The most common signs of low testosterone in men are a lower sex drive, fewer erections, low energy, low mood, poor concentration and losing muscle while gaining fat. These signs are common and can have many other causes, so the only way to know is to see your GP, who can arrange morning blood tests and look for the reason behind them. Supplements cannot diagnose or fix low testosterone, and this guide explains why, what the signs look like, how testing works in Australia and when you should book that appointment.
Signs of low testosterone at a glance
Healthy Male (formerly Andrology Australia) and healthdirect list these as the main symptoms and signs. Many of them overlap with other everyday problems, which is why self-diagnosis does not work.
| Sign | What you might notice | Other common causes |
|---|---|---|
| Sex drive and erections | Less interest in sex, fewer morning or spontaneous erections | Stress, tiredness, relationship issues, some medicines, other health conditions |
| Energy and mood | Tired all the time, low mood, poor concentration, forgetfulness | Poor sleep, stress, depression, illness |
| Body changes | Less muscle and strength, more body fat | Training and diet changes, ageing, less activity |
| Sleep | Poor sleep, and sometimes hot flushes | Stress, alcohol, shift work, other sleep problems |
| Signs a doctor may find | Swollen or tender breasts, less facial and body hair, small testes, trouble conceiving, lower bone density | These need a medical check, see your GP |
What can lower testosterone?
According to Healthy Male, true low testosterone (called androgen deficiency or hypogonadism) happens when the testes, or the hormone signals from the brain that control them, do not work properly. Causes include genetic conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome, which Healthy Male says goes undiagnosed in up to 75% of men who have it, injury or infection of the testes, iron overload (haemochromatosis) and pituitary problems.
Other things are linked with lower levels without a problem in the testes or pituitary. The Endocrine Society of Australia notes that obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes are associated with lower testosterone, and that some medicines, such as glucocorticoids and opioids, are linked with reductions that may be reversible. healthdirect adds that healthy older men may have somewhat lower levels simply because of age, which is generally not a medical concern on its own.
How low testosterone is tested in Australia
Diagnosis is a job for your doctor, not a symptom checklist or a home test. Here is what usually happens, based on healthdirect and the Endocrine Society of Australia position statement:
- A GP appointment. Your doctor asks about your symptoms, health and medicines and examines you.
- A morning blood test. healthdirect says it is best to have the test early in the morning while fasting, because that is when levels are usually highest.
- A repeat test. Levels vary from day to day, so one low result needs a second test to confirm it.
- Other hormones and checks. Your doctor may also check LH and FSH (the hormones that tell the testes to make testosterone), iron levels or other tests to find the cause.
- A specialist referral if needed. If results suggest a real deficiency, you may be referred to an endocrinologist or urologist.
Healthy Male points out that a lower than normal result does not always mean you have androgen deficiency. That is exactly why a doctor needs to look at the full picture.
When to see a doctor
Talk to your GP if any of these sound familiar:
- A low sex drive or erection problems that have lasted more than a few weeks
- Ongoing tiredness, low mood or poor concentration that is affecting work, training or relationships
- Breast swelling or tenderness, a change in your testes, or less body hair
- Trouble conceiving with your partner
- Any of the above if you have type 2 diabetes, are carrying extra weight or take regular medicine
If you feel low or flat most days, your GP can help with that too. It is a normal, confidential conversation, and many men have it.
Do supplements help low testosterone?
No supplement can diagnose or fix low testosterone. Healthy Male's review of testosterone boosting supplements says they are at best likely to be unhelpful, describes a 2020 study of 50 products that found supporting data for only about a quarter of the listed ingredients, and warns that some products bought online have contained undeclared ingredients. Our own guide on whether testosterone boosters work comes to the same conclusion.
What the evidence does support is the basics. healthdirect suggests regular exercise, a healthy diet, keeping stress low and losing weight if you are carrying extra, and notes that weight loss and managing conditions like diabetes can improve levels. Good sleep and moderate alcohol help too.
Everyday basics, within sensible limits
If your diet is patchy, a few everyday basics can help you meet your nutrient needs. They support general health, but they are not a fix for low testosterone, and they do not replace a blood test.
- A daily multivitamin. Condemned Labz CNDMND Multi gives 20 mcg (800 IU) of vitamin D3 and 11 mg of zinc per two-tablet serve, with 30 serves for $59.95.
- Zinc, if your GP or dietitian suggests it. The adult men's recommended intake is 14 mg a day, and the upper limit from all sources is 40 mg a day, according to the Nutrient Reference Values. Swanson Zinc Picolinate 22 mg is one capsule a day, 60 capsules for $24.95. Do not stack it with a multi that already contains zinc unless a health professional says so.
- Magnesium. NOW Magnesium Glycinate gives 200 mg of magnesium per two-tablet serve, with 90 serves for $69.95 (about $0.78 a serve).
For more, see our best multivitamin in Australia guide, our guide to supplements for men over 40 or the full supplements for men range.
Our verdict
Signs of low testosterone, like a low sex drive, fatigue and losing muscle, are real but they are not specific. The right next step is a GP visit and morning blood tests, not a testosterone booster. While you wait for answers, focus on sleep, training, diet and a healthy weight, and use simple basics such as a multivitamin only to fill gaps in your diet.
Shop the products in this guide
Condemned Labz CNDMND Multi 30 serves$59.95
Swanson Zinc Picolinate 22 mg 60 capsules$24.95
NOW Magnesium Glycinate 180 tablets$69.95
Browse all supplements for men and multivitamins.
FAQs
What are the first signs of low testosterone?
Men often first notice a lower sex drive, fewer morning erections, tiredness, low mood or trouble concentrating. Over time there may be less muscle and strength and more body fat. These signs are common and have many other causes, such as poor sleep, stress or illness, so they are a reason to see your GP for a check rather than proof of low testosterone.
What time of day should a testosterone blood test be done?
healthdirect says it is best to have the blood test early in the morning while fasting, because testosterone levels are usually highest then. Because levels vary, a single low result needs a second test to confirm it. Your GP will tell you when to book the test and whether you need to fast beforehand.
Can supplements raise low testosterone?
No supplement has been shown to fix true low testosterone. Healthy Male says testosterone boosting supplements are likely to be unhelpful at best, and some products bought online have contained undeclared ingredients. If a blood test finds low vitamin D or zinc, your GP may suggest a supplement to correct that, but taking more than you need will not raise normal levels.
Does testosterone drop with age?
Levels can fall a little as men get older. healthdirect says healthy older men may have lower testosterone because of ageing itself, and that this is generally not a medical concern. Weight gain, type 2 diabetes and some medicines are also linked to lower levels. If you have symptoms at any age, your GP can test for the cause.
Can I get my testosterone checked without a doctor in Australia?
Some services sell blood tests directly, but a result on its own does not tell you whether you have a problem or why. Testing needs the right timing, a repeat test and other hormone checks, plus a doctor to interpret them alongside your symptoms and history. Your GP is the best place to start, and they can refer you to a specialist if needed.
Sources: Healthy Male: Low testosterone (androgen deficiency); Healthy Male: Do testosterone boosting supplements work?; healthdirect: Testosterone; Endocrine Society of Australia position statement on male hypogonadism, part 1, MJA (2016); Nutrient Reference Values: Zinc; product labels and brand nutrition panels, checked October 2026.
Order online with Australia-wide delivery, free on orders of $99.99 or more, with Afterpay available at checkout. You can also use click and collect at a store that offers it, or visit a Supps247 store in Melbourne, regional Victoria or Brisbane to compare products in person. Members can use our member price match on full-priced items.
Prices and stock were checked on 29 October 2026 and can change at any time. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or take regular medication, check with your doctor first.
