04/13/2026
Low testosterone in men: what we look at, and how we monitor safety
Many men come in with symptoms like low energy, low libido, brain fog, mood changes, stubborn fat gain, or slower recovery. Testosterone can be part of the picture, but good care is not about chasing a single number.
Here are 3 key points I want men to understand:
1) Total testosterone is not the whole story
We often check SHBG (s*x hormone binding globulin). SHBG binds testosterone. When SHBG is high, total testosterone can appear normal while free (available) testosterone is low, and symptoms can still be significant.
2) Safety depends on monitoring
Testosterone therapy should be medically supervised. We monitor labs and adjust dosing thoughtfully. One important safety check is your blood count (hemoglobin and hematocrit). If these rise too high, it can increase risk and we may adjust the plan and address contributors like sleep apnea, dehydration, or dosing frequency.
3) Labs matter, but your history matters more
We consider labs, but we also prioritize your health history, lifestyle, and symptoms: sleep, stress, alcohol, training, nutrition, medications, and what you are actually experiencing.
If you are in Midland, Texas or the surrounding West Texas area and want a clear, personalized plan, you can book a consultation at abundancenp.com.
Barbara Norris, APRN, ANP-C
Board Certified Nurse Practitioner