Over 40 And Not Feeling Yourself? It Could Be Low T

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on April 08, 2025

If you're a man over 40 and feeling off—but can't quite explain why—you're not alone. Many men in this age group report subtle but frustrating changes: low energy, reduced sex drive, brain fog, irritability, or a general loss of motivation.

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These symptoms are often brushed off as part of aging, stress, or "just life," but in some cases, the real culprit is low testosterone. 

In Canada, more men are starting to recognize the link between these nagging symptoms and their hormone levels. For those affected, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in Canada can be a life-changing solution—but it's not something to jump into without understanding the full picture. 

This article will walk you through what low testosterone looks like, how to screen for it, and how to talk to your doctor about the next steps. If you've been feeling off, it's time to figure out if your hormones are part of the reason—and what you can do about it. 

Topics covered in this article: 

What Testosterone Does for Men's Health 

Testosterone is the key hormone that drives many of the physical, emotional, and sexual qualities traditionally associated with male vitality. Produced primarily in the testes, it plays a central role in maintaining energy, mental clarity, muscle tone, and libido, especially in men over 40, where subtle hormonal shifts can lead to noticeable symptoms. 

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Here's what testosterone does in the body: 

1. Energy and Stamina: Testosterone supports red blood cell production and cellular metabolism, both of which influence how energized and resilient you feel day to day. Low levels often lead to persistent fatigue, even with enough sleep. 
2. Mood and Mental Clarity: The hormone also affects brain chemistry. Men with healthy testosterone tend to feel sharper, more motivated, and emotionally balanced. A drop in testosterone can cause mood swings, low motivation, or even symptoms resembling mild depression. 
3. Sex Drive and Performance: Testosterone directly fuels libido and sexual function. A significant drop can reduce interest in sex, make it harder to achieve or maintain erections, and affect overall sexual satisfaction. 
4. Muscle Mass and Fat Distribution: Testosterone helps maintain lean muscle mass and regulates where fat is stored. Low levels often lead to muscle loss and an increase in abdominal fat, even if diet and exercise habits stay the same. 

It's important to note that testosterone doesn't suddenly vanish. Starting around age 30, levels begin to decline gradually by about 1% per year. For some men, this slow dip becomes more noticeable by their 40s or 50s, especially when combined with lifestyle stressors or other health conditions. 

Recognizing the Symptoms of Low Testosterone 

Low testosterone doesn't always hit like a freight train—it often creeps in quietly, disguised as everyday stress, aging, or burnout. But when your hormones are out of balance, your body and mind notice. If you're over 40 and experiencing a combination of these issues, it could be time to investigate your testosterone levels. 

Here are some of the most common low testosterone symptoms in men over 40: 

1. Fatigue that doesn't go away: Even after a full night's sleep or a restful weekend, you still feel drained, sluggish, or low on drive. 
2. Reduced libido and erectile changes: A noticeable drop in sexual desire, weaker or less frequent erections, or difficulty maintaining performance can all point to hormonal imbalance. 
3. Mental fog and forgetfulness: Struggling to focus, recall names, or stay mentally sharp during the day? Testosterone plays a role in cognitive function and motivation. 
4. Mood swings or irritability: Some men with low T report feeling down, disconnected, anxious, or unusually irritable for no clear reason. 
5. Muscle loss and belly fat gain: Despite regular workouts, you may find it harder to build or maintain muscle, while fat, especially around the midsection, creeps in. 
6. Poor recovery from exercise: Soreness lingers longer, and workouts that once felt easy leave you wiped out. 
7. Trouble sleeping: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up refreshed can also be linked to low testosterone. 

These symptoms can vary in intensity and may overlap with other health conditions, which is why proper testing and diagnosis are essential before jumping to conclusions or solutions. 

As UPGUYS CEO Mat Rezaei shared in this podcast episode, when you're dealing with low energy and related symptoms, there are three practical steps every man should take to figure out what's really going on. We'll walk through those steps in the next sections, starting with paying closer attention to how you feel day-to-day. 

Step 1: Pay Attention to the Signs 

If you're over 40 and any of the symptoms above sound familiar, the first step is simple but powerful: start paying close attention. Many men normalize their fatigue, low libido, or irritability, assuming it's just part of getting older. But if you've been feeling "off" for more than a few weeks—and it's affecting your relationships, productivity, workouts, or mental health—it's worth investigating. 

Ask yourself: 

1. How long have I felt this way? 
2. Are these symptoms getting worse over time? 
3. Are they interfering with my energy, mood, motivation, or sex life? 

Tracking these changes over time can help you spot patterns and give you useful information to share with a healthcare provider. You don't need to diagnose yourself, but the sooner you start noticing and documenting how you feel, the sooner you can figure out if low testosterone is part of the picture. 

Step 2: Take the ADAM Questionnaire 

If you've been tracking symptoms and suspect something's off, the next step is to screen yourself using the ADAM questionnaire—a quick, evidence-based tool used by healthcare providers to identify possible testosterone deficiency in men. 

ADAM stands for Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male, and the questionnaire is designed to flag key symptoms that may be related to low testosterone. It's free, simple, and takes just a few minutes to complete. 

➤ What It Asks: 

The questionnaire includes yes-or-no questions like: 

1. Do you have a decrease in libido or sex drive? 
2. Do you lack energy? 
3. Are your erections less strong than before? 
4. Have you noticed a recent deterioration in your ability to play sports or exercise? 
5. Are you falling asleep after dinner, even when you're not tired? 

Answering "yes" to certain combinations, especially reduced libido or weaker erections, can indicate the need for further evaluation and testosterone level testing with a healthcare provider. 

It's not a diagnosis, but it's a powerful way to validate your concerns and take the next step confidently. 

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Step 3: Talk to Your Doctor 

Once you've tracked your symptoms and taken the ADAM questionnaire, the next—and most important—step is to talk to your doctor. This conversation doesn't have to be awkward or complicated. In fact, the more prepared you are, the easier it becomes to get real answers. 

Bring your questionnaire results and any notes you've kept about your symptoms, how long they've lasted, and how they've affected your life. When you're ready, you might say something like: 

"I've been experiencing these symptoms for a while—low energy, brain fog, low libido—and they're affecting my day-to-day life. I took the ADAM questionnaire, and the results suggest I might have low testosterone. Can we check my testosterone levels?" 

Most doctors will take that seriously. Here's what may happen next: 

1. They'll order a blood test, usually done early in the morning when testosterone levels are at their peak. This test measures your total testosterone, and sometimes free testosterone and other hormones for a more complete picture. 
2. They may refer you to a specialist, such as an endocrinologist or a men's health clinic, especially if your case is complex or borderline. 
3. They might suggest lifestyle changes first, like improving sleep, exercise, or stress levels, if your symptoms are mild and your hormone levels are just below normal. 

The key takeaway? You don't have to guess or go it alone. Testing is simple, and having this conversation is the first real step toward feeling like yourself again. 

What If Your Testosterone Levels Are Normal? 

If your blood test comes back showing that your testosterone levels are within the normal range, that's actually great news—it means your symptoms likely aren't related to low T, and there's no immediate need for hormone therapy. 

However, that doesn't mean you're imagining things or that your symptoms aren't real. Fatigue, brain fog, low libido, and mood changes can also stem from other causes like: 

1. Thyroid imbalances 
2. Chronic stress or burnout 
3. Depression or anxiety 
4. Sleep apnea or poor sleep quality 
5. Nutritional deficiencies or inflammation 

In this case, your doctor may suggest further testing or help you explore other possible explanations. Sometimes, small adjustments—like improving sleep hygiene, addressing stress, or tweaking your diet—can have a big impact. 

And if your testosterone is normal now but you're still in your 40s or 50s, it's a good idea to retest in 5 years or sooner if symptoms return. Hormone levels change with age, and checking in periodically keeps you ahead of the curve. 

What If You Do Have Low T? 

If your blood test confirms that your testosterone levels are low, you've got options—and the right choice depends on your symptoms, goals, and lifestyle. The good news is that low testosterone is highly treatable, and you don't have to figure it out alone. 

Here's what usually comes next: 

1. Lifestyle changes first: If your levels are just below normal or your symptoms are mild, your doctor may recommend improving sleep, reducing stress, losing excess weight, or adjusting your diet and exercise routine before jumping into therapy. 
2. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): If lifestyle changes aren't enough—or if your testosterone is significantly low—your doctor may suggest TRT. In Canada, TRT is available in several forms: 
3. Injections (most common and cost-effective) 
4. Topical gels or creams (easy to apply, but require daily use) 
5. Pellets (longer-term solution inserted under the skin) 

Each method has its pros and cons, and your doctor will help you choose the one that best fits your preferences and health needs. 

Risks and benefits—briefly: 

1. Benefits of TRT can include improved energy, libido, muscle mass, mood, and overall quality of life. 
2. Risks may include acne, fluid retention, fertility suppression, and in rare cases, elevated red blood cell counts or prostate-related concerns. This is why ongoing monitoring is essential throughout treatment. 

At this stage, you're not committing to anything—you're gathering the facts and working with your doctor to choose what's right for you. Whether you start treatment or explore alternatives, the goal is simple: to help you feel like yourself again. 

Need Help Navigating Low T Testing or Treatment? 

At UPGUYS, we make it simple for men across Canada to take charge of their hormone health. Whether you're just starting to explore your symptoms or ready to consider treatment, we offer: 

1. Free consultations 
2. Free doctor's appointments 
3. Free & convenient medication delivery across Canada 

Our licensed Canadian healthcare providers guide you through testing, diagnosis, and treatment options—including lifestyle advice or testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), if appropriate. You don't have to guess what's going on—we're here to help you get real answers and feel your best again. 

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Final Thoughts: Don't Ignore the Signs 

Low testosterone is more common than many men realize, especially after 40. The good news? It's treatable, manageable, and something you can take action on. But the first move has to come from you. 

If you're feeling off, don't brush it aside or try to tough it out. Take the steps: recognize the symptoms, screen yourself, talk to your doctor, and get the clarity you need. Whether your testosterone levels are low or not, you'll walk away with answers—and possibly a plan that gets you back to feeling like yourself again. 

The earlier you address it, the sooner you'll feel better. Your energy, focus, mood, and drive are worth fighting for—and support is closer than you think. 

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