Explained: Why men should watch testosterone levels after 35, even without symptoms

New Delhi: In recent years, a growing number of men in their late 30s and early 40s have begun reporting subtle but persistent changes—lower energy, reduced motivation, slower recovery from exercise, and a general decline in drive. These symptoms often emerge despite regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and no significant lifestyle changes. While they may be easy to dismiss as stress or the natural effects of aging, they can, in many cases, point to an underlying hormonal shift—specifically, a gradual decline in testosterone levels.

This quiet shift is often brushed off as stress, age, or “just life.” But for many men, it could be a sign of something more specific—low testosterone. Dr. P. Vamsi Krishna, Sr. Consultant & Head of Department Urology, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, decoded the same for TV9 English.

Not Just About Libido

Testosterone often gets reduced to being the “sex hormone,” but that’s only a fraction of its role. It supports energy levels, muscle mass, bone density, mood regulation, focus, and even sperm production. When levels begin to dip—sometimes without dramatic symptoms—it can subtly impact how a man feels and functions every day.

What makes low testosterone tricky is that it doesn’t always show up with textbook signs. It’s not always about sexual function. Sometimes, it’s a vague fatigue. A decline in confidence. A shorter fuse. Weight gain, especially around the belly. Or a loss of motivation that’s hard to explain.

The Urban Lifestyle Doesn’t Help

While testosterone naturally declines with age, lifestyle choices speed things up. Sedentary routines, poor sleep, excess alcohol, processed diets, and chronic stress are now part of the daily rhythm for many urban men. Add exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors—from plastics, grooming products, and food packaging—and you have the perfect storm for hormonal imbalance.

What’s concerning is that some men experience hypogonadism—a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone—even while appearing perfectly healthy on the outside. No medical red flags. No obvious symptoms. Just a quiet, gradual shift in how they feel.

Fertility and the Hormonal Disconnect

Testosterone isn’t just about performance—it also plays a vital role in fertility. Many men who show up for fertility screenings are shocked to learn that their testosterone levels are lower than expected. And this isn’t limited to older men. We’re seeing this in patients as young as their early 30s. Low testosterone can affect sperm count and quality, making conception more difficult—something many couples don’t consider when beginning their journey to parenthood.

So, When Should You Get Checked?

If you’re over 35 and have been feeling persistently low on energy, losing muscle mass despite exercise, sleeping poorly, or noticing emotional changes, it’s worth getting your testosterone levels checked. The test is simple—a blood sample, usually done in the morning.

Even without major symptoms, early testing can help detect subtle imbalances. Catching it early means easier corrections—often through lifestyle changes, and in some cases, guided hormonal therapy under medical supervision.

What You Can Do Today

1. Sleep matters. Deep, consistent sleep helps maintain natural testosterone production.

2. Exercise smart. Strength training and interval workouts support hormone health better than long cardio sessions alone.

3. Watch what you eat. Whole foods, healthy fats, and less processed junk all support hormonal stability.

4. Manage stress. Chronic stress increases cortisol, which competes with testosterone.

5. Limit alcohol. Frequent drinking suppresses testosterone production more than most people realize.

Don’t Ignore the Quiet Signals

You don’t have to feel “sick” to have something out of balance. Low testosterone can start quietly, showing up not as a crisis but as a slow erosion of energy, drive, and well-being. If you feel off—but can’t put your finger on why—it’s not overthinking to check your levels. It’s being proactive. Good health isn’t just about getting through the day. It’s about feeling like yourself while you do it.

Reference Link

https://www.tv9english.com/health/explained-why-men-should-watch-testosterone-levels-after-35-even-without-symptoms-article-10867056.html