Not The Man You Once Were? These Are Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Men.

What Is Low Testosterone?

Low testosterone, also known as testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS), happens when your body doesn’t produce enough of the male hormone testosterone. This hormone plays a vital role in regulating sex drive, muscle mass, red blood cell production, bone density, and mood.

While testosterone naturally declines with age, some men experience drops earlier than expected often due to medical, lifestyle, or environmental factors.

At He Medical Clinic’s Men’s Health Centre, we’ve seen men as young as their late 20s present with fatigue, low libido, and poor muscle tone all linked to low testosterone. We offer a variety of solutions under our Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) involving pills, injections or minor surgery (subcutaneous).

Whether you’re experiencing changes in mood, motivation, or physical performance, it’s worth investigating if low testosterone is the root cause.

What Are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?

Low testosterone can creep in quietly, often mistaken for stress, aging, or burnout. But if you know what to look for, the signs are easier to spot. Here’s how low testosterone in men shows up in real life:

Physical Symptoms That Show Up First

Reduced Muscle Mass and Strength

If your usual workouts suddenly feel harder or if you’re losing muscle despite staying active, this could be a direct result of low testosterone. Testosterone is crucial for maintaining lean muscle, and without it, your physical performance may dip.

Fatigue, Weight Gain, and Hair Thinning

Feeling drained even after a full night’s sleep, gaining weight or struggling with thinning body or facial hair? These are all common effects of low testosterone in males and often go unnoticed or dismissed as part of “getting older.”

Followed By Mental and Emotional Toll

Testosterone doesn’t just fuel your physical energy, it also plays a key role in how you feel, focus, and respond to stress. When your testosterone levels dip, your mind will also trigger its own response that affects your mental wellbeing. 

Mood Swings and Irritability

One of the first things men report is becoming easily frustrated or “on edge” for no clear reason. Things that never used to bother you such as traffic, small disagreements, work emails might suddenly feel overwhelming. When testosterone drops, it can throw off your brain’s regulation of serotonin and dopamine, two key mood-balancing chemicals.

Low Motivation and Drive

Do you feel like you’ve lost your ambition, not just in the bedroom but at work or in life? Testosterone is linked with a sense of purpose, confidence, and the ability to take initiative. A drop can make even the most driven men feel like they’re coasting through life in neutral.

Brain Fog and Difficulty Focusing

Another silent symptom? That fuzzy, hard-to-pinpoint mental fatigue or what some call “brain fog.” You might find yourself rereading the same email multiple times, forgetting simple tasks, or zoning out during conversations. This lack of clarity and poor concentration can be one of the most frustrating side effects of low testosterone.

Depression or Persistent Sadness

While not everyone with low testosterone becomes clinically depressed, research has shown a clear link between testosterone deficiency and depressive symptoms. Men may not feel “sad” in the traditional sense but instead, they experience numbness, disinterest, or a lack of joy in things they used to enjoy.

Sexual Health Symptoms

Testosterone is the engine behind male sexual function. When levels drop, your sex life is often the first area to take a hit, whether you notice it gradually or all at once. But here’s the key: you don’t have to just live with it.

Reduced Libido (Sex Drive)

A consistent lack of interest in sex is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of low testosterone. While it’s normal for libido to fluctuate with stress or age, persistently low interest, especially when it’s affecting your relationship, is often a hormonal red flag. Many men say, “I just don’t feel like myself anymore.”

Erectile Dysfunction or Weaker Erections

Although testosterone isn’t the sole factor in getting or maintaining an erection (blood flow plays a big part), it does support the brain’s stimulation of the erection process. Low testosterone can result in weaker erections, trouble staying firm, or difficulty getting aroused, even if the desire is there.

If you’ve noticed inconsistent performance or a drop in confidence during intimacy, check out our ED-focused treatments such as P-shots to enhance your performance and vitality. But, addressing low testosterone first may be the missing link.

Fewer Morning Erections

Morning erections are often a natural sign that your hormones and blood flow are working properly. A noticeable drop or complete absence of them over time can be a subtle but telling sign that your testosterone levels are below normal.

Reduced Semen Volume

Testosterone also helps regulate semen production. Men with low levels might notice a lower volume of ejaculate during orgasm, which can subtly point to hormonal imbalance even before libido changes become obvious.

Other Silent Signs of Low Testosterone

Not all signs of testosterone deficiency are obvious, and that’s what makes them dangerous. Some of the most impactful symptoms often go unnoticed until they start interfering with everyday life or show up in lab results. These are the “silent signs” that many men in Malaysia overlook.

Reduced Bone Mass or Density

Testosterone plays a key role in maintaining bone density. As levels drop, bones can become thinner and more brittle, thus increasing your risk of fractures. This isn’t just a problem for the elderly, men in their 30s and 40s with low testosterone may unknowingly suffer from early-onset osteopenia or osteoporosis. 

You probably won’t feel your bones weakening until it’s too late. That’s why hormone screening and proactive men’s health check-ups are essential if you’re experiencing other symptoms of low testosterone.

What Are The Main Causes of Low Testosterone in Men Today?

Testosterone doesn’t just drop out of nowhere. In most men, a combination of age, health conditions, and daily habits play a major role. Understanding what’s behind your hormone decline is the first step to reversing it.

Natural Aging

Testosterone levels naturally decline about 1% each year after age 30. While this slow decrease is normal, some men experience a steeper drop due to genetics or lifestyle. This is often referred to as andropause. Essentially, this is the male version of menopause.

While not every man will feel the effects immediately, others may start experiencing symptoms like fatigue, reduced libido, and brain fog in their late 30s or 40s. If these continue to persist, it may indicate more than just “getting older.”

Underlying Medical Conditions

Several health issues can directly cause or worsen low testosterone:

• Type 2 Diabetes and obesity have been shown to suppress testosterone production.
• Thyroid disorders, especially hypothyroidism, disrupt hormonal balance and contribute to fatigue and low sex drive. (Yes, the answer to “does thyroid cause low testosterone?” is a clear yes.)
• Sleep apnea interferes with hormone production during deep sleep cycles.
• Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which actively suppress testosterone over time.

Routine blood tests and hormone screening can detect whether one of these conditions is the root cause.

Lifestyle Factors

A poor diet, minimal exercise, irregular sleep, smoking, and excessive alcohol can all lead to lower testosterone levels. Even chronic exposure to stress (e.g., from work or poor relationships) can keep your body in a constant fight-or-flight mode, limiting testosterone production.

What’s more, studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle and high body fat percentage are strongly associated with decreased testosterone in men.

Environmental Toxins

Certain chemicals found in plastics, pesticides, and even personal care products can act as endocrine disruptors. These compounds mimic estrogen or block testosterone at the cellular level.

In Malaysia’s hot climate, it’s common to store food or drinks in plastic containers ikat tepi from hawker stalls. Unfortunately, this increases the risk of exposure to BPA (bisphenol A), which research has linked to lower sperm quality and reduced testosterone.

Foods and Habits in Malaysians That Can Decrease Testosterone

Your diet plays a crucial role in regulating testosterone production. While some foods can help boost your hormone levels naturally, others can quietly sabotage them, especially when eaten regularly.

Here are some common Malaysian staples and lifestyle eating habits that could be lowering your testosterone without you knowing:

Soy-Based Products

Soy products are a daily feature in many Malaysian diets. While they’re generally healthy in moderation, soy contains phytoestrogens. These are plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. Consuming large amounts regularly may lead to a hormonal imbalance that suppresses testosterone.

In the scientific community, while such claims are often disputed, men with borderline low testosterone may want to limit excessive soy intake as a precaution.

Deep-Fried and High-Trans Fat Foods

Snacking on street food like pisang goreng, keropok lekor and karipap is every Malaysian’s pastime. Unfortunately, these foods are often cooked in reused oils that contain trans fats; these have been linked to lower sperm quality and reduced testosterone levels.

Regular consumption of deep-fried foods can also contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance, both of which are associated with low testosterone.

Sweetened Beverages and Excess Sugar

Teh tarik, sirap bandung, bubble tea and the sorts. While delicious, these drinks are high in added sugar. Elevated blood sugar levels trigger insulin spikes, which in turn reduce testosterone production. Sugar also increases body fat and inflammation, making it harder for the body to maintain healthy hormone balance.

In fact, one study found that men who consumed a high-sugar diet had significantly lower testosterone levels within just a few hours after consumption.

Excess Consumption of Alcohol

Alcohol, especially when consumed regularly or in large amounts, disrupts hormone production by damaging the testes (where testosterone is made) and increasing estrogen levels. It also depletes nutrients like zinc and B vitamins, which are critical for hormone synthesis.

An occasional beer or glass of wine is perfectly fine. However, like all things in life, it’s best to consume it in moderation. 

Frequent Smoking Habits

While smoking is often associated with lung and heart disease, it also negatively affects testosterone. The tar and nicotine in the smoke damages blood vessels and lowers oxygen circulation, which interferes with testicular function where testosterone is produced. 

Long-term smokers often have altered hormone profiles, including reduced testosterone and lower sperm quality. It also worsens other ED risk factors, compounding the hormonal imbalance.

How Do I Treat or Prevent Low Testosterone?

Testosterone deficiency isn’t something you have to “live with.” Once diagnosed, there are effective ways to restore your hormone levels and improve both your physical and mental well-being. At He Medical Clinic’s Men’s Health services, we focus on personalised strategies to help men regain control of their health confidentially and professionally.

1. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

TRT is the most direct and clinically proven method for restoring low testosterone levels. It involves supplementing the body with bioidentical testosterone via injections, gels, or patches.

At He Medical Clinic, our TRT services begin with a detailed hormone screening, followed by a consultation to determine the safest and most effective protocol for your lifestyle and symptoms. This therapy is monitored closely to ensure optimal results and to avoid side effects, such as fluid retention or elevated red blood cell counts.

TRT is particularly helpful for men who:

• Have clinically low testosterone confirmed by blood tests
• Experience persistent symptoms despite lifestyle changes
• Cannot reverse hormonal decline through natural methods alone

2. Lifestyle Changes

Not every case of low testosterone requires immediate medication. For many men, key lifestyle adjustments can make a real difference.

These include:

• Regular resistance training – especially weightlifting
• High-quality sleep – 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted rest
• Have a balanced diet – rich in healthy fats, lean protein, and vegetables
• Practice proper stress management – including mindfulness or therapy
• Avoiding endocrine disruptors – like plastics (BPA) or pesticides
• Quit smoking – flushes all chemicals out of your system and restore back testosterone production

These changes won’t produce instant results, but over time they help restore hormone balance and improve your overall health.

3. Routine Health Screening

Sometimes low testosterone is a symptom of something deeper like thyroid dysfunction, pituitary issues, or metabolic syndrome. That’s why routine health screenings are essential. They not only help diagnose the root cause of your hormonal imbalance but also catch any related conditions early.