Can Low Testosterone Cause Headaches? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re grappling with low testosterone (Low T), you may already be dealing with frustrating symptoms: fatigue, diminished libido, mood swings, and weight gain. However, during their Low T consultations, men often ask a widespread yet rarely discussed question: Does low T cause headaches?

As it turns out, yes! Headaches linked to Low T aren’t just an occasional nuisance. They can derail your focus, disrupt your sleep, and chip away at your quality of life. In fact, research suggests a surprising connection between testosterone deficiency and chronic migraine in men, a link that’s worth paying attention to if headaches are keeping you from feeling like yourself.

“When men come in with ongoing headaches plus other hallmark symptoms of low testosterone, it’s often a sign we need to look deeper at hormone health,” says Michael Seay, MSN, APRN, NP-C, medical reviewer for SynergenX.

Chronic Migraines Are More Common Than You Think

Headaches happen to everyone. But when they become chronic, the impact can be devastating.

• 14% of U.S. adults live with migraines.
• Chronic migraine is defined as 15+ headache days per month (with at least 8 showing migraine features) for **3 months or longer.
• Symptoms may include severe head pain, nausea, light sensitivity, and vision disturbances that last for hours or days.

For men, especially those juggling work, family, and fitness goals, chronic headaches can make it almost impossible to maintain a high quality of life.

The Testosterone–Headache Connection

Here’s where things get interesting. A growing body of evidence suggests that men with chronic migraines may also have low testosterone levels.

One study presented by the Journal of Headache and Pain showed that men with chronic migraines had significantly lower testosterone levels than healthy controls :

• Migraine group: 120–542 ng/dL (average: 322 ng/dL)
• Control group: ~62 ng/dL higher on average

Since levels under 350 ng/dL are clinically low, many of the men in the migraine group were right at or below the threshold. This suggests that testosterone deficiency may increase vulnerability to headaches or worsen existing migraine conditions.

Low T Symptoms That Can Intensify Headaches

Headaches rarely exist in isolation. With Low T, symptoms tend to overlap, creating a domino effect that worsens overall health:

• Fatigue: Even after 8 hours of sleep, you feel drained.
• Mood changes: Irritability, depression, or lack of motivation.
• Weight gain: Especially around the midsection.
• Reduced muscle mass & strength: Making workouts less effective.
• Diminished libido: Lower sex drive and performance issues.
• Brain fog & poor concentration: Trouble focusing, memory lapses.

Now imagine pairing all that with frequent, debilitating headaches. It’s no surprise that men with Low T often struggle at work, in relationships, and in daily life.

Can Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Help?

If your headaches are paired with other Low T symptoms, TRT may help restore balance. By optimizing testosterone levels, men often report:

• Improved energy
• Better mood regulation
• Sharper mental focus
• Increased muscle mass
• Reduction in headache frequency/intensity

“TRT isn’t a cure-all, but when testosterone deficiency is contributing to chronic headaches, restoring balance can be life-changing,” says Seay.

People Also Ask

Can low testosterone cause headaches?
Yes. Research suggests men with Low T are more likely to experience chronic migraines and cluster headaches compared to men with normal testosterone levels.

What are the warning signs of low testosterone?
Common symptoms include fatigue, low libido, mood changes, weight gain, reduced muscle mass, and brain fog.

Does TRT help with migraines?
TRT isn’t prescribed specifically for migraines, but if Low T is a contributing factor, treatment may reduce headache frequency and improve overall health.

Is it safe to take testosterone for Low T?
When prescribed and monitored by a qualified provider, TRT is safe for most men. Regular labs and follow-ups are essential.

How to Find a Testosterone Clinic Near You

Finding the right clinic matters (even if you don’t choose us–though we wish you would!) Look for:

• Experienced providers specializing in men’s health
• Comprehensive lab testing before starting treatment
• Personalized dosing (not one-size-fits-all)
• Ongoing monitoring for safety and effectiveness

At SynergenX and Low T Center, men receive customized care that goes beyond prescriptions—focusing on long-term health, performance, and quality of life.

Sources

1. Lipton RB, Bigal ME. Migraine: Epidemiology, impact, and risk factors. Headache.
2. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Migraine Information Page.
3. American Headache Society. Testosterone Levels in Men With Chronic Migraine.
4. Saad F, et al. Testosterone replacement therapy and health outcomes in men. Nature Reviews Urology.