Many men who undergo TRT report increased stamina, reduced fatigue, and an overall improvement in their quality of life. Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testicles and is responsible for the development of male physical characteristics. It could be more than just a result of a busy lifestyle or lack of sleep. At OTR Health & Wellness, we’re committed to helping you take control of your health through personalized solutions that target the root causes of hormonal imbalances. Research has shown that chronic stress can lead to a decrease in testosterone production in men, which can have a significant impact on energy levels. Engaging in physical activity can help boost both testosterone production and energy levels in men. On the other hand, diets high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats may contribute to lower testosterone levels. For example, studies have found that diets rich in zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids can help support healthy testosterone levels. The relationship between low testosterone and low energy levels is complex and not a direct cause-effect relationship. This means that obesity triggered by low testosterone levels, can effectively lower the amount of energy you produce. Your sexual performance, libido, and erectile function may decline as you age — alongside your testosterone levels. Interestingly, both depression — which includes low energy symptoms — and low testosterone become more prevalent as we age. Some research suggests that testosterone may be a biomarker for depression, which means that abnormal testosterone levels can, in fact, cause you to develop depressive symptoms. We have compiled a list of conditions that have been linked to low testosterone and low energy levels. An estimated $1.8 billion in 2011 was spent on testosterone sales across some 41 countries, up from $150 million in 2000 . Prescription testosterone sales in the United States have skyrocketed in the last two decades due to an aging population, direct-to-consumer advertising, and prescriber views of the benefits and risks to testosterone, among other factors. Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. Sign up for HEALTHBeat and receive trusted health information delivered right to your inbox. Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. A slower metabolism — one which can be produced by the loss of muscle mass and an increase of fat — will lead to individuals having a harder time converting food into energy. An impressive 28.7% of men in the U.S. who are currently taking prescription testosterone, indicated that their primary reason for taking testosterone was a lack of energy. You could say testosterone is something like an energy booster, which simultaneously promotes many aspects of your health. It also enhances metabolism and influences brain function, contributing to overall energy levels. Finally, a 2014 meta-analysis on PT and sexual function concluded that testosterone supplementation has positive effects on sexual function in hypogonadal subjects . Results from the testosterone trials suggest that PT increases all aspects of sexual activity and libido compared to placebo, although its effect on ED was weaker. This is contrary to information found on testosterone manufacture websites, which primarily focus advertising related to sex to men under the age of 40 . Overall, our responses indicate a nuanced relationship between testosterone and energy. Lastly, we ask whether the reasons and experiences for taking prescription testosterone differ by male patient age. We also seek to contextualize patient experiences in learning about testosterone and how they manage their therapy through solicitation of additional open-ended and close-ended items. What do they perceive to be the benefits and side effects of prescription testosterone? Here, we employ an exploratory online survey featuring open-ended questions answered by a convenience sample of U.S. men 21 years of age and older on prescription testosterone. Be sure to speak with your doctor or clinician on which method is best for you and your health needs. However, when you’re undergoing TRT, some people test to determine the peak amount of testosterone, and some people try to grab the trough, says McDevitt. Your testosterone is higher in the morning, so that’s the best time to test. Clinically, if you’re doing well and your doctor agrees that your levels are within good ranges, then you’ll want to test every six months. During the ramp up, you should expect to test every 90 days until your levels get to a good therapeutic state, as determined by your doctor and how you feel. The frequency matters as there’s a time frame that your body needs to balance everything out. These are supplements that contain things like vitamins, minerals, and herbs that are meant to increase your body's natural production of testosterone. Testosterone in the Context of Endocrine Disorders As men age, their bodies go through various changes, including a decline in testosterone levels.... Remember, addressing low testosterone levels can help you regain your energy and vitality.