Low testosterone can cause a mix of physical, sexual, and mood-related symptoms, and the most reliable next step is a proper assessment with targeted blood testing rather than guesswork.

What testosterone does in the body

Testosterone is a key male hormone produced mainly in the testicles. It supports sex drive, sperm production, muscle and bone health, energy levels, and general wellbeing.

Levels can change with age, health status, sleep quality, and body composition. A gradual shift is common, but a more significant drop can affect quality of life and may be worth checking.

Common signs of low testosterone

Low testosterone does not look the same for everyone. Symptoms can develop gradually and are often mistaken for “just getting older” or feeling run down.

Physical symptoms

You might notice:

persistent fatigue or reduced energy
reduced strength or difficulty building muscle
increased body fat or changes in body composition

These symptoms can also be linked to diet, alcohol intake, stress, sleep disruption, and underlying health issues, which is why testing and clinical context matter.

Sexual and reproductive symptoms

Some men experience:

reduced libido
erectile dysfunction
fertility concerns

These can be influenced by mental health, cardiovascular health, relationship factors, medications, and lifestyle, so it is important not to assume testosterone is the only cause.

Mood and cognitive symptoms

Low testosterone can be associated with:

low mood
irritability
poorer concentration
lower motivation

These symptoms overlap heavily with stress, anxiety, and poor sleep, which is why patterns over time are useful, not just how you feel on one bad week.

Why symptoms are not enough on their own

Symptoms are important, but they are not specific. A similar symptom set can come from:

thyroid problems
vitamin or mineral deficiencies
anaemia or iron issues
poor sleep and sleep apnoea
chronic stress
side effects of medication

This is why a structured review with a clinician, supported by blood tests, is often the quickest route to clarity.

What blood tests can include

A useful assessment usually starts with testosterone, then adds related markers when needed.

Depending on your symptoms, a clinician may recommend:

total testosterone
SHBG to help calculate free testosterone
other hormones that help explain why levels may be low, such as LH, FSH, and prolactin
additional health markers to rule out overlapping causes, such as thyroid function, vitamin D, and iron status

The timing of testing matters, and results should be interpreted alongside symptoms, medication history, and overall health.

What to do next if you suspect low testosterone

Start with a clinical review

A clinician will usually look at:

your symptoms and how long they have been present
sleep quality and stress levels
alcohol intake and exercise habits
current medications and medical history
fertility goals, if relevant

This step prevents you chasing a single hormone result when the cause is actually broader and treatable.

Use testing to confirm and clarify

Blood testing helps answer two questions:

Are testosterone levels actually low?
If they are low, is there an obvious pattern suggesting a cause?

This matters because “low” is not always the same as “needs treatment”. The right next step depends on the full picture.

Agree a plan you can follow

If results and symptoms support testosterone deficiency, next steps can include:

addressing lifestyle factors that affect hormones, energy, and sleep
managing any related health issues flagged in testing
follow-up blood tests if results are borderline or do not match symptoms
discussion of treatment pathways where appropriate

The goal is not just a higher number on a lab report. It is improved symptoms and long-term health.

How Ready Health can help

Ready Health is a private medical clinic in Standish, Wigan. If you are concerned about low testosterone, support can include a consultation to review symptoms, appropriate blood testing, and a clear explanation of results with practical next steps.

They offer both health checks and individual blood tests, with options available through membership plans or pay-as-you-need appointments.

FAQs

What is the most common symptom of low testosterone?

Many men report fatigue, lower mood, and reduced libido, but symptoms vary and often overlap with other health issues.

Can you have low testosterone and still feel fine?

Yes. Some men have lower readings without significant symptoms. Clinicians typically interpret results alongside symptoms before recommending any action.

What is SHBG and why does it matter?

SHBG is a protein that binds to testosterone in the blood. Measuring it can help estimate free testosterone, which can be more informative than total testosterone alone in some cases.

What tests help explain why testosterone might be low?

A clinician may include hormones such as LH, FSH, and prolactin alongside testosterone to help assess whether the issue is linked to hormone signalling rather than testosterone production alone.

Is low testosterone always treated with testosterone replacement?

No. Treatment depends on the cause, symptom severity, and blood test results. Lifestyle and underlying health issues are often addressed first, and treatment decisions should be made with a clinician.

When should I get checked?

If symptoms are persistent, affecting daily life, or getting worse over time, it is sensible to speak to a clinician and consider testing rather than relying on supplements or assumptions.

Signs You Might Have Low Testosterone And What to Do Next