Normal Aging or Low Testosterone? 5 Signs You Should Be Tested for Low-T

As you get older, it’s natural to notice changes in your energy, mood, and even your body composition. But how do you know if what you’re experiencing is simply part of normal aging — or if it could be due to low testosterone (low-T)?

Since June is Men’s Health Month, our board-certified urologists at Bellingham Urology Group are here to weigh in on that question.

Read on as we explain what testosterone does, the top 5 signs you should get tested for low-T, and how testosterone replacement therapy can help if your levels are low. 

What are good testosterone levels?

Testosterone — the primary male sex hormone — isn’t responsible for just your reproductive health. It’s also responsible for muscle mass, bone density, mood regulation, and energy levels. 

Testosterone is measured in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). A normal range for a healthy male is between 450 and 600 ng/dL.

While it’s normal for testosterone to decline gradually with age (at a rate of 1% per year once you hit your 30s), some men experience a more significant drop. If your numbers dip below 300 ng/dL, it’s known as low-T. 

So, when is it time to get tested?

The only way to know for sure what your hormone levels are is to get a blood test. That being said, you might suspect you need a hormone panel if:

1. You’re always tired, no matter how much you rest

Persistent fatigue is one of the most common and frustrating symptoms of low-T. If you feel exhausted all the time — even after a good night’s sleep or a weekend of rest — it might be more than just aging. 

2. You’ve lost muscle and gained belly fat

Testosterone helps you build muscle mass and regulates fat distribution. If you’ve noticed your muscles shrinking, your belly expanding, or you’re having a harder time building or maintaining muscle despite working out, low-T could be the culprit. 

These issues aren’t just cosmetic. Excess body fat can increase your risk of certain diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. 

Meanwhile, the loss of lean muscle mass can slow your metabolism, reduce strength and mobility, and make it harder to maintain a healthy weight. 

3. Your libido has tanked

While it’s normal for your sex drive to decrease slightly with age, a sharp drop in interest or performance can signal a hormonal imbalance. Low testosterone is directly linked to reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and even decreased sensitivity. 

If this part of your life has changed significantly and unexpectedly, it’s worth getting checked.

4. You’re moodier or possibly even depressed 

Testosterone helps regulate mood, and low levels have been linked to irritability, anxiety, and depression. If you’ve been feeling down, anxious, or more emotionally reactive than usual, it might be more than just stress — it could be hormonal.

Beyond just mood swings, your testosterone levels and depression share a connection. The relationship appears to go both ways: Low testosterone can contribute to depression, and depression may affect your testosterone levels.

5. You’ve got major brain fog

Cognitive changes like forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or feeling mentally sluggish aren’t always due to aging alone. Testosterone supports your brain function, and a deficiency may cause brain fog.

What to do next

If any of these signs sound familiar, the first step is simple: Talk to your Bellingham Urology Group provider about getting tested.

Checking your testosterone levels is easy — just a quick blood test can measure your levels and help determine whether hormone replacement therapy or other treatments could help you feel like yourself again.

Once your lab results are back, the team at Bellingham Urology Group walks you through your options and helps you decide what’s best for your health and lifestyle. 

We offer several forms of testosterone replacement therapy, including injections, gels, and long-lasting implantable pellets. In fact, Bellingham Urology Group is one of the few practices in the Pacific Northwest with specialized training in pellet implantation — a convenient option that lasts 3-6 months.

If erectile dysfunction is also a concern, they can address that with medications like Viagra®, Levitra®, and Cialis®.

Take action during Men’s Health Month

You don’t have to “tough it out” or chalk everything up to getting older. Pay attention to what your body and mind are telling you. 

To discuss whether you have low-T or to schedule your testosterone replacement therapy consultation, call or message our Bellingham or Mount Vernon, Washington, location today.