The Low Energy? It Might Be Testosterone—Here’s What to Know

As men age, it’s common to notice gradual changes in energy, motivation, strength, and sexual health. Many describe this as “losing their edge” or simply not feeling like themselves anymore. While these changes are often attributed to aging alone, one commonly overlooked factor is declining testosterone levels.

Testosterone plays a vital role in a man’s overall health. It supports muscle mass, bone density, metabolism, mood, mental clarity, and libido. Although levels naturally decline with age—often beginning in the 30s or 40s—some men experience a more significant drop. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, decreased motivation, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, and reduced sexual drive or performance.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a medically supervised treatment designed to restore levels to a healthy, physiologic range. When appropriate, TRT may help improve energy, mood, focus, sexual function, muscle strength, and overall well-being. It’s important to emphasize that this is not about achieving “superhuman” levels—it’s about restoring balance and helping the body function as it was designed to.

Over the past several years, I have refined and optimized this therapy through careful study, clinical experience, and close patient follow-up. In my practice, testosterone therapy is always individualized. We begin with a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed review of symptoms, thorough laboratory testing, and an assessment of overall health, cardiovascular risk, and lifestyle factors such as sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress.

If therapy is appropriate, testosterone may be administered through injections or, in some cases, topical preparations. Ongoing monitoring is a critical part of treatment, ensuring both safety and effectiveness over time.

Like any medical therapy, TRT has potential benefits and risks. Possible side effects can include acne, fluid retention, or an increase in red blood cell count, which is why careful oversight is essential. Reassuringly, more recent and well-designed studies suggest that appropriately prescribed and monitored testosterone therapy does not increase the risk of heart disease or prostate cancer in otherwise healthy men. As always, thoughtful evaluation and individualized care remain the foundation of safe and effective treatment.

For spouses or partners reading this: you may notice changes—lower energy, reduced motivation, or less engagement—before they’re acknowledged. Hormonal shifts can sometimes be subtle but meaningful, and outside perspective can be helpful.

If you’ve noticed changes in how you feel or function and wonder whether hormones may be playing a role, I invite you to start a conversation. Restoring balance can make a meaningful difference in how you experience your day-to-day life.

Warm regards,
Dr. Richard Steslow

Author

Dr Steslow Dr. Steslow has been in medicine for the past 38 years and has been running his office, South Naperville Family Practice, Ltd since 1992. He has been more recently focusing on nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress reduction, and relationships/spirituality which are his 5 Pillars of Health. By having a basis on wellness, one is able to live in good health throughout your life. This idea is having a long "healthspan" where you are capable of doing what you want, instead of a "lifespan" where you have to depend on others as you get old. Dr. Steslow has incorporated a longevity program as part of his concierge program to focus on the things that are necessary including his 5 Pillars of Health, supplements, and even certain medications to potentially impact your aging process. Then you are able to feel your best! His aesthetics program assists one in looking your best using natural methods when possible. This combination is unique amount healthcare practitioners and is why we are special.