"Lifestyle adjustments like improving sleep, reducing stress, losing weight and increasing physical activity can naturally boost testosterone, particularly in borderline or age-related cases," Baumgarten said. "These may include reduced muscle mass, decreased bone density with a higher risk of fractures, increased chances of developing diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, infertility and depression," Baumgarten said. Over time, low testosterone can contribute to a range of serious health problems. They can conduct a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, provide a professional diagnosis, and initiate discussions with you on the most appropriate steps to effectively manage your symptoms. If you are concerned that you may have hypogonadism, it's important to schedule an appointment with your healthcare professional. There are different types of testosterone replacement therapies available, each with distinct methods of administration. For readers following the latest studies and broader clinical discussion, that means staying grounded in evidence, context, and individualized decision-making. That is why provider review is important before assuming the two are interchangeable. Research updates can help frame questions, but they do not replace individualized testing and provider review. As of March 26, 2026, there does not appear to be one single new development that completely changes the clinical picture. Chronic illness, obesity, sleep problems, and certain medications can also lower levels. The goal is clear information to help decide whether to discuss supplements with a clinician. This typically occurs slowly over time and is considered a normal part of aging. Testosterone levels naturally decline as men get older. Assess thyroid function with a free T4 and TSH blood test. Assess thyroid, nutrition, and heart health for lifelong wellness. Doctors also watch out for high red blood cell counts, which could increase the risk of clotting. Although testosterone may make prostate cancer grow, it is not clear that testosterone treatment actually causes cancer. Men taking testosterone replacement must be carefully monitored for prostate cancer. All of this reduces the active (free) form of testosterone in the body. Among women, perhaps the most common cause of a high testosterone level is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Also, as men get older, their livers make more sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which binds to testosterone circulating in the bloodstream. In fact, as men age, testosterone levels drop very gradually, about 1% to 2% each year — unlike the relatively rapid drop in estrogen that causes menopause. One treatment available for many of these problems is spironolactone, a special type of diuretic (water pill) that blocks the action of male sex hormones. Part of this may be due to the difficulty defining "normal" testosterone levels and "normal" behavior. If symptoms of low testosterone are interfering with your quality of life, know that you don’t have to just grin and bear it. For all these reasons, your healthcare provider will carefully consider if TRT is safe for you based on your unique characteristics. This is why healthcare providers do extensive evaluations and tests before approving the use of TRT. TRT involves taking manufactured forms of testosterone to regulate your levels of this hormone. Your customized treatment plan is designed for your body and lifestyle, with ongoing support from our medical team. Schedule a video consultation with a licensed provider who will personalize your treatment based on your health goals. Hone is an online clinic that helps men and women manage their health. Changes in mood, energy levels, or cognition might signal low testosterone levels. In particular, resistance training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and walking have been shown to positively affect testosterone levels. If you're diagnosed with hypogonadism, there is positive news—it's a treatable condition through testosterone-based therapies, commonly referred to as testosterone replacement therapy. Starting around the age of 40, testosterone levels typically begin to decline gradually. Testosterone is widely recognised as the primary male sex hormone, but it has many roles in the body. Hypogonadism is a condition that affects men when the body does not produce an adequate amount of testosterone, a vital hormone for maintaining overall health. For congenital hypogonadism, testosterone replacement therapy often helps prevent problems linked to delayed puberty. For men with low blood testosterone levels and symptoms most likely caused by a low level, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy usually outweigh potential risks. A review of dozens of clinical trials showed that DHEA supplements do increase blood testosterone levels in men and women. Also called androgen replacement therapy, this is a medical treatment your doctor may prescribe if blood tests show unusually low levels of testosterone. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is an option for men who have low testosterone levels due to male hypogonadism. Keeping those caveats in mind, in one study (2) of healthy adult males between the ages of 40 and 70, researchers observed these normal total testosterone levels. Understanding albumin, SHBG, and testosterone levels can help you and your healthcare provider determine whether symptoms may be linked to high or low testosterone. Testosterone therapy may make sense for women who have low testosterone levels and symptoms that might be due to testosterone deficiency.
