Testosterone and Men’s Health: Why It Matters More Than You Think
What is testosterone, and why is it so important for men’s health?
If you’ve been feeling more tired lately, less motivated, or not quite like yourself, you’re not alone. Many men start to notice changes in energy, mood, and performance after their 30s, and one major reason is a gradual drop in testosterone.
As a licensed naturopathic doctor in Ontario, I regularly work with men who are surprised to learn how much this one hormone affects everything from metabolism and strength to sleep and mental sharpness. Understanding testosterone is the first step toward feeling better.
What Does Testosterone Actually Do?
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It gives men their deeper voice, facial and body hair, and higher muscle mass. But beyond that, it plays a crucial role in maintaining:
Sexual desire and performance
Muscle growth and strength
Bone density
Energy levels and motivation
Mood, confidence, and mental clarity
While testosterone peaks in late adolescence, it naturally declines by about 1% per year after age 30. For some men, this drop is faster or more severe than expected, leading to symptoms that can affect daily life.
Common Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Low testosterone does not always show up in obvious ways. Yes, reduced sex drive is a common clue, but there are other symptoms that often go unnoticed or misattributed to stress or aging:
Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
Irritability or low mood
Trouble building or maintaining muscle
Increased belly fat or weight gain
Poor sleep and low motivation
Reduced confidence or drive
If you’re nodding your head to more than one of these, it’s worth checking your levels.
The Importance of Proper Testing
A guess is not good enough. If you want real answers, you need proper bloodwork.
When I assess testosterone levels, I don’t just look for what’s “normal” — I look for what’s optimal. Many labs use broad reference ranges that miss subtle deficiencies. That’s why I use tighter, performance-based targets.
These are the optimal levels I aim for in men:
Total Testosterone: >19 nmol/L
Free Testosterone: >288 pmol/L
Bioavailable Testosterone: >7 nmol/L
Free and bioavailable testosterone are especially important because they represent the portion of testosterone your body can actually use. If these are low, symptoms can still show up even if total testosterone looks fine on paper.
Why Boosters Alone Aren’t the Answer
It’s easy to turn to testosterone boosters you see online, but many of them are poorly regulated, overhyped, or miss the root cause. Supplements may offer temporary support, but they don’t fix underlying issues like:
Chronic stress and high cortisol
Nutrient deficiencies
Poor sleep hygiene
Overtraining or inactivity
Excess body fat or inflammation
What You Can Do Instead
I’ve helped many men improve their testosterone levels naturally without prescriptions. My evidence-based plan includes:
Bloodwork and hormone testing to identify what's off
Nutrition upgrades that reduce inflammation and support hormone balance
Stress management to lower cortisol and protect testosterone production
Sleep optimization, including strategies to improve both quality and duration
Targeted lifestyle changes that actually work for your schedule
Third-party tested supplements, only if needed, and only the ones that fit your case
Together, these steps create a sustainable plan that boosts testosterone while also improving energy, performance, and confidence.
Book with me to start your journey
You don’t have to accept low energy, low motivation, or low libido as part of getting older. With the right guidance, you can understand what’s going on and make changes that actually work.
If you’re ready to uncover what’s holding you back and take the first step toward better health, I offer free 15-minute consultations for Ontario residents.
Let’s figure out what your body needs and help you feel like yourself again.
