How to Treat Low Testosterone Naturally—Without Ignoring the Root Cause

Low testosterone, also known as male hypogonadism, is an increasingly common issue that can affect men at any age. However, it's especially prevalent after age 40. Testosterone plays a central role in energy, mood, sexual function, muscle mass, metabolism, and cognitive performance. When levels drop, the effects can ripple through virtually every aspect of a man’s physical and emotional health.

But, testosterone deficiency is rarely an isolated issue. It's often a secondary condition, caused by deeper imbalances or stressors in the body. Understanding and treating low testosterone requires more than a prescription—it calls for a comprehensive, root-cause-based approach.

Symptoms and Health Impacts of Low Testosterone

Beyond daily discomfort, chronically low testosterone is linked to metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular risk, insulin resistance, and mental health disorders. What may start as subtle changes in energy or drive can become long-term health risks if left unaddressed.

Men with low testosterone may experience:

✔  Fatigue and low motivation

✔  Loss of muscle mass and increased body fat

✔  Decreased libido and sexual performance issues

✔  Mood changes, anxiety, or depression

✔  Poor memory and brain fog

✔  Sleep disturbances

✔  Decreased bone density

Treatment Options: From Creams to Injections to Bio-Identicals

When testosterone replacement is deemed appropriate, there are a variety of methods to consider, each with its own pros and cons.

• Injections (e.g., testosterone cypionate or enanthate)

  • Typically administered weekly or bi-weekly

  • Rapid symptom relief but may cause fluctuations in mood or energy

  • Synthetic hormone

• Topical Creams and Gels

  • Applied daily to skin (often shoulders or inner thighs)

  • More consistent levels, but absorption varies and contact with others must be avoided. In other words, contact can increase testosterone levels in family members.

• Bio-Identical Hormones

  • Chemically identical to the testosterone your body produces

  • Can be compounded into custom doses via creams, gels, or topical oils

• Low-Dose Topical Oil Drops

  • Absorbed through the skin like creams and gels

  • Provides more gradual support for testosterone without fluctuations

  • Ideal for those starting slowly or combining with lifestyle therapies

The right approach to low testosterone should be personalized to you. It should consider age, lifestyle, comorbidities, fertility goals, and symptom severity.

The Root Cause: Why Low Testosterone Isn’t the Whole Story

Too often, men are placed on testosterone therapy without ever asking why levels dropped in the first place. It’s not always due to age. Testosterone can decline due to stress, poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and chronic illness. Therefore, treating the symptom without addressing the cause often results in temporary gains and long-term complications.

Common root causes of low testosterone include:

• SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) – Chronic gut inflammation impacts hormone metabolism and nutrient absorption

• Hypothyroidism – Low thyroid function reduces testosterone production and metabolic function

• Adrenal fatigue or HPA axis dysfunction – Chronic stress suppresses testosterone via cortisol dominance

• Depression and mental health challenges – Mood imbalances often co-exist with low testosterone, each worsening the other

• Obesity and insulin resistance – Increased body fat converts testosterone into estrogen via aromatase enzyme activity

Without addressing these root causes, testosterone therapy may mask symptoms while deeper imbalances persist.

The Dangers of Overdoing It

While testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be life-changing when done correctly, excessive or unmonitored testosterone use comes with real risks:

• Elevated red blood cell count (polycythemia)

• Increased risk of cardiovascular events

• Suppressed natural testosterone and sperm production

• Enlarged prostate or accelerated growth of prostate cancer cells (if present)

• Mood swings or irritability due to hormone spikes

This is why routine monitoring (labs every 3–6 months), individualized dosing, and regular assessment of symptoms and side effects are critical for long-term safety. It’s also why it is important to limit contact for family members when using a cream.

A Holistic Approach to Testosterone Optimization

Rather than rushing into hormone replacement, the best path is to optimize the whole system—starting with an in-depth health assessment. Labs may include:

• Total and free testosterone

• Estradiol (E2)

• SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)

• DHEA-S, cortisol, and thyroid panel

• Inflammatory markers and metabolic panels

• Gut health tests if SIBO or malabsorption is suspected

In addition to personalized hormone therapy, a holistic plan may include:

• Nutrition and targeted supplementation

• Thyroid and adrenal support

• Weight loss and resistance training

• Gut healing protocols

• Stress and sleep optimization

• Natural aromatase inhibitors (like DIM or zinc) to manage estrogen balance

Final Thoughts on Low Testosterone

Low testosterone is a signal—not just a problem to fix, but a message to decode. While hormone therapy can help restore energy, confidence, and vitality, the most effective and sustainable results come from addressing the underlying causes and supporting the whole body in its return to balance.

If you're experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, don't settle for a quick fix. Work with a practitioner who will help you uncover the root causes and develop a strategy that supports your long-term health and well-being.

Contact Natural Medicine of Stillwater to set up an appointment to discuss your options.