Low T Levels

It’s perfectly normal for your testosterone levels to fluctuate throughout the day. They naturally rise and fall throughout the day and even across the seasons. You’ll typically experience a peak in the morning, which gradually declines as the day progresses. Some research suggests that testosterone levels may also be influenced by seasonal changes in sunlight exposure.

Even with these natural fluctuations, your testosterone levels typically stay within a healthy range. Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, occurs when your levels consistently fall below this normal range, even at their highest point of the day. This means your body isn’t producing enough testosterone to support optimal health, and it can happen to men at any age. Many factors can contribute to testosterone levels falling below your optimal range.

• Age is one of the main causes of testosterone decline, and typically starts dropping 1% or 2% each year starting around age 30.
• Health conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure can directly affect your hormone balance.
• Lifestyle factors like stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and inadequate sleep can all contribute to lower testosterone levels.
• Medications like opioids and corticosteroids can interfere with testosterone production.

Testosterone Injections Help Balance Your Levels

While your body’s testosterone production naturally fluctuates throughout the day, injections aim to smooth out those variations and provide a more stable hormonal environment. Weekly injections help maintain steady testosterone levels and promote consistent benefits. A single injection delivers a sustained release of testosterone, with levels peaking within 3 to 4 days and gradually declining until your next scheduled dose. This mirrors your body’s natural production rhythm, but with less dramatic highs and lows.

Testosterone Levels by Age

Just like with any other biological process, there’s natural variation in testosterone levels between individuals. What’s considered “normal” for one man might be different for another. However, most healthcare professionals consider the following ranges to be optimal for the average adult male:

• Total testosterone: 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)
• Free testosterone: 8.7 to 25.1 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL)

Typical Ranges Across Age Groups

These are the general averages by decade for men in the US.

20s: 600 – 1,000 ng/dL (peak testosterone production)
30s: 500 – 900 ng/dL (gradual decline begins)
40s: 400 – 800 ng/dL (continued decline, more noticeable for some)
50s: 300 – 700 ng/dL (further decline, individual variation increases)
60s: 200 – 600 ng/dL (significant decline for many)
70s: 100 – 500 ng/dL (continued decline)
80s and older: Levels can vary significantly, but generally continue to decline.

How Low Testosterone Affects Other Hormones

Hormones in your body act like a complex communication network, constantly sending signals and influencing each other. When one hormone level rises or falls, such as testosterone, it can trigger a domino effect, impacting the production and function of other hormones.

The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) Axis

The HPG axis is essentially your body’s control center for testosterone production. It involves a feedback loop between the hypothalamus in the brain, the pituitary gland (also in the brain), and the testicles.

When testosterone levels are low, the brain tries to compensate by increasing GnRH, LH, and FSH production. However, if the testicles aren’t responding properly (as in primary hypogonadism) or if the brain itself isn’t sending the right signals (as in secondary hypogonadism), this feedback loop becomes ineffective, and your natural production process can’t get going.

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein produced by your liver. When testosterone binds to SHBG, it becomes inactive. Low testosterone can cause SHBG levels to rise, leaving less testosterone free and available to do its job in your body.

Estrogen and Low T

While testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, men also have estrogen, albeit in smaller amounts. Testosterone can actually be converted into estrogen within the body through a process involving an enzyme called aromatase. Aromatase levels can rise due to factors like obesity, thyroid issues, and certain medications.

Other Hormones

Cortisol (Stress Hormone)
Testosterone and cortisol have an inverse relationship. Your body will generally prioritize stress response as being more urgent than other functions. When cortisol levels are high, testosterone production is often suppressed.

Thyroid Hormones
Thyroid hormones regulate your metabolism, which influences energy production and hormone balance. Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) can lead to lower testosterone levels and vice versa.

DHEA
DHEA is a hormone that plays a role in energy, mood, and immune function. Produced by the adrenal glands, it serves as a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen. Low DHEA levels can contribute to low testosterone.

Impact of Hormonal Imbalance in Men

Hormonal imbalances can cast a wide net, affecting nearly every aspect of your daily life. Many of these imbalances are interconnected—when one hormone goes down, another goes up.

Low testosterone can leave you feeling like a shadow of your former self. Physically, you might notice decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, and lower energy levels. Mentally, you might experience brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings. Emotionally, low T can contribute to irritability, anxiety, and even depression.

Elevated estrogen levels in men can lead to a range of noticeable changes and health issues. One of the most common signs is gynecomastia, the development of enlarged breast tissue. Additionally, high estrogen can contribute to increased body fat, and may also increase your risk of prostate problems.

High cortisol can elevate blood pressure and heart rate, putting a strain on your heart. It is linked to high blood sugar levels, which can be problematic for those with diabetes or pre-diabetes. It can even disrupt normal digestion, leading to symptoms like heartburn, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.

Low thyroid hormones can make it difficult to manage your weight, even with a healthy diet and exercise. You might feel constantly chilled, have muscle pain, and feel weaker than usual. It can also make you feel tired all the time, even after a full night’s sleep.

Help Restore T Levels at Any Age with TRT Therapy

Don’t simply accept fatigue, loss of strength, or decreased libido as an inevitable part of getting older or a busy lifestyle.  It’s easy to get a fast, accurate diagnosis of your actual testosterone levels. TRT can help restore your hormonal balance through a treatment plan that fits your individual needs.