Signs and symptoms of low testosterone

Dr James Greenwood 

MBCHB, MRCGP

TRT Doctor

Low testosterone can creep in quietly. You’re tired more often. Struggling to focus. Not interested in sex like you used to be. Maybe you’ve noticed you’re putting on weight around your middle, or you’re not building muscle like you once did, even though your training hasn’t changed.

If that rings a bell, you’re not alone. And no, it’s not all in your head.

I’m one of the doctors here at Leger Clinic, and I’ve seen this pattern many times. The good news? There’s something you can do about it, but it starts with recognising the signs of low testosterone.

What’s in this article

• What is low testosterone?
• What are the signs of low testosterone?
• Take the ADAM questionnaire
• What causes testosterone levels to drop?
• How do I check for sure?
• What happens if I do have low testosterone?
• Could I have low testosterone?

What is low testosterone?

Testosterone is often called the male hormone, and for good reason. It affects everything from your sex drive and energy to your bone density, muscle strength, and mood.

As we get older, testosterone levels naturally decline, usually from our late 30s or early 40s. But for some men, that drop becomes a problem. When your levels fall below what’s healthy for your body and symptoms start creeping in, we call it testosterone deficiency (or low T for short).

What are the signs of low testosterone?

Not everyone will get the same symptoms, but these are some of the most common:

• Low sex drive — you’re just not in the mood like you used to be
• Erectile dysfunction — getting or keeping an erection is harder
• Fatigue — you feel wiped out, even if you’ve had a full night’s kip
• Loss of muscle — you’re not building or keeping muscle like before
• Increased belly fat — often goes hand in hand with dropping T levels
• Mood swings — low testosterone can cause low mood, anxiety, and even irritability
• Poor concentration — brain fog, forgetfulness, struggling to focus
• Thinning hair — you might lose some body or facial hair
• Fragile bones — In the long term, low testosterone can affect bone density

A lot of men try to push through, thinking it’s just stress, age, or something they’ll snap out of. But if these symptoms stick around, it’s worth digging deeper.

Take the ADAM questionnaire

If you’ve nodded along to a few of those symptoms, try our quick ADAM questionnaire. It’s a simple set of questions used to screen for low testosterone. It won’t give you a diagnosis, but it can point you in the right direction.

If your results suggest low T, the next move is a blood test. It’s the only way to confirm what’s going on with your hormone levels.

What causes testosterone levels to drop?

Sometimes, it’s age, plain and simple. Sometimes, it’s an underlying medical condition like a problem with the testes or pituitary gland. Other times, lifestyle plays a part. Lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, being overweight, or certain medications.

No matter the cause, if it’s affecting how you feel, it’s worth looking into.

How do I check for sure?

A proper testosterone blood test, taken early in the morning, will give us the best picture of your hormone levels. But numbers on their own don’t tell the full story — it’s about matching your symptoms with your results and looking at the full clinical picture.

That’s where an experienced doctor comes in.

Here at Leger, we’ve been helping men with testosterone issues for over 20 years. We combine your blood results with symptom tracking, lifestyle review, and ongoing monitoring. It’s all about doing things properly and safely.

What happens if I do have low testosterone?

If you have two recent low test results, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) might be an option. And when it’s done right — under medical supervision — it can make a big difference to how you feel.

Benefits of TRT can include:

• Improved mood and mental clarity
• More energy and motivation
• Better sex drive and erections
• Increased lean muscle mass
• Stronger bones
• Better sleep and recovery

That said, TRT isn’t for everyone, and it’s not risk-free. Doing TRT properly means going to an expert provider, getting regular blood tests, having ongoing reviews, and having a plan tailored to your body.

Could I have low testosterone?

Low testosterone isn’t just about sex drive or gym performance, it’s about quality of life.

If you’re feeling flat, worn out, or just not like yourself, take the first step. Use the ADAM questionnaire, get your testosterone levels checked, and speak to someone who understands what you’re going through.

We don’t do guesswork at Leger. We test, we monitor, and we treat when it’s right with proper medical care and a fair, straight-talking approach.