SYMPTOMS & DIAGNOSIS
Introduction: What Is Low Testosterone?
Low Testosterone (Low T) — also known as male hypogonadism or andropause — occurs when testosterone levels fall below what’s needed to support healthy energy, strength, mental clarity, and sexual function. While testosterone naturally declines about 1% per year after age 30, many men begin experiencing symptoms much earlier, sometimes in their 20s or even teens due to genetic, medical, or lifestyle factors.
Common Symptoms of Low T
- Low libido and reduced sexual performance
- Difficulty building muscle or losing fat
- Persistent fatigue and low energy (especially mid-afternoon crashes)
- Mood swings, irritability, or depression
- Brain fog, poor concentration, and memory issues
- Decreased strength, stamina, or recovery
- Thinning body hair and weakened orgasms
- Bone loss (osteoporosis), leading to increased fracture risk
How Common Is Low T?
Low testosterone becomes more common with age, but it can affect men of all ages:
- 2–5% of men in their 40s
- 6–40% in their 50s
- 20–45% in their 60s
- Up to 70% in their 70s
- Over 90% of men in their 80s
And importantly, many men have symptoms even when their testosterone levels look “normal” on paper. That’s why Maze Men’s Health treats the patient, not just the lab number.
Younger vs. Older Men with Low T
- Younger men (teens–30s): Symptoms may include fatigue, lack of motivation, brain fog, and sexual changes. Sometimes, their testosterone is in the “low-normal” range, but symptoms are life-altering.
- Older men (50s–80s): Low T often shows up as muscle loss, bone thinning, weight gain, and decreased vitality. For these men, treatment can improve bone density, energy, and even reduce fall risk.
At Maze, we’ve seen that men of all ages can benefit from testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) when treatment is carefully monitored.
Diagnosing Low T at Maze Men’s Health
Why Diagnosis Is Complex
Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, are affected by age, lifestyle, and receptor sensitivity, and may differ from test to test. That’s why no single blood test is enough to diagnose Low T.
Our Diagnostic Approach
At Maze Men’s Health, diagnosis always combines:
- Comprehensive symptom review (using validated tools like the Aging Male Symptoms questionnaire)
- Specialized blood testing (including morning testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, and more)
- Medical, psychological, and sexual history review
- Assessment of sleep, stress, depression, and other health conditions that can mimic Low T
If testosterone is borderline, we repeat tests to confirm results and rule out variability.
Why Maze Is Different
- We treat the patient, not just the number. Many men are turned away elsewhere because their labs “aren’t low enough.” At Maze, if you have symptoms, we listen.
- Balanced philosophy. We don’t push treatment if you feel fine, even with low levels — and we won’t ignore you if you’re symptomatic with “normal” levels.
- Safe, evidence-based TRT. All treatment is carefully monitored by our experienced team, led by Michael A. Werner, MD, a urologist specializing in sexual and reproductive health for over 30 years.
- Whole-body care. We integrate TRT with cholesterol management, nutrition, fitness, mental health, and advanced diagnostics like DEXA body composition, VO₂ Max, RMR, and bone density scans.
Next Steps: Should You Be Treated?
If your testosterone is below 300 ng/dL on two separate tests and you have symptoms, you’re an excellent candidate for TRT. Even if your levels are in the “low-normal” range (300–400 ng/dL) but symptoms are significant, treatment may still help.
At Maze, we personalize TRT with multiple delivery options (injections, gels, pellets) and tailor your plan to your goals, symptoms, and overall health.