What is Male Hypogonadism: Symptoms and Causes

If you’re a man experiencing unexplained fatigue, low sex drive, or mood swings, you’re not alone, and your body may be trying to tell you something important about your health.

These symptoms are common, but they’re often overlooked or blamed on stress, aging, or lifestyle. Many men don’t realize these issues may actually be caused by a treatable medical condition called male hypogonadism, often referred to as low testosterone or “low T.”

Hypogonadism occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone, a hormone that plays a vital role in male development and long-term health. While the condition is more common than most realize, it remains widely underdiagnosed. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and available treatments can help men take back control of their well-being.

In this guide, we’ll explain what male hypogonadism is, how it affects men, why testosterone matters, and the typical causes and risk factors for low T. We’ll also cover how hypogonadism is diagnosed and treated, and how Gameday Men’s Health can help you get back to feeling like your true self.

What is Male Hypogonadism?

Male hypogonadism is a condition in which the body produces insufficient testosterone, either due to problems in the testicles themselves or in the signaling system that controls testosterone production. This hormone deficiency disrupts the balance necessary for strength, energy, mood, sexual function, and more.

There are two main types of hypogonadism: primary hypogonadism and secondary hypogonadism.

Primary hypogonadism starts in the testicles. The testes can’t produce enough testosterone, even if the brain is sending the right signals. Causes include injury, infection, or genetic conditions like Klinefelter syndrome, which results from an abnormality of the sex chromosomes (X and Y).(1)

Secondary hypogonadism occurs when the problem lies in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland—areas of the brain responsible for sending signals that trigger testosterone production. (2) Tumors, chronic illnesses, or certain medications can interfere with this hormonal communication.

In some men, both types of hypogonadism can be involved. Understanding the distinction between the two is essential for men seeking to treat and understand their health, as the underlying cause of low T will influence the proper treatment plan.

 

Why Testosterone Matters

Testosterone isn’t just about sex drive or muscle mass. It is also a foundational hormone that affects nearly every system in a man’s body. When testosterone levels drop, the effects can be wide-ranging and disruptive.

Testosterone plays a central role in all of the following areas:

• Muscle and Bone Strength

  Testosterone plays a key role in maintaining lean muscle mass and supporting bone density. Men with low testosterone may notice a gradual loss of strength, slower recovery from workouts, and increased risk of injury or fractures as bones weaken over time. (3)

• Sex Drive and Performance

  Healthy testosterone levels are essential for libido, erectile function, and sperm production. When testosterone drops, you may notice reduced interest in sex or difficulty achieving or maintaining erections. Low T (typically below 300 ng/dL) can affect your performance in the bedroom, both physically and psychologically.(4)

• Mood and Energy

  Low testosterone can contribute to emotional changes such as irritability, depression, mood swings, social withdrawal, and anxiety. (5) Many men also experience persistent fatigue or a lack of motivation that doesn’t improve with rest or lifestyle changes.

• Overall Health

  Testosterone also helps regulate fat metabolism, red blood cell production, and cardiovascular health. Low levels are linked to increased belly fat, higher risk of metabolic disease, and reduced vitality as you age.

Symptoms of Male Hypogonadism

Hypogonadism in males may present itself with various physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms. For many men, these changes come on gradually, which is partially why they’re frequently dismissed as part of the normal aging process.

Common signs of testosterone deficiency include fatigue and low energy, low libido, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass or strength, increased body fat (particularly around the abdomen), depression or mood swings, and difficulty concentrating or mental fog.

If you’re noticing one or more of these symptoms, it may be time to consider a medical evaluation. Left untreated, these symptoms can worsen and begin to impact relationships, performance, and daily functioning.
 

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can contribute to the development of male hypogonadism. While some are within your control, others are related to age or underlying medical issues. The most common causes and risk factors of male hypogonadism include:

• Aging and natural testosterone decline: Testosterone levels typically begin to decline by about 1% per year around the ages of 30 to 40. (6) A testosterone deficiency that develops later in life is referred to as late-onset hypogonadism, and may lead to other symptoms associated with low T.
  
• Testicular injury or disease: Trauma, infection (such as mumps orchitis), or radiation/chemotherapy can damage the testes, which can lead to a decrease in testosterone. (7)
• Pituitary or hypothalamic disorders: Tumors or genetic issues may disrupt the brain’s ability to send proper hormonal signals, which can lead to a lowering of your testosterone levels.
• Chronic illness: Conditions like diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome are closely linked to reduced testosterone levels. For example, one study showed that nearly 97% of diagnosed metabolic syndrome patients experienced issues with erectile dysfunction. (8)
• Medications or anabolic steroid use: Certain drugs, including opioids and corticosteroids, have been shown to potentially interfere with hormone production, which can lead to male hypogonadism.
• Lifestyle factors: Certain poor lifestyle habits, such as poor sleep, alcohol overuse, and high stress may also contribute by disrupting hormonal balance over time.

How is Male Hypogonadism Diagnosed?

If you suspect that you’re suffering from low testosterone, the first step is getting properly evaluated by a trusted medical provider, such as the clinicians at your local Gameday Men’s Health. Diagnosis involves a combination of blood work, symptom analysis, and clinical history.

Key steps in the diagnostic process include: 

• Blood tests: A lab panel—typically taken in the morning—measures total and free testosterone levels. Additional hormones such as LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) may also be evaluated to determine whether the cause is primary or secondary. (9)
• Medical history and symptom review: Your provider will ask about energy levels, sexual function, sleep, emotional well-being, and physical changes.
• Additional tests: In some cases, imaging studies or further lab work may be required to rule out underlying issues in the brain or testes.

It’s essential to remember that only a qualified healthcare professional can accurately diagnose hypogonadism. Your doctor can then help you determine whether testosterone therapy is appropriate for your specific health goals.

Treatment Options

The good news is that male hypogonadism is treatable—and in many cases, symptoms can improve significantly with the right plan. The best treatment for your specific needs depends on the severity of your condition, the underlying cause, and your personal health goals.

Common treatment options may include: 

• Lifestyle changes: Exercise, weight loss, sleep optimization, and stress reduction can all improve natural testosterone levels, especially in men with borderline deficiencies.
• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): For men with confirmed low testosterone and persistent symptoms, TRT can restore hormone levels to a healthy range. While it works differently for each patient, TRT has the potential to improve sexual function, bone density, mood, lean body mass, and more. (10) Options for TRT include injections, gels, or pellets prescribed and monitored by a physician.
• Addressing underlying conditions: Managing chronic illnesses like diabetes, obesity, or pituitary issues can support better hormone regulation, improve overall health, and correct some cases of low testosterone.

Why Choose Gameday Men’s Health?

At Gameday Men’s Health, we specialize in helping men regain their strength, vitality, and confidence through personalized, medically guided care. Our focus is on making hormone optimization safe, convenient, and effective.

At Gameday, our experienced providers understand men’s health and know how to identify and treat testosterone deficiency safely and effectively. Our discreet, fast testing gives you clear answers without the hassle, and our customized treatment plans are tailored to your goals, lab results, and lifestyle. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to revitalizing men’s health.

Taking Action on Low Testosterone

Male hypogonadism is a common issue for men, particularly as they grow into middle age. Its symptoms can significantly affect physical, emotional, and sexual well-being when gone untreated. If you’ve been feeling off, such as feeling low energy, low sex drive, mental fog, or muscle loss, it’s worth asking the question: could this be testosterone deficiency?

Understanding hypogonadism means recognizing the signs and seeking expert care. With the right diagnosis and treatment, most men experience real, lasting improvements in quality of life.

If you’re ready to take control of your health, Gameday Men’s Health offers the knowledge, tools, and support to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

 

References 

1. Male hypogonadism
2. Male hypogonadism: Symptoms and treatment
3. Testosterone and Bone Health in Men: A Narrative Review
4. Low Testosterone and Sex Drive
5. Can Low Testosterone Cause Anxiety and Depression?
6. The ‘male menopause’
7. Testis Injury
8. Psychobiologic correlates of the metabolic syndrome and associated sexual dysfunction
9. Diagnosis of Hypogonadism: Clinical Assessments and Laboratory Tests
10. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)