Symptom guide
Muscle loss in men: low testosterone, sarcopenia and treatment
Losing strength, harder workouts, and visible loss of arm and shoulder mass are classic features of hypogonadism in Australian men over 40.
Why testosterone matters for muscle
Testosterone increases muscle protein synthesis and satellite cell recruitment. When it falls below the Australian reference range (~8 nmol/L), recovery slows, strength gains plateau, and lean mass declines even with consistent training.
Other causes to rule out
- Inadequate protein intake — fix this first.
- Sarcopenia of ageing — independent of testosterone.
- Vitamin D deficiency — common in Australian winters.
- Untreated type 2 diabetes — accelerates muscle loss and lowers testosterone.
The Australian work-up
- Take the free ADAM symptom screen.
- Morning fasting blood test: total testosterone, SHBG, LH, FSH, vitamin D, HbA1c.
- Confirmatory test if low.
- Endocrinology referral for PBS-subsidised TRT if confirmed.
People also ask
Does low testosterone cause muscle loss?+
Yes. Testosterone is the primary anabolic driver of skeletal muscle in men. Confirmed low testosterone leads to a measurable drop in lean mass and strength, particularly after age 40.
Can I rebuild muscle without TRT?+
If testosterone is in the normal range, resistance training and adequate protein (1.6–2.2 g/kg/day) are the highest-leverage interventions. TRT does not add meaningful muscle in men with normal testosterone.
Can treatment help with muscle loss?+
Resistance training and enough protein are the foundation for maintaining muscle. If low testosterone is confirmed, a doctor will discuss whether any treatment is appropriate, along with its risks. Results differ between people and are not guaranteed.
Get matched with a men's health doctor for low testosterone
Leave your details and a partner men's health clinic will call you at a time that suits, to talk about your symptoms and whether a blood test may be appropriate.
Take the free 2-minute symptom check
The ADAM symptom check shows whether your symptoms may be worth discussing with a doctor. You can also request a callback to get matched with a men's health doctor at a partner clinic, by telehealth or in person, for an assessment.
Start the free assessmentWant to talk to someone first? Read how getting matched with a doctor works.
*Blood tests may be bulk billed where eligible, subject to doctor assessment and clinical indication.