Chronic fatigue in men may be a sign of low testosterone levels, mental burnout, or another health condition, but regular visits with your doctor can help determine the cause and find a solution that works for you.

Key takeaways

• Many men feel tired, but if you feel tired for weeks at a time, it could be a sign of low testosterone levels, mental burnout, or another health condition.
• Regular visits with your primary care doctor and other men’s health providers ensure your health stays on track.
• Your provider will ask questions about your lifestyle and sleep habits, take blood tests, perform regular screenings, and do a physical exam, which can help confirm what’s causing your fatigue and how to improve it.

Low T, burnout, and other reasons men are so tired

Do you feel tired all the time? Many men feel exhausted, especially at the end of a long day. But if you’re always drained—even after a good night’s sleep—it’s important to figure out why.

Your doctor can help you determine if the cause is hormonal, such as low testosterone levels, mental, or something else. So, you can get the treatment you need.

What low testosterone feels like

Chronic tiredness can be a result of low testosterone levels. Low testosterone is a common condition that affects men ages 45 and older. When you have low testosterone, your testicles don’t make enough of the hormone testosterone for your body to function properly. Though low testosterone affects millions of men in the United States, only an estimated 5% seek and receive treatment.

If you have low testosterone levels, you may experience:

• Changes in cognitive ability
• Decreased sex drive (libido)
• Decreased strength and ability to exercise
• Depression, moodiness, or decreased sense of well-being
• Erectile dysfunction
• Increased fatigue
• Loss of muscle mass

Low testosterone can happen because of certain medications, metabolic disorders, chronic illness, aging, and more. But there are treatments available, including testosterone replacement therapy.

How to spot signs of burnout

A lack of energy can also be a sign of mental burnout. Often, burnout happens when you’re under a lot of stress and don’t get time to recover. The American Psychological Association defines burnout as “physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion accompanied by decreased motivation, lowered performance, and negative attitudes toward oneself and others.”

Signs of burnout may include:

• Always feeling tired, even after you rest
• Feeling detached or emotionally numb
• Feeling overwhelmed, helpless, trapped, and defeated
• Having frequent headaches, muscle pain, illnesses, or changes in appetite
• Withdrawing from responsibilities or taking longer to get things done

It’s important to address mental burnout to prevent any long-term struggles with mental health. You may need a break, help setting boundaries, rest, better coping skills, or support from a friend or professional.

Other causes of fatigue

For many, fatigue is a consequence of poor sleep habits or other lifestyle issues, such as:

• Doing too much or too little exercise
• Eating a poor diet
• Taking certain medications
• Using alcohol or drugs

But in some cases, chronic fatigue is the first sign of another, more serious health problem, according to the National Institute on Aging. Examples include sleep apnea, depression, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.

What to ask at your next doctor’s visit

Ultimately, the best thing to do is visit your primary care provider regularly. Talk to them if you feel tired or your energy levels don’t improve after a few weeks. Be sure to ask questions like:

• What is causing my fatigue?
• Are there any blood tests you recommend?
• What can I do to boost my energy levels?
• Should I avoid any specific foods or activities?

Your doctor will talk to you about your sleep habits, daily activities, mood, and other details to help them understand the cause of your fatigue and how to improve it. You’ll also have a physical exam, blood work, and possibly other screenings. The goal is to get you feeling like yourself again.

Find care devoted to men’s health.

Related questions about men’s health

What is fatigue?

Fatigue means feeling very tired—sometimes so tired that you can’t get out of bed. You may feel fatigue because of certain lifestyle habits or an underlying health condition.

What blood tests are helpful to find the cause of fatigue?

Your provider may suggest different blood tests to determine what’s causing your fatigue. Usually, they’ll start with the following tests and add more if needed:

• Complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia
• Fasting glucose
• Thyroid panels (TSH and free T4) to check for hormone imbalances
• Vitamin D, B12, folate, and other nutrient levels

How can I feel less tired?

Some tips to help improve tiredness include:

• Eat regular meals and healthy snacks.
• Exercise regularly.
• Practice good sleep habits, such as going to bed and getting up at the same time each day, avoiding naps, and relaxing before bed.
• Find ways to reduce stress, such as yoga, music, or time with friends.
• Consider counseling or talk therapy.
• Reduce how much caffeine you consume, especially close to bedtime.
• Drink less alcohol and more water.

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