You’ve been dragging lately. Maybe your workouts feel more difficult than before, your motivation is dipping, or you can’t seem to shake that foggy feeling. Your partner has noticed you’re moodier, and you’ve noticed it too.
You can chalk it up to stress, work, or getting older. But what if there’s another explanation?
Low testosterone, or low T, is one of those topics many men don’t talk about — but should. Testosterone plays a significant role in energy levels, mood, muscle mass, and sexual health.
When levels drop, the effects can show up in unexpected ways. The good news? Low T is treatable once you know what’s going on.
Join our experts at Golden Gate Urology in Berkeley, California, as we take a closer look at the effects of low testosterone on the body and the advanced treatments available to restore balance.
You might know testosterone as the primary male sex hormone, but it’s far more than that. It helps regulate metabolism, supports bone density, builds muscle, and maintains balanced brain chemistry. It’s what gives you stamina, drive, and a general sense of vitality.
As men age, their testosterone levels naturally decline, typically at a rate of about 1% per year after age 30. But sometimes, levels drop faster or lower than expected, leading to a condition called hypogonadism. That’s when symptoms start to show.
Low testosterone doesn’t hit everyone the same way. For some men, it’s subtle — a little less motivation, a few extra pounds, a flatter mood. For others, it’s more obvious. The most common symptoms include:
Because these symptoms can overlap with other health issues, like thyroid disorders, depression, or sleep apnea, it’s important not to self-diagnose. A simple blood test can confirm whether low testosterone is the cause.
Several factors can contribute to declining testosterone levels. Age is the most common culprit, but others include chronic stress, obesity, poor sleep, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions.
Lifestyle choices, including excess alcohol use, lack of exercise, and poor diet, also play a role.
Sometimes, low testosterone is a symptom of something deeper, such as a pituitary disorder or insulin resistance. That’s why seeing one of our expert urologists and hormone specialists is essential — we look at the whole picture, not just the lab numbers.
Testing for low testosterone usually involves a simple blood draw, ideally done in the morning when testosterone levels are highest. If your levels come back low, we discuss possible causes and treatment options.
For some men, lifestyle changes (losing weight, exercising regularly, getting better sleep, and reducing stress) make a noticeable difference.
For others, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the best path forward. TRT can come in several forms: gels, patches, injections, or pellets. We tailor the plan to your health, preferences, and goals.
It’s not about boosting testosterone to superhuman levels. Our goal is to help your levels return to their optimal range.
When administered under medical supervision, TRT can improve energy, focus, mood, and sexual health. Most men notice improvements within a few weeks, with full results typically appearing after several months.
It’s equally important to continue regular follow-ups and lab work. Your Golden Gate Urology provider monitors your hormone levels, blood counts, and overall response to ensure the treatment stays balanced and safe.
It’s easy to brush off symptoms like fatigue and low libido, assuming they’re just part of getting older. However, a hormone balance shift can affect every part of your well-being, from relationships to mental clarity.
Addressing the issue early can prevent more serious health problems in the future, such as bone loss or metabolic changes.
If you’re feeling off, don’t push through it. Low testosterone is manageable with appropriate care. Call our friendly staff at 510-255-0013 or schedule an evaluation online today.
