What Causes Low Testosterone In Men?

Low energy. Mood changes. A shift in how your body feels and functions. If you're noticing any of these, you're not alone, and you might be wondering what's behind it.

More men today are becoming aware of how hormones affect their overall health. Testosterone, in particular, plays a major role in strength, motivation, libido, and mental clarity. 

When levels start to dip, the effects can be frustrating and confusing.

Some of the signs that may point to low testosterone include:

• Decreased sex drive or performance
• Feeling tired all the time
• Trouble building or keeping muscle
• Unexplained weight gain
• Brain fog or lack of focus
• Feeling down or irritable more often than usual

All too familiar? What could be behind this hormonal shift?

In this article, we’ll walk through the possible causes and what you can do if you’re affected.

Common Causes of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone doesn’t usually happen overnight (unless it's from genetics). In most cases, it’s the result of gradual changes in the body or long-term health issues.

Here are some of the most common causes:

• Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, usually starting around 30
• Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and thyroid problems (this can cause both low and high levels of testosterone) can interfere with hormone production
• Injuries to the testicles, including trauma or infections, may reduce testosterone output
• Cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation can damage hormone-producing glands
• Certain medications, like opioids, steroids, and antidepressants, are known to suppress testosterone
• Heavy alcohol use and drug misuse can affect hormone levels over time

Some men also have a genetic condition like Klinefelter syndrome, which affects testosterone production from birth. But for many, it’s a mix of age, lifestyle, and health that leads to the drop.

Do Stress and Lifestyle Play a Role?

Absolutely. How you sleep, eat, move, and manage stress can make a real difference in your testosterone levels.

Here’s how lifestyle ties into hormone health:

• Chronic stress raises cortisol, a hormone that directly lowers testosterone
• Poor sleep habits (especially if you get less than 6 hours a night) can disrupt hormone production
• A lack of physical activity leads to more body fat, which can lower testosterone further
• Crash diets or eating too little fat may deprive the body of nutrients it needs to make hormones
• Long-term smoking and heavy drinking take a toll on testosterone as well

One myth to clear up: masturbation does not cause low testosterone. Your body keeps producing testosterone regardless of sexual activity.

Can Low Testosterone Be Reversed?

In many cases, yes. Low testosterone doesn’t always mean you’re stuck with it for life. If the cause is related to lifestyle, weight, or sleep habits, there’s often a good chance of turning things around naturally.

For starters, regular strength training and moderate cardio have been shown to support hormone health, especially when paired with enough sleep and a diet that fuels your body instead of stressing it. Foods rich in zinc, omega-3s, and vitamin D (like eggs, salmon, and leafy greens) may help give your levels a natural boost.

But lifestyle shifts don’t always fix the problem on their own. Some men need medical support. If low testosterone is linked to a medical condition or your body simply isn’t producing enough on its own, treatments like testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be recommended. TRT comes in several forms, such as gels, injections, patches, creams, and troches, and should always be monitored by a doctor to make sure it’s safe and effective.

Ready to Take Charge of Your Health?

If you’re noticing the signs of low testosterone, don’t wait for things to get worse. 

At Craft Men's Clinic, we make it simple to get answers and even easier to take the next step. With advanced lab testing, personalized treatment plans, and expert support every step of the way, you’ll have the tools to start feeling like yourself again.

Start with just $99 for labs and a full consultation. Contact Craft Men’s Clinic today.