What Causes Low Energy in Men?

A person experiencing low energy may feel tired all the time and may be unable to complete basic tasks without feeling tired.

Other symptoms associated with low energy or fatigue include:

feeling sleepy during the day
brain fog, or difficulty concentrating
lack of motivation

Causes of Low Energy in Men

There are several reasons why a man might have low energy or chronic fatigue.

Below, we discuss possible reasons why a man may be experiencing low energy levels.

1- Diet

A poor diet or malnutrition can cause people to have low energy levels.

A healthy diet that includes plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and protein can boost a person’s energy levels.

Eating foods that lack important nutrients, or foods that don’t have enough calories, can cause fatigue or low energy.

This deficiency is especially common in younger men who are exercising a lot or lifting weights, or in older men who are not eating enough or are malnourished.

2- Exercise Patterns

People may find that their energy levels drop after going long periods of time without exercise. Exercise increases adrenaline and energy levels.

Over time, lack of exercise causes muscles to weaken, leading to fatigue after performing basic activities.

Too much exercise can also cause fatigue. Finding the right balance is important for optimal energy levels.

3- Low Testosterone

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It plays an important role in mental and physical energy levels.

As men age, the amount of testosterone in their bodies naturally decreases.

Low testosterone levels, also known as male hypogonadism, can cause low energy levels, fatigue and depression in men. Male hypogonadism becomes more common as men age.

Other symptoms of low testosterone include:

reduced energy and stamina
depression
irritability
difficulty concentrating
anemia
hot flushes
erectile dysfunction
infertility
decrease in beard and body hair growth
decrease in muscle mass
development of breast tissue called gynecomastia
loss of bone mass called osteoporosis

4- Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. They may stop breathing for about 10 seconds at a time and several times each night.

Sleep apnea is more common in men than women and in people who are overweight.

The main symptom of sleep deprivation is excessive daytime sleepiness. Other symptoms include:

restless sleep
loud snoring
morning headaches
trouble concentrating
irritability
anxiety or depression

5- Insomnia

Insomnia and other sleep problems can cause low energy in men. Although more common in older adults, insomnia can affect men of any age.

There are many different causes of insomnia, including physical, emotional and psychological causes.

6- Depression

Depression is a medical condition that affects a large number of men. Symptoms of depression can be different in men and women.

Men with depression may feel like they have very little energy. They may lose interest in areas of their life, such as work, family, or hobbies.

Depression in men can cause the following symptoms:

sadness and irritability
anger or aggression
trouble sleeping
difficulty concentrating
difficulty performing daily tasks
problems with sexual desire and performance
withdrawing from friends and family

7- Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is a common nutritional deficiency caused by iron deficiency.

While it also occurs in women, bleeding into the stomach, such as an ulcer or gastritis, is the most common cause of this type of anemia in men.

8- Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid gland produces hormones that control the body’s metabolism and other essential functions. When the thyroid gland does not produce enough of certain hormones, it causes a condition known as hypothyroidism.

Women are more likely to develop hypothyroidism, but men of all ages can develop the condition.

Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction include: