Low Testosterone in Men: What You Need to Know
Low Testosterone in Men: Symptoms, Causes & Testosterone Replacement Treatment in the UK
Low testosterone in men is far more common than many people realise, yet it often goes undiagnosed. Because symptoms can be subtle and develop gradually, many men attribute them to stress, ageing, or lifestyle. Some men just describe it as feeling ‘burnt out’.
However, identifying low testosterone early can make a significant difference to your long-term health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
What is Testosterone and Why Does it Matter?
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, produced mainly in the testes. It plays a vital role in:
Energy levels
Libido (sex drive)
Muscle mass and strength
Bone density
Mood and cognitive function
Although testosterone levels naturally decline with age, some men develop clinically low testosterone levels, leading to noticeable symptoms.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Men
Low testosterone can present differently in everyone, but common symptoms include:
Persistent fatigue or low energy
Reduced sex drive (low libido)
Erectile dysfunction
Low mood, irritability, or reduced motivation
Difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”)
Loss of muscle mass and increased body fat (in particular around the abdomen)
Reduced physical performance
Poor sleep quality
Because these symptoms overlap with other conditions, low testosterone is often missed without proper testing.
Signs Doctors Look For
In addition to symptoms, clinicians may identify physical signs such as:
Decreased muscle bulk
Reduced body or facial hair
Increased abdominal fat
Reduced testicular size (in some cases)
A blood test is essential to confirm a diagnosis of low testosterone.
Causes of Low Testosterone
There is often no single cause, but common contributors include:
Ageing – natural decline in testosterone levels
Obesity – excess body fat lowers testosterone
Chronic illness – including diabetes and inflammatory conditions
Stress and poor sleep
Medications (e.g. long-term opioid use)
Hormonal disorders affecting the brain or testes
In some cases, no clear cause is identified.
How Common is Low Testosterone?
Low testosterone is more common than many people think:
Around 2–5% of men overall are affected
Prevalence increases with age
In men over 50, rates may rise to 10–20%
Despite this, many men remain undiagnosed and untreated.
How is Low Testosterone Diagnosed?
Diagnosis requires both symptoms and blood testing. This typically includes:
Morning testosterone blood test (before 10am - when levels are the highest. You should also avoid vigorous exercise the evening before the test and ideally be fasting)
Repeat blood test to confirm results and ensure all other causes have been ruled out and no contraindications to starting Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
If one or both the samples are low you can book to see our Endocrinologist – Dr Moulik for assessment.
If they are low end of normal or borderline you may first wish to have a consult with one of our GPs to set out a plan to monitor / identify ways to improve this.
Accurate diagnosis is essential before starting any treatment.
Treatment for Low Testosterone
Lifestyle Changes
For some men, improving lifestyle factors can naturally boost testosterone levels, so what can you do to boost your natural testosterone levels:
Weight loss – fat tissue converts testosterone into oestrogen. Even 5-10% weight loss can have a big impact on levels. It is especially important if you carry weight around the abdomen.
Regular exercise (especially resistance training or interval)
Improved sleep – aim for 7 – 9 hours sleep each night. Testosterone is mainly produced during sleep. Even a few nights of poor sleep can reduce levels. Sleep apnoea can significantly lower testosterone.
Reducing alcohol intake
Reducing Chronic stress- stress increases cortisol which suppresses testosterone.
Improve diet – eat enough protein to support hormone production, include healthy fats (testosterone is made from cholesterol), avoid extreme calorie restriction. Important nutrients: Zinc (meat, shellfish, nuts), Vitamin D (sunlight, supplements if needed), Magnesium
Review medications and health conditions
Some conditions and drugs reduce testosterone:
Type 2 diabetes
Obesity
Chronic illness
Long-term opioid use
If relevant, managing these can improve levels.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
If testosterone levels are consistently low and symptoms are significant, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) may be recommended.
TRT options include:
Gels or creams
Injections
TRT aims to restore testosterone to a healthy range, improving:
Energy levels
Mood
Libido
Muscle strength
Before starting TRT, it is essential to carry out further blood tests to:
Ensure safe treatment
Rule out other underlying medical conditions
Establish baseline levels for monitoring
Ongoing follow-up and blood tests are required to ensure treatment remains safe and effective.
Men’s Health Clinic in Shropshire – Launching June 2026
We’re pleased to announce that Shropshire Health will be launching a dedicated Men’s Health Clinic in June 2026, providing expert assessment and treatment for low testosterone and related conditions.
Our structured service includes:
Two-stage testosterone blood testing for accurate diagnosis (available now!)
Consultation with Dr Moulik, a highly experienced endocrinologist from June 2026
Follow ups and monthly prescriptions from our Clinical Team
Personalised treatment planning
If low testosterone is identified:
You will be reviewed by the endocrinologist
If appropriate, TRT will be prescribed directly through the clinic
You will receive ongoing follow-up and repeat blood testing to ensure safe and effective treatment with a GP or our Consultant Endocrinologist Dr Moulik.
This provides a specialist-led, evidence-based pathway for men’s hormone health in Shropshire and surrounding areas.
While online services are increasingly available, best practice is for TRT to be initiated by a consultant specialist, ensuring a comprehensive medical assessment, appropriate investigations, and ongoing monitoring for safety and effectiveness.
You can book your testosterone blood tests at our Shropshire Clinic now here.
When Should You Get Tested?
You should consider a testosterone test if you have:
Persistent fatigue
Low mood or reduced motivation
Reduced libido or sexual dysfunction
Unexplained weight gain or muscle loss
Final Thoughts
Low testosterone is a common but often overlooked condition. The good news is that with proper diagnosis and expert care, it is highly manageable and treatable.
If you’ve been feeling “not quite yourself,” it may be time to explore whether low testosterone could be contributing.
Book your blood tests now here.
We would advise you to have the :
Testosterone Monitoring £80 and
Low Testosterone Screen £185 at minimum.
You may wish to have a Sports Profile, Well man or Fertility screen for more in depth testing.
Please feel free to discuss your needs further with our friendly team.
