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Stigma can be a silent killer when it comes to men’s health. In the spirit of breaking barriers to wellness, it’s time to shine a light on an often overlooked aspect of men’s health: testosterone levels.
Testosterone isn’t just about muscle or sex drive; it’s a cornerstone of male health, influencing energy, mood, cognition, and even heart function. Yet many men avoid getting their hormones checked due to embarrassment or misconceptions. By understanding the facts, men can take charge of their health with confidence and without shame.
Why Testosterone Testing Is Important for Men’s Health
Testosterone is often called the “male hormone,” but its impact goes far beyond the bedroom. It plays a vital role in maintaining muscle mass, red blood cell production, and regulating mood and motivation. When levels dip too low (a condition called hypogonadism), men can experience a cascade of health issues.
Research shows that low testosterone is more common than many realize, affecting approximately 38% of men over the age of 45. Alarmingly, only 5-10% of these men actually receive treatment.
Why? Because hormone health hasn’t been part of routine checkups for most men, and symptoms are often written off as “just getting older.”
Ignoring testosterone levels can have serious consequences. Low testosterone (or low T) doesn’t just sap your energy and libido; it’s been linked to other medical problems. Studies have found that men with low T often have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
In fact, a 2024 meta-analysis published in Annals of Internal Medicine concluded that men with low baseline testosterone had higher all-cause mortality, and very low levels correlated with more heart-related deaths.
In other words, keeping an eye on your testosterone isn’t just about quality of life — it could actually prolong your life. Early testing and detection of hormone imbalances allow you to address issues before they snowball into bigger health challenges.
Breaking the Stigma Around Men’s Hormone Health
Embarrassment and misconceptions should never stand between you and your well-being. Unfortunately, there’s a long-standing stigma surrounding men’s hormone health. Many men grow up with the message that discussing health concerns (especially anything related to sexual function or aging) somehow undermines their masculinity.
According to health experts, a major hurdle in treating low testosterone is that men are often too embarrassed to discuss or seek help for these “intimate” issues. Society has linked testosterone so closely with manhood that admitting you might have low levels can feel like a personal failing — but it shouldn’t.
Low T is a medical condition, not a reflection of one’s manliness.
It’s time to change the narrative. We don’t stigmatize men for having high cholesterol or low vitamin D; testosterone is no different. Educating ourselves and others is key.
For example, did you know that testosterone naturally declines with age? By 80 years old, more than half of men will have testosterone in the low range. This is a biological reality, not a personal flaw. Moreover, lifestyle factors can affect hormone levels — chronic stress, poor sleep, excess weight, and even exposure to certain chemicals can contribute to low T. Knowing this, men should feel empowered (not ashamed) to get tested and seek solutions.
The stigma also persists in healthcare settings, where hormone issues historically haven’t been a routine topic. Doctors and patients alike may shy away from the conversation. But attitudes are shifting.
Forward-thinking healthcare providers emphasize that checking testosterone should be as routine as checking blood pressure for men with relevant symptoms. By openly talking about hormone health — with friends, family, and doctors — we chip away at the taboo. Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength and self-care, not weakness.
Signs of Low Testosterone (and Why Early Detection Matters)
How do you know if you might have low testosterone? The symptoms can be subtle at first, and they often overlap with other common issues (like stress or aging). Here are some common signs of low T to watch for:
- Low Sex Drive and Erectile Changes: A persistent drop in libido, difficulty achieving or maintaining erections, or decreased sexual satisfaction. (Testosterone is a key driver of sexual function in men.)
- Chronic Fatigue and Low Energy: Feeling wiped out all the time, even after rest. You might notice reduced endurance or that you’re just not as vigorous as before.
- Mood Changes: Low T can bring on irritability, depressed mood, or increased anxiety.
- Cognitive Fog: Trouble concentrating, memory lapses, or a sense of “brain fog” can occur. Testosterone plays a role in cognitive function and mental clarity.
- Muscle Loss and Weight Gain: Difficulty building or maintaining muscle mass despite exercise, accompanied by increasing body fat (especially around the belly). You might feel physically weaker than before.
If you’re experiencing several of these issues, it’s worth talking to a doctor about checking your levels. Don’t just blame it on “getting older” and soldier on. Early detection matters because untreated low T can lead to longer-term health consequences. For instance, chronically low testosterone can contribute to osteoporosis (weakening of bones) in men, increasing fracture risk.
It’s also associated with metabolic problems, as mentioned above. It often coexists with type 2 diabetes and can worsen obesity. By catching low T early, you can intervene with lifestyle changes or medical therapy (like testosterone replacement) to improve your health trajectory.
Men who get treated for low T often report dramatic improvements in energy, mood, and overall quality of life once their levels are back in range.
When Is the Best Time to Check Hormone Levels?
Testosterone levels aren’t static throughout the day — they follow a diurnal rhythm, meaning that levels peak in the early morning hours and gradually decline later in the day before peaking again. That’s why doctors say the best time to check hormone levels (specifically testosterone) is usually early in the morning, around 7–10 AM, or within a few hours of waking up.
Testing at this time gives the most accurate representation of your peak level. If a hormone test is done in the afternoon, there’s a chance the result could be lower just because of normal daily variation, which might be misleading.
Aside from the time of day, when to check hormone levels in terms of life timing depends on your situation. There’s no blanket age at which every man must get tested, but men over 40 or those with relevant symptoms should consider a baseline testosterone test.
In short, don’t wait until you feel awful to test. If you’ve been feeling “off” for a while, or you’re at an age where low T is common, proactively talk with your doctor about a hormone panel. It’s a simple blood test, but it can give invaluable insight into your health.
How Do I Know if I Need Testosterone?
The answer boils down to two key factors: your symptoms and your lab results. According to medical guidelines, you need testosterone treatment only if you truly have low levels and corresponding symptoms. In other words, feeling a certain way alone isn’t enough, and a number on a lab report alone isn’t enough — it’s the combination that matters.
Here’s how to approach it:
- If you suspect low T (due to the signs we listed earlier), the first step is to get a blood test to check hormone levels.
- If those tests confirm that your total testosterone is below the normal range (often around <300 ng/dL) and you’re experiencing classic symptoms of deficiency, then you meet the medical criteria for testosterone deficiency.
At that point, a discussion with your doctor about treatment is appropriate. The goal is to get you feeling like yourself again, and safe, supervised testosterone therapy can often do that.
Take Action: Prioritize Your Hormone Health
Breaking the stigma around testosterone is all about education and proactivity. If you’ve been putting off a hormone check, consider this your sign to take action. A simple blood test can offer clarity about issues you might have been struggling with for years. There’s no shame in wanting to feel your best — in fact, it’s an act of responsibility to yourself and your loved ones.
This month, challenge the old-school notion that “men just tough it out.” Instead, embrace the idea that a healthy man is one who takes charge of his health, both mental and physical.
Talk to your doctor about your hormone health. If you don’t have a primary care provider, seek out a men’s health clinic or an endocrinologist who understands these issues. Share this information with friends or family members who might also be silently wondering about their own testosterone levels. The more we normalize the conversation, the easier it becomes for everyone.
And finally, stay informed. Science is always advancing, especially in the field of men’s health and hormones. Sign up for our newsletter to get up-to-date, evidence-based insights on men’s health delivered to your inbox.
