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Testosterone

7-minute read

Key facts

  • Testosterone is a hormone that regulates sex drive and bone strength, and helps make sperm.
  • Testosterone levels vary greatly depending on your sex, age and health.
  • Low testosterone levels can be due to a problem with your testes or pituitary gland, obesity, some health conditions or the normal process of ageing.
  • If your testosterone levels are low, you may notice changes in your sex drive, erections, mood, sleep, energy levels and muscle strength.
  • You may need testosterone replacement therapy to increase your testosterone levels. Living a healthy lifestyle can also help.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a sex hormone that is important in the development of male reproductive tissues such as the penis, testes and prostate. Males and females both naturally produce testosterone, though males produce far more testosterone than females. In males, most testosterone is made by the testes. In females, testosterone is made by the ovaries and converted to female sex hormones.

Testosterone levels can vary greatly depending on your sex, age and health. In males, testosterone levels are usually highest at age 20. After this, levels gradually reduce. A pregnant woman will have more testosterone than a healthy, non-pregnant woman.

What does testosterone do?

Testosterone is important in the development of the male reproductive organs, such as the testicles and penis.

It is responsible for the changes during puberty in males, such as body hair, a deeper voice, stronger muscles and penis growth.

In adult males, testosterone carries out important body functions, such as:

  • regulating sex drive, mood and bone and muscle strength
  • making blood cells
  • helping the testes make sperm

In females, testosterone is needed for bone and muscle strength and sex drive. Some of it is converted to a form of oestrogen.

Why are my testosterone levels low?

If you have low testosterone levels, it may mean that your body is unable to make enough testosterone. This could be because your testes are not working properly, or because the pituitary gland in your brain is not telling your testes to make testosterone.

Causes of low testosterone levels include:

Some people use the term ‘andropause’ or 'male menopause' to refer to the decline in testosterone with ageing. This term is misleading. It suggests that males don’t have enough testosterone as they get older, however there is no clear evidence that this is a problem in healthy people.

You may have a greater drop in your testosterone levels if you have long-term medical conditions or if you are overweight. If low testosterone is a problem for you, you may want to speak to your doctor about whether it is simply because you are getting older or if there is another cause.

NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT? — Use the BMI Calculator to find out if your weight and waist size are in a healthy range.

What symptoms will I have if my testosterone is low?

Males with low testosterone levels can have many different symptoms. You might have:

You may notice physical changes such as:

  • increased body fat
  • reduced muscle bulk and strength
  • swollen or tender breasts
  • less facial and body hair growth

You may also find out that you have infertility or decreased bone density.

Children with low testosterone levels might have a small penis or testes. They might have late puberty, they might not grow facial or body hair or their voice might not break.

Some females with low testosterone levels might have loss of libido.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

How can I get my testosterone levels tested?

Your doctor can check your testosterone levels with a blood test. Testosterone levels can vary, so if you have a low level on one blood test, you should have a second test to confirm it.

It’s best to have the testosterone blood test early in the morning while you are fasting. This is when your testosterone levels are usually at their highest.

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ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

How can I treat low testosterone?

If you have low testosterone, you can take testosterone replacement therapy. This is given by injections, gels, creams or tablets.

If there is an underlying cause for your low testosterone, it should be treated. You may also need testosterone therapy.

It's unclear whether testosterone therapy has any benefit for older males who have low testosterone but no testicular or pituitary problems. Getting diabetes or other health conditions under control, and losing weight can improve testosterone levels.

The risks and side effects of testosterone therapy include:

You can also increase your testosterone levels by:

Resources and support

For more information about male reproductive and sexual health, visit Healthy Male.

You can also talk to your doctor or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak to a nurse for information and advice.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: September 2022


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