What Is Low Testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone that supports energy, muscle, bone strength, sex drive, mood and red blood cell production. Levels naturally decline with age, but some men have levels low enough to cause symptoms. Doctors call this hypogonadism, though most people simply say "low T." A diagnosis takes symptoms plus blood tests showing low levels, usually confirmed with a morning test on more than one day.
Common Signs of Low T
Symptoms can be subtle and overlap with other conditions, such as poor sleep, thyroid problems, depression or diabetes. Common signs include:
- Low sex drive or fewer spontaneous erections
- Erectile difficulties
- Fatigue and low energy that rest doesn't fix
- Loss of muscle or strength, even with exercise
- More body fat, especially around the waist
- Mood changes, such as irritability, low mood or lack of motivation
- Trouble concentrating
- Reduced body or facial hair
- Lower bone density
- Poor sleep
Having one or two of these doesn't mean you have low T. It does mean a conversation with a physician and a lab test may be worthwhile.
What Causes Low Testosterone?
- Aging (levels fall gradually after about age 30–40)
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Certain medications, including opioids and steroids
- Injury or conditions affecting the testes
- Pituitary or hypothalamus disorders
- Heavy alcohol use
Some causes can be treated directly. That's why a good evaluation looks beyond the testosterone number alone.
How We Test for Low T at Dominion Health
Our male hormone panel ($149) checks testosterone along with related markers that help a physician understand the cause and decide on safe options. The panel includes total and free testosterone, sensitive estradiol, CBC, CMP, PSA, a lipid panel, DHEA-S and thyroid (TSH). A Dominion Health physician reviews your results with you, explains what they mean and recommends next steps.
Treatment Options for Low T
If your symptoms and labs confirm low testosterone, options may include:
- Lifestyle changes: sleep, weight loss, exercise and alcohol reduction can raise levels for some men.
- Treating underlying causes such as sleep apnea or medication effects.
- Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): see our TRT in San Antonio page. The Core TRT plan is $199/month (full cost breakdown).
- Fertility-preserving alternatives for men who want children. Ask your physician.
TRT carries possible risks, including changes in red blood cell count and reduced fertility, so it requires ongoing monitoring.
When to See a Doctor
Book an evaluation if symptoms last for weeks, affect your relationships or work, or you've noticed several of the signs above. Seek emergency care right away for chest pain, trouble breathing or signs of a stroke. Those are not low-T symptoms.
Get Tested in San Antonio or by Telehealth
Visit us at 23119 W I-10, Bldg 16, San Antonio, TX 78257, or start with telehealth across Texas. Call (210) 944-8855 or contact us.