When Energy, Strength or Mood Start to Shift. Could Low Testosterone Be the Reason?

Understanding the Signs of Testosterone Changes in Men

You’ve been sleeping well, eating reasonably, and keeping up with your usual routine, but lately, something feels different. Maybe you’re more tired, less driven, or not quite yourself. Perhaps your workouts don’t feel as strong, or your mood isn’t as even. Maybe your confidence just feels... dulled.

These kinds of shifts can be easy to dismiss as “just stress” or “part of getting older”. But they may also be your body’s quiet way of signalling a change in testosterone levels,  and it’s worth paying attention to.

At Cedar Endocrine Diabetes and Thyroid Clinic, we help men make sense of these subtle, often frustrating changes,  with clarity, not alarm.

What Is Testosterone, and Why Does It Matter?

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. While it’s often associated with physical traits like muscle mass and facial hair, it also plays a major role in:

• Energy and motivation

• Sexual health and libido

• Mood stability and focus

• Muscle strength and fat distribution

Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, especially after 30, but in some men, the drop is more noticeable ,  or happens earlier. This is sometimes called andropause or male hormone deficiency, though medically, it's referred to as testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) or simply low testosterone.

Common Signs Men Overlook

Some of the most frequently missed signs of low testosterone include:

• Persistent fatigue

  You may feel like you're always dragging, even if your sleep habits haven’t changed.

• Reduced muscle mass or strength

  Your workouts may feel less effective, or your usual level of physical activity feels more taxing.

• Lower libido or changes in sexual function

  This is one of the most common (but often least talked-about) symptoms.

• Mood changes

  You might feel more irritable, anxious, or emotionally flat.

• Mental fog or reduced focus

  Tasks that once felt easy may now take more effort or feel less engaging.

• Abdominal weight gain or body composition shifts

  You may notice more fat around your midsection and less muscle tone.

• Reduced frequency of morning erections

  A change many men notice but rarely discuss,  often an early sign of testosterone decline.

What Causes Testosterone to Drop?

It’s natural for testosterone to decline gradually over time. But other factors can accelerate the process, including:

• Chronic stress

• Poor sleep or sleep apnoea

• Weight gain, especially abdominal fat

• Long-term illness or medication use

• Pituitary or adrenal gland dysfunction

Sometimes, there’s no obvious cause. That’s why a medical evaluation is key,  to understand whether low testosterone is part of a broader hormonal pattern, or something more targeted.

How We Evaluate Hormonal Health at Cedar Endocrine

At Cedar Endocrine Diabetes and Thyroid Clinic, Dr Tay Tunn Lin takes a respectful, no-pressure approach to exploring men’s hormonal health.

We understand that talking about testosterone isn’t always easy. That’s why we make the process as comfortable and clear as possible.

An assessment may include:

• A detailed consultation 

  We start with a conversation, about your symptoms, how long they’ve been present, and how they’re affecting your daily life.

• Blood testing for hormones

  We check testosterone levels (both total and free), as well as other relevant markers such as LH, FSH, and possibly thyroid or cortisol levels.

• Pituitary or adrenal evaluation (if needed)

  If we suspect the issue may stem from the glands that regulate testosterone production.

• Metabolic tests

  We may also assess your cholesterol, glucose, and other markers, since testosterone levels are closely linked to metabolic health.

Each test is explained in plain language, so you understand what we’re checking and what the results may mean.

Treatment Options: When and How It’s Managed

Not every case of low testosterone needs medication. Sometimes, addressing sleep, weight, or stress can make a meaningful difference. But when treatment is appropriate, we ensure it’s personalised and safe.

Management may include:

• Lifestyle adjustments

  Improving sleep, exercise routines, and stress management can help raise testosterone naturally in some cases.

• Nutritional support

  Targeted changes to diet can support hormonal balance, especially if insulin resistance is present.

• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)

  When medically indicated, TRT can restore hormone levels and ease symptoms. It's only offered after a full evaluation and discussion of risks and benefits.

• Ongoing monitoring

  Regular follow-ups ensure that any therapy is effective and remains safe over time.

Treatment decisions are always collaborative, and based on what feels right for your health, your values, and your goals.

You’re Not Alone, and It’s Not “Just Age”

Hormonal shifts can be confusing, especially when they affect how you feel about yourself. But they don’t mean you’ve done something wrong, and they’re not something you need to simply “push through”.

At Cedar Endocrine, we offer guidance that’s informed, discreet, and supportive. We help you understand what’s happening under the surface, and if it turns out to be low testosterone, we help you navigate your options confidently.