Men’s health | 8.12.2025

Low testosterone: causes and symptoms

The hormone testosterone controls various biological processes in both males and females, including libido, energy levels, mood, bone density and muscular development. But what happens if the body produces too little of it? Low testosterone (also ‘testosterone deficiency’) is associated with symptoms such as fatigue, reduced sex drive and muscle mass, and hair loss (in the armpits and genital area). Find out how it is diagnosed and treated, and what costs are covered under supplementary insurance.

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Testosterone deficiency/low testosterone: symptoms, effects and treat…

Céline LuginbühlHead of the Benefits Management team at KPT

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is an important hormone. It is naturally present in both males and females, but in different amounts. In males, it is mainly produced in the testes (testicles), while in females it is produced in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal cortex. Testosterone is important for the development of male sexual characteristics (muscle mass, a deep voice, beard growth etc.), sexual function, bone health, physical and mental health, and various metabolic processes. In females, the hormone oestrogen is made from testosterone. Testosterone therefore also plays an important role in oestrogen synthesis in females.

What is a testosterone deficiency?

A testosterone deficiency occurs when the body does not produce sufficient testosterone. It can affect both males and females. Low testosterone has different symptoms and effects in males and females, and requires treatment.

Testosterone deficiency symptoms

Low testosterone can affect both the body and mind, with symptoms differing in males and females. This is a growing area of research in gender medicine. To maintain or improve a patient’s quality of life, it is important to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Symptoms in males

Low testosterone levels in males can have a significant impact on quality of life.
Common physiological and psychological symptoms:

Reduced libido and erection problems
Decrease in muscle mass and body strength
Increase in body and abdominal fat
Reduced beard growth
Hair loss under the armpits, in the genital area and in the eyebrows
Lack of energy, fatigue
Mood swings, depression

Symptoms in females

Testosterone deficiency symptoms in females are different from those in males.
Common physiological and psychological symptoms:

Low sex drive
Skin irritation and dry skin
Tiredness and lack of energy
Low mood and depression

For females, it is especially important to take these symptoms seriously, as low testosterone levels can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Signs of low testosterone levels are also often confused with other health problems.

Symptoms in puberty

Male hypogonadism, acquired or congenital, can inhibit sexual and pubertal development in young males. In severe cases, puberty may not occur at all
Common symptoms:

Smaller testes
Enlarged breast tissue in males (gynaecomastia)
Little body hair
No voice deepening

Left untreated, hypogonadism can cause serious health effects, including infertility or declines in bone and muscle density.

Causes of male hypogonadism

Low testosterone in males can have several possible causes. Some are genetic and some acquired. The most common causes are physiological issues such as undescended testes, genetic factors and testicle injuries or conditions.

Hormonal and physiological causes

Possible causes include:

Hormonal imbalances and disorders
Testicle injuries or conditions
Age-related changes
Being overweight, diabetes, high blood pressure

Causes of low testosterone in females

Low testosterone levels in females are often caused by hormonal changes, especially during menopause or after removal of the ovaries. However, testosterone levels can also be affected by chronic illness, such as diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid disease.

Another possible cause is the use of certain drugs, such as glucocorticoids (steroid hormones used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, cancer or Crohn’s disease), antidepressants or contraceptives.

Low testosterone in both males and females can also be linked to an unhealthy lifestyle and different environmental stresses, such as excess weight, insufficient exercise, an unhealthy diet, pollution and chemotherapy.

How is low testosterone diagnosed?

Low testosterone is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests.
The doctor

Checks your symptoms, risk factors and pre-existing conditions.
Looks for physical signs of low testosterone (body composition, hair growth, size and consistency of the testes and scrotum).
Takes blood and arranges for lab testing of hormone levels.

Low testosterone is diagnosed based on the patient’s physical symptoms and laboratory confirmation of a deficiency.

Which doctors provide support with low testosterone?

GPs, urologists and gynaecologists are the first port of call for suspected hormonal disorders. If required, they will refer to you to an endocrinologist (a specialist in hormone disorders) for further investigation.

To help prepare for a doctor’s consultation, all KPT customers have free access to the digital questionnaire EverAsk.

Blood tests and more

Blood tests are central to the diagnosis of low testosterone. Other diagnostic tests may include an ultrasound examination of the testes, bone density measurement or a complete hormone balance analysis.

Treatment

There are various treatments for low testosterone. The most common is hormone therapy / testosterone replacement therapy. This is used to treat the symptoms and stabilise hormone levels. Lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating, losing weight, regular exercise and ensuring good quality sleep, are also important for hormone regulation and can support the medical therapy.
Natural preparations containing maca root can also be beneficial, as can acupuncture and stress management techniques.

Testosterone replacement therapy

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the most popular treatment option. This therapy effectively increases testosterone levels in the body. The treatment can be administered in the form of an injection, patch, capsule or gel.

TRT is, however, known to have certain potential side effects, such as skin problems like acne. It is therefore important for the therapy to be closely monitored by a doctor and for the hormone levels to be checked regularly.

Natural methods for increasing testosterone levels

Regular physical activity can help to keep the hormones in balance. A balanced diet with sufficient levels of zinc and vitamin D is also recommended.
Stress management and sufficient sleep also support hormone regulation. These measures are recommended for preventing low testosterone due to an acquired cause (such as obesity) and supplement the medical treatment of a low testosterone diagnosis.

Consequences of leaving low testosterone untreated

Untreated low testosterone can lead to significant long-term health complications, such as a loss of muscle mass and bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Fatigue, lethargy and low mood also have a big impact on quality of life.
In the long term, it can cause serious health problems such as heart disease or metabolic disorders. An early diagnosis and treatment are therefore vital to minimise these risks.

What screening tests does health insurance cover?

If low testosterone is suspected, the associated tests are covered under basic health insurance. Some costs are also covered under supplementary health insurance, depending on insurer and product.
Pulse Top and Pulse Premium supplementary outpatient insurance cover preventive health screening for low testosterone every three years. This is not a statutory benefit under basic health insurance if there is no indication of low testosterone. These supplementary insurance plans additionally cover complementary services to relieve the symptoms of low testosterone, such as nutrition counselling, yoga or meditation.

Céline LuginbühlHead of the Benefits Management team at KPT

In her role as Head of the Benefits Management team at KPT, Céline Luginbühl is responsible for the clear, proper and customer-oriented handling of complex benefits matters. As the central contact for benefit-related enquiries and regulatory changes, she lends her expertise to internal and external committees and actively contributes to the further development of the Benefits area.

Low testosterone: causes and symptoms

Low testosterone: causes and symptoms

What is testosterone?

What is a testosterone deficiency?

Testosterone deficiency symptoms

Symptoms in males

Symptoms in females

Symptoms in puberty

Causes of male hypogonadism

Hormonal and physiological causes

Causes of low testosterone in females

How is low testosterone diagnosed?

Which doctors provide support with low testosterone?

Blood tests and more

Treatment

Testosterone replacement therapy

Natural methods for increasing testosterone levels

Consequences of leaving low testosterone untreated

What screening tests does health insurance cover?

Pulse Eco, Top and Premium

Pulse supplementary outpatient insurance from KPT

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