5 Signs You May Have a Testosterone Deficiency

Testosterone is often thought of as the “male hormone,” but did you know it plays a vital role in your overall health? It can affect everything from your energy and mood to muscle mass and sexual function.  

Board-certified surgeon Dennis L. Streeter, DO, FAAOS, in northwestern Indiana, recognizes the importance of regulating hormone levels. And while they may naturally decline with age, sometimes they dip lower than they should, leading to noticeable symptoms.

The tricky part? These signs can be subtle at first, and many people mistake them for stress, aging, or lifestyle issues. 

Here are five common signs that may point to testosterone deficiency.

1. Low energy and persistent fatigue

One of the most common red flags of testosterone deficiency is constant fatigue. If you’re sleeping enough but still feel drained, testosterone could be to blame. This hormone helps regulate energy production, so when levels are low, you may find yourself: 

• Struggling to get through the workday
• Feeling unusually tired after light activity
• Losing the motivation to exercise or stay active 

If fatigue is interfering with your daily life, it may be worth asking Dr. Streeter to check your hormone levels. 

2. Decreased libido and sexual performance

Testosterone plays a big role in sexual health. A drop in this hormone often leads to changes in desire and performance, such as: 

• Reduced interest in sex 
• Fewer spontaneous or morning erections 
• Erectile difficulties 

While occasional changes in libido are normal, ongoing issues can signal something deeper than just stress or age. 

3. Loss of muscle mass and strength

Testosterone is essential for building and maintaining muscle. When levels decline, you may notice changes like: 

• A harder time building muscle despite regular workouts 
• Decreased strength or stamina
• An overall “softer” look to your body 

Pair this with increased fatigue, and it can become frustrating to maintain your usual fitness routine. 

4. Weight gain and increased body fat

Low testosterone can affect how your body stores fat. Men with testosterone deficiency often see: 

• Increased fat around their abdomen
• Difficulty losing weight, even with healthy habits
• A shift in body composition, with less muscle and more fat 

This combination not only affects confidence, but also raises the risk of other health conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

5. Mood changes and brain fog

Last but not least, testosterone doesn’t just affect your body; it influences your mind as well. When levels dip too low, you might experience: 

• Irritability or mood swings 
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Symptoms of depression or anxiety

These mental health changes are often overlooked, but they’re just as important to address as the physical symptoms. 

If you recognize several of these signs, it’s worth talking to Dr. Streeter. A simple blood test can measure your testosterone levels, and treatment options like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help restore balance. 

You don’t have to accept fatigue, weight gain, or low libido as “just part of getting older.” If you’re ready to start feeling more like yourself again, call us at 219-402-3040, or use our scheduling tool to request an appointment with Dr. Streeter today!