- Low libido, fewer morning erections, fatigue and low mood are the classic symptoms.
- Obesity, poor sleep, sleep apnea, opioids and past steroid use are common causes.
- Testing needs at least two morning blood tests, ordered by your doctor and reported in nmol/L.
- November is Movember: a good time to book a check-up.
Every November, Movember puts the spotlight on men’s health. Low testosterone is common, under-diagnosed and often treatable, and its symptoms overlap with many other problems. This guide covers the signs, causes and how to get tested in Canada.
Symptoms
| Sexual | Physical | Mood and energy |
|---|---|---|
| Low sex drive | Loss of muscle and strength | Fatigue |
| Fewer morning erections | More body fat | Low mood or irritability |
| Erectile problems | Reduced body hair | Poor concentration |
| Hot flashes (severe cases) | Low motivation |
None is specific to low testosterone; sleep problems, depression, thyroid issues and diabetes can cause the same.
Common causes
- Excess body fat
- Poor sleep and sleep apnea
- Past anabolic steroid use, which can suppress natural production for months or longer
- Opioid medications
- Type 2 diabetes
- Pituitary or testicular problems, less commonly
- Age: levels decline gradually, but age alone rarely causes symptomatic deficiency
Getting tested in Canada
- Book with your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or a telehealth service
- Have blood drawn in the morning, ideally before 10 AM
- Repeat on a second day if the first is low
- Expect checks of LH, FSH, prolactin, blood count, glucose and thyroid to find the cause
Canadian labs report total testosterone in nmol/L. Our blood work guide explains the numbers.
Tell your doctor about any steroid or SARM use, past or present. It’s confidential, and it’s one of the most common causes of low testosterone in younger men.
If your testosterone is low
- Treat the cause where possible: weight loss, sleep apnea treatment, medication changes
- If you’ve used steroids, recovery may take months; see our PCT guide
- If deficiency persists with symptoms, testosterone therapy is an option; see TRT in Canada
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of low testosterone?
Often low sex drive, fewer morning erections and fatigue.
How do I get my testosterone tested in Canada?
Ask your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or telehealth service for morning blood tests.
Can steroids cause low testosterone later?
Yes. Past use can suppress natural production for months, sometimes longer.
What testosterone level is low?
Labs report nmol/L; many clinicians consider consistently low levels with symptoms as deficiency, with cut-offs around 8 to 12 nmol/L.
This article is general information for adults in Canada, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any prescription drug, anabolic steroid or research compound, and get bloodwork done. If you’re in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time.
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