Testosterone is a hormone found in both genders, as well as in other animals, but in higher concentrations in men than in women.  It is responsible for puberty and sexual maturation, libido and fertility, bone density, lean muscle growth, mental clarity and mood. Just as women experience menopause, men's testosterone production starts decreasing after age 30 and continues to decline with age, alcohol consumption, stress, and in the presence of conditions like kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and AIDS.

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As testosterone levels decline, men may begin to feel less like themselves - they may lose intrinsic motivation "to do" and simply "be men", their mental focus may start to wain, joint and muscle pain may appear unprovoked, sex drive may diminish and sexual function may lapse, sleep may become restless and and all of this may lead to a subtle state of depression. 

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Unfortunately, because levels naturally decline with age, lab reference ranges often include these "natural lows" leaving men to feel hopelessly and typically old, and thus they go untreated. 

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But normal is not optimal, and should by no means be the guidelines for therapeutic intervention, especially in the presence of the symptoms listed above. 

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Doctor Jess has treated men in their 80's and men as young as 20 with the same low testosterone levels.  The first step to getting help is recognizing any number of the symptoms above, and the next step is not being afraid to ask for help.  Shame won't correct deficiencies, but replacement therapy can.