Testosterone often gets a lot of attention—and not always for the right reasons. It’s frequently misunderstood, both in terms of what it does and how it affects men’s health.
During Men’s Health Month, it’s the perfect time to clear up the confusion and talk openly about this powerful hormone. Whether you're in your 30s or 60s, understanding testosterone is key to taking control of your long-term vitality.
Testosterone is a sex hormone primarily produced in the testes. While it plays a major role in sexual development and reproductive function, it also affects:
Muscle mass and strength
Bone density
Mood and motivation
Energy levels
Fat distribution
Red blood cell production
Cognitive function
This makes it critical to overall health and well-being, not just sexual function.
Truth: Testosterone levels can begin to decline as early as your 30s. Some men experience symptoms of low testosterone (or "Low T") even in their 20s due to stress, poor nutrition, or underlying health issues.
Truth: Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), when medically indicated and supervised, is used to restore balance, not to enhance performance. It’s about feeling normal—not superhuman.
Truth: Sexual health is part of the picture, but fatigue, brain fog, depression, weight gain, and reduced motivation can all be signs of low testosterone.
Truth: While lifestyle does matter, some men have underlying hormonal imbalances that need targeted medical treatment—not just gym time and protein shakes.
You might not realize your symptoms are hormonal. Here are common warning signs:
Low sex drive or erectile dysfunction
Chronic fatigue or low energy
Difficulty building or maintaining muscle
Weight gain, especially around the belly
Mood changes or irritability
Poor sleep or brain fog
Decreased motivation or drive
If you’re experiencing a few of these consistently, it’s worth getting your levels checked.
A testosterone test is a simple blood test, typically drawn in the morning when levels are highest. If your total testosterone is low, your provider may also look at free testosterone, SHBG, estradiol, and other hormone markers to get the full picture.
You have multiple symptoms listed above
You’ve experienced sudden changes in energy or mood
You're over 40 and haven’t had your hormones evaluated
You have a history of metabolic conditions like diabetes or obesity
A comprehensive, integrative approach is key. At our clinic, Dr. Lauren Musser, MD combines traditional lab work with a deeper functional medicine lens to determine why your levels are low—and what to do about it.
Treatment options may include:
Lifestyle adjustments (sleep, stress, nutrition)
Targeted supplements or adaptogens
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) when appropriate
Ongoing monitoring and personalized plans
Low testosterone can quietly impact every area of a man’s life—but the good news is, it’s treatable. Whether you're struggling with symptoms or just want to understand your baseline, working with an integrative physician can make all the difference.