Men naturally need some estrogen, one of the main sex hormones that women have, in the body for bone health and other body functions. But hormone replacement therapy helps improve sex drive, symptoms of depression and energy levels. But while testosterone is "overall pretty safe" when properly prescribed and monitored by an expert, explains Jesse Mills, M.D., a urologist, male sexual health expert, and director of the Men’s Clinic at UCLA, it’s not risk free. While a small, annual decline in testosterone levels is a normal part of the aging process, you can take action to optimize your levels and avoid symptoms of low testosterone. In addition to these, having too-high testosterone levels put you at risk for health conditions including cancer, cardiac complications, and irritability (9). But determining normal testosterone levels by age? It’s natural for testosterone levels to vary depending on your age and overall health. At LifeSource Vitamins we emphasize that the strongest foundation for hormone support comes from consistent daily habits — strength training, restorative sleep, and managing stress — rather than supplements alone. Vitamin D has shown mixed results in trials — some observational data and smaller studies link higher vitamin D status to better testosterone markers, but larger randomized trials have produced inconsistent findings (Emerging Evidence). A nutrient-rich diet emphasizing whole foods can help provide cofactors involved in hormone pathways. Any unauthorized use of the content including AI-related use is a violation of our rights and may result in legal action, damages, and statutory penalties to the fullest extent permitted by law. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Speak with a doctor if you’re taking antidepressants and experience low libido. Depression may lead to a reduced or complete lack of interest in activities you once found pleasurable, such as sex. If you’re experiencing the effects of low testosterone and take any of these medications, speak with a doctor. Speak with a healthcare professional if you think this might be an issue for you. But the long-term risks and benefits of testosterone replacement are unknown. Experts believe that if you have other factors causing erectile dysfunction, low testosterone can strongly contribute. Late-onset male hypogonadism happens when the decline in testosterone levels is linked to general aging and/or age-related conditions, particularly obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Classical male hypogonadism is when low testosterone levels are due to an underlying medical condition or damage to your testicles, pituitary gland or hypothalamus. Lower-than-normal testosterone levels typically only cause symptoms in males. Some women seek treatment for lower testosterone levels caused by another health condition or surgery, such as removal of the ovaries. If you truly have low-T, underlying stressors can make symptoms worse. Suppressing your emotions can interfere with normal functions, such as focusing at work or maintaining an erection. Often, we find that anxiety or depression – not hormonal imbalances – are the root cause of low-T-like symptoms. An imbalance can indicate a serious medical issue, such as cancer, anemia, or kidney disease. When a man takes synthetic testosterone, the brain detects the excess and slows or stops production of LH and FSH. Unfortunately, some doctors prescribe testosterone to treat infertility, and inadvertently make the problem worse. It is well known that exogenous testosterone can – and often will – cause infertility. Is the issue really about a libido mismatch between me and my partner? Does my level of libido actually bother me or my partner? "Testosterone is a phenomenal therapy for the right man," Mills stresses. If there are risks, are they outweighed for some folks by potential health benefits?