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Testosterone and Fatigue: What Users Say

Brand names: AndroGel, Xyosted, Depo-Testosterone, Jatenzo, Testim, Testopel Pellets, Androderm, Testopel, Fortesta, Striant, Aveed, Tlando, Kyzatrex, Undecatrex, Azmiro, Andro LA 200, Duratest, Testo-200, Natesto, FIRST-Testosterone, Depotest, Delatest, Everone, Andro-Cyp 100 Andro-Cyp 200 Depandro 100 Durathate 200 Histerone Testro-LA FIRST-Testosterone MC Vogelxo Testo-100 …show all brand names

Fatigue: mentioned by 25 users (4.7%)

Based on user experiences from 534 Testosterone reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

sexual dysfunction 5.4%
fatigue 4.7%
tiredness 4.7%
depression 4.5%
smell 3.0%
sweating 3.0%
mood swings 2.2%
anger 2.1%
headaches 2.1%
acne 1.9%

Reviews for Testosterone

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • jgu...
  • June 26, 2015

Testosterone for Hypogonadism, Male "Just so you guys know it's NOT total testosterone that you need to be worried about, but rather it's your FREE testosterone that really matters. You need to see if your free test is in the normal range. You could have a total testosterone of 1200, but if your free test is lower than normal, you'll feel like crap. Low energy, low libido, can't gain muscle, etc. On the other hand, if you had a total testosterone of say only 400, but your FREE testosterone is in a good normal range, you'll feel great all around. Everyone talks about TOTAL Testosterone, but it's the FREE unbound testosterone you need to really worry about. Total testosterone is pretty much meaningless in the energy, libido, muscle department, whereas FREE testosterone takes care of the energy, libido, muscle department."

5 / 10
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167 Report
  • Dal...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 8, 2019

Testosterone for Hypogonadism, Male "I've been on and off AndroGel for over 20 years now. Having had other health issues, I ignored my symptoms of low T for the last two years. My fatigue was quite heavy, I had night sweats that drenched me nightly and rarely a sexual thought. My number was 114.50. Very low. I felt the effects of AndroGel that very same day. I actually had a sexual thought about six hours after applying the gel, and I did not have the night sweats on the very first night. To say I am pleased is an understatement. I'm looking forward to more energy, a pleasant mood, and a clearer mind of thought. I'm very grateful for this medication. The V.A. paid fully for this medication."

10 / 10
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43 Report
  • A...
  • April 25, 2009

For Hypogonadism, Male "I have been on testosterone cypionate for over one month now. What a difference this has made in my life. I went to a doctor to assist me in weight loss. I was about 70 lbs overweight. I have metabolic syndrome, or Syndrome X as it is sometimes called. Within days of receiving the testosterone via intramuscular injection, I lost my fatigue, and my energy levels skyrocketed. My wife has had to deal with new and increased interest from me, but we have been working that out between us. My testosterone level was 166. I feel like I'm 25 years old again. If you are overweight, have metabolic syndrome or other related issues, have your testosterone checked by your physician. I'm glad I did."

9 / 10
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69 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Too...
  • December 21, 2011

Testosterone for Hypogonadism, Male "Axiron seems to be working well for me. I am 35, and this is my first hormone replacement used, so I do not know about how the others might work for me. I am awaiting my first blood test results after 7 weeks of usage, but I feel honestly like a normal man again. I don't know how else to put it. My initial levels were at 140 prior to starting therapy, with zero sex drive that was impacting my marriage, fatigue, and loss of interest in normal 'fun' things. Within 3-5 days of starting Axiron, my libido returned to teenage levels, I have ample energy and interest in my normal hobbies again. The application is a little to get used to, but once I got it, I have no issues. Otherwise, it would have gotten a '10' from me. Thank you!"

9 / 10
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57 Report
  • Woo...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • June 13, 2019

Testosterone for Hypogonadism, Male "I am 70 years old and have taken AndroGel 1.62 for approximately 7 years. It has worked well for me, less fatigue, higher drive, less ED symptoms. The only issue I have is the cost. I am on Medicare and have a Medicare insurance supplement plan. Even with this coverage, the cost has averaged +/- $200 a month. I read a few months ago that several generics will be on the market soon, so cost issues will hopefully be a thing of the past."

10 / 10
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  • tan...
  • December 14, 2011

Testosterone for Hypogonadism, Male "I'm 24 and suffer from anorexia, and I'm in treatment now, and my doctor put me on Androderm. It changed my life. I went to other doctors, and they just prescribed erectile dysfunction medication. When I got into treatment, I found out my level was at 201 and was supposed to be between 800 and 900. I got my appetite back, less fatigue, and all around feel awesome!"

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • April 20, 2012

Testosterone for Hypogonadism, Male "I'm 56, had little energy, slept a lot, and gained a good deal of weight. I have felt really good since I started Axiron. The change was immediate and dramatic. I look forward to taking it. My levels were very low, and after two weeks of using Axiron, the test showed the level was higher and the doctor was pleased. I feel a libido again, and I have a lot more energy. My appetite is way down too, not sure that's an effect. When I use the applicator, I hold it in one place against the skin for a few seconds before I move it around, then I slowly move it while pushing it in and out a little. Don't let it come off the skin, and it now runs down my body rarely. Hopefully it keeps working. I like it a lot."

10 / 10
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41 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 3, 2012

Testosterone for Hypogonadism, Male "Been using Testim 1 Gel for 28 days. I'm a 54 y/o, otherwise healthy male who had been experiencing sub-zero sex drive, depression, fatigue, and erectile dysfunction. After four weeks, I've noticed I'm putting on some muscle (but I also spend four days a week at the gym) and I am fantasizing (a lot). Haven't noticed any real improvement in the erectile dysfunction arena, but I maintain the erection I do have quite a bit longer. I believe I'm making progress, but I'd like to see more! By the way, women love this smell...at least the dozen or more who've commented on it to me, anyway. My original 'T' score was 208, and I get tested again next month and will be interested in seeing the degree of change."

8 / 10
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35 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 12, 2011

Testosterone for Hypogonadism, Male "I have been using Axiron (60 mg daily) for two months now. Before I started, my testosterone level was around 430, which is a little low for a 40-year-old male (has been as low as 190). I was doing the injections, but the constant ups and downs were terrible. Needless to say, I was optimistic when told about Axiron, but it's proven to be short-lived. I had my testosterone level checked again last week, and it dropped to 217! I suspected something was wrong when fatigue started setting back in. Anyway, I went back to my doctor today, and he increased the dose to 120 mg daily. Will have my level checked again in 10 weeks. Hope it starts working."

4 / 10
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40 Report
  • cag...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • July 18, 2013

For Hypogonadism, Male "I am a 56 y/o male, and I have been on Testosterone Cypionate 200 mg/week IM since 09/05 (~8 years). I had the flu in 01/05, and it took over 2 weeks to recover. It usually took 3 days. Weeks after returning to work, I still felt fatigued and weak. I had people on the phone thinking I was a woman, my wife noticed how my voice in the morning was not as deep, and I stopped having morning erections. I went to an internist in 07/05 because of the problems. He did blood work, and my testosterone was 84 ng/dl. My luteinizing hormone was also severely depressed. He started me on 200 mg Testosterone Cypionate every 7 days. Within 2 days, I was starting to feel normal. It was amazing the difference that the testosterone made. My wife and I are both extremely happy with the result."

10 / 10
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  • KYB...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 3, 2016

Testosterone for Hypogonadism, Male "OK guys, time out! I never thought I'd come to the defense of a consumer product, much less one that costs such an obscene amount of money, but: 1. There are a lot of guys on here complaining they had low testosterone (Low T) and giving their numbers before treatment. A large portion of them say Axiron took their numbers up into the 500 range. THIS IS WHAT THE DRUG IS SUPPOSED TO DO! If you're roughly between 348-1000, you're back to normal. Axiron worked. The fact that you still feel tired, or fatigued, or depressed is most likely due to other issues. I think there are too many guys on here expecting to take this drug and it to turn them into the Hulk, make them happy all the time, and provide for them sex whenever they want it."

8 / 10
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21 Report
  • Anonymous
  • November 7, 2011

Testosterone for Hypogonadism, Male "I have been on Axiron for about 3 months. The first month I only did one pump and noticed a big difference in energy and clarity. My T levels were at 395. However, the effects began to wear off, and the doctor asked me to go to 2 pumps instead. That helped for a while, but I believe the fatigue is coming back. I don't want to use a lot of this. I need to get my levels checked again, but after a month and a half, they had actually dropped quite a bit. I was also on steroids for a nasal issue, which I am sure didn't help."

4 / 10
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26 Report
  • mus...
  • June 4, 2011

For Hypogonadism, Male "I was diagnosed with hypogonadism (low testosterone) about ten years ago and started Androgel. I had no problem keeping my testosterone level in the normal range with the Androgel, but it never made me feel better, i.e., no libido, low energy, depression. When I switched to Testosterone Cypionate, it was like the sun came out. My libido came back, as did my energy. I would recommend this to anyone with low testosterone and see what happens."

10 / 10
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21 Report
  • Ohi...
  • September 17, 2009

For Hypogonadism, Male "48-year-old on testosterone cypionate 200 mg/ml 0.5 cc injections every 10 days for hypogonadism diagnosed back in 1999. Tried Androderm for a month or so but broke me out in blisters and itchiness. Been on this dosage for years. Problem last 3 days: I feel fatigued and increased appetite, have been gaining weight yearly, now almost 50 lbs but not muscle. Recent testing shows 9 years older and 2 days after injection a result of 600, which should be much higher. Also, estrogen levels are now high. As men get older, our bodies begin to convert more free testosterone to bound version DHT and into estrogen, so this isn't a surprise now I've read about it."

8 / 10
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26 Report
  • Gaz...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 26, 2019

For Hypogonadism, Male "UK user. Experienced ED, fatigue, and many small, vague health issues for around 5 years since I reached 50 years old. Been on testosterone for 4 weeks now, and the results have been astonishing. Libido is rocketing, and I am looking at women again like a man should. ED has now gone completely. I noticed a difference around day 5, and it’s just got better and better. I’ve also increased in size! Stopped antidepressants and feel great, much more active, not tired anymore. Sleeping well with vivid dreams. I do take Zinc and vitamin D supplements as well. I was told these helped convert T into free-roaming T, which is what we are looking for. I had already been doing this for about a year already, but I guess I didn’t have enough T to convert to start with!"

10 / 10
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10 Report
  • Dan...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 8, 2021

For Klinefelter Syndrome "I had to resort to injections. I was diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome at age 13. Back then, I had health insurance. As years went by, I got more tired. I had no energy, my libido declined, and thoughts of sex did not appeal to me. I am on monthly injections of testosterone. This is my 1st month. I have to say my libido has gone up, and as a kid, I could not control having hard-ons, and now, as an older adult, I am having the same problem. On a good note, it strengthens my relationship with my significant other, on a bad note, I cannot control my erections. It comes more than it goes. Hard to sleep with an erection. Sleep comes when it wants. My episodes of staying hard are more frequent. Part of me is scared, the other part is happy."

10 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 11, 2012

Testosterone for Hypogonadism, Male "I am a 50-year-old male and pre-Axiron, testosterone tested out at 323 in the morning. I was feeling tired, sluggish, no sex drive, and falling asleep in the early evening. I started using 60 mg a day of Axiron. I noticed a huge increase in energy and increased libido during the first two days. Day three, I could feel the effects of Axiron tapering off, and I returned to feeling tired and sluggish. After one month of using Axiron, a morning test of my testosterone tested out at 257. Axiron dosage was just increased to 90 mg a day. I am not sure why Axiron would work initially and then stop working. I will give the 90 mg a day of Axiron a try for another month and have my testosterone re-tested."

2 / 10
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21 Report
  • Jwr...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • July 23, 2016

For Hypogonadism, Male "I was struggling pretty bad with chronic daily fatigue and a foggy head. After eliminating a few possibilities as to the cause, I discovered low testosterone can cause these types of issues. I asked my doctor to be tested, and sure enough, I was low. My levels were actually lower than a 75-year-old man (I was 30 at the time). Tried the gel, it worked, but I didn't really like it. I was switched to the patches. The patches would not, for the life of me, stay on. Finally, I was placed on the injection. The injection works great for me. I can do it in the comfort of my own home, and I only have to do it once every 2 weeks. My wife was trained by a nurse on how to give the shots, and that's how we do it. My levels are now within normal range."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • December 1, 2010

Testosterone for Hypogonadism, Male "Initially, I had injections for a few years. It raised the red blood cell count significantly. Did not find a significant improvement with the use. T levels were below normal levels, and injections brought levels to 'normal.' Started using AndroGel a few years ago. Initially, 6 applications daily, then tweaking down and up to bring the red blood count to within a safe range. Had improved T levels with AndroGel. However, lacking sex drive, lack of energy, being tired, and not much improvement with erection. In short, a mixed feeling about its use."

3 / 10
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  • PJa...
  • December 30, 2019

Testosterone for Hypogonadism, Male "Due to Dr. recommendation, I stopped injection testosterone and did 2 packets of 1.62% AndroGel. After 6 weeks, I had zero energy. I went from a low testosterone level of 295 at the start to a staggering 95 in these 6 weeks."

1 / 10
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  • Fra...
  • October 14, 2018

Testosterone for Hypogonadism, Male "For the most part, I like the Testopels. No gel would absorb into my system well enough. Also, giving myself weekly shots wasn't working very well. It takes me about 3 to 5 days to notice they are working. After that, I get either 2 1/2 months to 3 months of testosterone. I get 12 pellets implanted when my levels reach 300 or below. My only issue is, once it starts to get low, I really get sluggish. But knowing I can go right at 90 days without thinking about it makes it my right choice."

7 / 10
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  • Gor...
  • February 3, 2010

For Hypogonadism, Male "Have been taking Testim 1% gel for the past several months... on and off. Makes me feel better overall. I'm 52, and about two years back, had noticed a decrease in sexual performance, for which I had previously been prescribed Viagra. Notified doctor of increasing depression symptoms and fatigue/joint pain. He added a testosterone test to annual blood test, and my testosterone level was barely over 100. Viagra is no longer required, and I note an overall decrease in depression and an increase in energy levels. Note warnings on secondary exposure to children and pregnant females. Wash hands after application. No adverse side effects or drug interactions have been noted."

9 / 10
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6 Report
  • she...
  • September 23, 2012

For Hypogonadism, Male "My mom is bipolar, and for the longest time, I thought I had it too. Lack of energy, restlessness, cold sweats, pain in my back from osteoporosis from low testosterone. This went on for years. I went to my doctor a month ago, and my T level was 90 out of 1,080, and I'm only 27 years old. The difference really is night and day once you build up a good amount of testosterone in your system. I feel ten years younger, and I want to be physically active again, been playing more sports in the last month and a half than several years combined, prior to the shots. I'm supposed to start taking Androgel soon, I hope that is pretty effective also."

8 / 10
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  • Dug...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 5, 2017

For Hypogonadism, Male "I had low sex drive, painful joints, low energy, could not get an erection, and just felt like a 100-year-old man. I got my testosterone checked, and it was really low. I was prescribed 200 mg of testosterone and felt worse. After researching and talking to some people who had the same problem in the real world, they explained in detail that my body was naturally producing more testosterone than I was getting through these shots. I lifted hard through my failing body and always did a high-volume squat program. I read all the old Russian training journals, and they concluded that, without a doubt, a high-volume, extremely hard squat program produced way more testosterone than I was receiving from this treatment. Testicular atrophy."

1 / 10
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  • Lea...
  • June 9, 2013

Testosterone for Hypogonadism, Male "Used once, I say fatigue is gone. I'm looking forward to the other results, in a timely manner, of course."

9 / 10
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20 Report

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