
- Choose an unscented body wash, shaving cream and deodorant.
- Carry a steel or glass water bottle.
Treatment Options for Low Testosterone
Sleep, exercise, weight, alcohol and stress all affect testosterone.
When low levels and symptoms are confirmed, bioidentical testosterone may help men. Options include injections, daily creams, or pellets inserted beneath the skin every few months.
Planning a family? Read this first. Testosterone therapy can lower sperm production, sometimes sharply. If you hope to father a child in the next year or two, tell us before you start. We’ll talk about options that protect fertility.
Women receive much smaller doses, usually as a cream. No testosterone product has FDA approval for women, so doctors prescribe it off-label.
The Endocrine Society lists reasons to avoid these hormone therapies.2 They include prostate or breast cancer, a high red blood cell count and untreated sleep apnea.
Low Testosterone Symptoms: When to Get Tested
Consider testing if you have two or more low testosterone symptoms for several months, especially low desire, fewer morning erections or loss of strength. Testing also makes sense if you have type 2 diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea or long-term opioid or steroid use.
Getting an Accurate Result
- Test in the morning. For men, levels peak early, so the Endocrine Society advises drawing blood between 7 and 10 a.m.
- Test twice. One low result isn’t enough for a diagnosis.
- Test when you’re well. A recent illness, poor sleep or a hard workout can lower a result.
What Your Results Mean
Many labs, and the American Urological Association, use about 300 ng/dL total testosterone as the cutoff for low levels in men.5 Diagnosis also needs symptoms. A borderline result may need free testosterone and SHBG to interpret it. Women’s normal ranges are much lower, and total testosterone isn’t used on its own to diagnose low desire.
Testosterone Testing in Lincoln Park and Hanover Park
We draw labs at both clinics any time during clinic hours. For men, morning draws still give the most accurate testosterone reading, as the Endocrine Society advises above. Start with a free 15-minute discovery call. If your labs confirm low levels, learn about testosterone therapy in Chicago.
Our Process for Low Testosterone Care at Bliss MD
Patient Testimonials
Patients share their experiences in our testimonials. Individual experiences vary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Low Testosterone Symptoms
What is a low testosterone level in men?
Many labs use about 300 ng/dL as the lower limit. Diagnosis also requires symptoms and repeat testing.
Can women have low testosterone?
Yes. Levels fall with age and can drop sharply after the ovaries are removed.
How long until I notice a difference?
Some men notice their low testosterone symptoms easing within weeks. Muscle and body fat changes take months.
Are testosterone pellets right for everyone?
No. Pellets cannot be removed once placed. Creams and injections offer more flexibility.
What are the first signs of low testosterone in women?
Usually a drop in sexual desire that bothers you, often with low energy. These low testosterone symptoms are common in perimenopause too, so we check estrogen, thyroid and iron at the same time.
Will testosterone therapy affect my fertility?
It can. Testosterone can lower sperm production in men. Tell us if you plan to have children so we can discuss other options.
Begin Your Testosterone Health Journey Today
Find Out What Is Behind Your Symptoms
Wondering if your low testosterone symptoms need a closer look? Let’s talk it through.
Serving Chicago and the Northwest Suburbs
Visit either office.
Bliss MD – Lincoln Park: 2707 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (630) 289-0440
Bliss MD – Hanover Park: 1802 Irving Park Rd, Hanover Park, IL 60133
Phone: (630) 289-0440
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. Low Testosterone (Male Hypogonadism).
- Endocrine Society. Hypogonadism in Men.
- Endocrine Society. Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: Clinical Practice Guideline.
- Davis SR, et al. Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2019.
- American Urological Association. Testosterone Deficiency Guideline.
