General information only, not medical advice – talk to your doctor about your health and any symptoms.
Last reviewed: 11 October 2026 · Published by Australian Men's Performance and Health Association Inc
Hormones are chemical messengers that help regulate many of the body’s normal functions, including sleep, energy, mood, metabolism and reproduction. It is natural to be curious about them, particularly when you notice changes in how you feel.
This article provides general, educational information only. It does not suggest any treatment, and it cannot tell you what is happening with your own hormones. Its aim is to help you recognise when a conversation with a GP makes sense.
Hormones are complex
The body’s hormone systems interact with each other and with your sleep, nutrition, activity, stress, weight, medical conditions and medicines. Levels can vary through the day and over time. Because of this complexity, symptoms alone cannot show whether a hormone is involved.
Many of the changes people associate with hormones, such as tiredness or lower motivation, can have a range of other explanations. That is why a proper assessment by a doctor is important before drawing any conclusions.
Changes worth raising with your GP
Some changes are worth mentioning to your doctor, especially if they are ongoing or affect your daily life. These can include persistent tiredness, changes in mood or motivation, changes in sleep, reduced interest in sex, difficulties with erections, changes in weight or body shape, or reduced strength that you cannot explain.
None of these signs on their own means there is a hormone problem. They are simply useful things to share with a GP, who can consider the full picture, including your medical history and lifestyle.
Everyday factors that can play a part
General lifestyle topics often come up in these conversations. Sleep quantity and quality, regular physical activity, a varied diet, alcohol intake, smoking, body weight and everyday stress are all areas your doctor may ask about.
Reflecting on these areas is useful preparation, but it is not a substitute for assessment. Changing your routine is a general wellbeing idea and should not delay seeing a doctor if you are concerned.
Why self-assessment and online claims can mislead
Online questionnaires, social media posts and advertisements sometimes suggest that a list of common symptoms points to a particular hormone issue. These claims can be misleading, because the same symptoms are common to many conditions and to everyday life stress.
Be cautious of any website or person offering hormone-related products without a proper medical assessment. In Australia, prescription medicines can only be supplied after assessment by a registered doctor. Our article on the risks of buying hormones online explains why unregulated products can be harmful.
What a doctor may do
A GP will usually take a history, ask about your symptoms and lifestyle, and may examine you. If they consider it appropriate, they may arrange blood tests. Some hormone tests need to be done at a particular time of day or repeated, and results must be interpreted in the context of your overall health.
Your doctor may also look for other explanations for your symptoms, and may refer you to a specialist if needed. Any decisions about care are made between you and your doctor based on their assessment.
Preparing for the conversation
Some men find these topics hard to raise. GPs discuss them regularly, and being direct helps you get the most from your appointment. Writing a short list of changes you have noticed, how long they have been going on and any medicines or supplements you use can make the conversation easier.
Mental wellbeing and relationships
Changes in mood, motivation and relationships are often part of these conversations. Stress at work, financial pressure, changes in family life and poor sleep can all affect how you feel, and these factors can be just as important as anything happening in the body.
If you are feeling low, anxious or not yourself, let your GP know. They can talk through support options and, if appropriate, refer you to a psychologist or other professional. Support is also available from Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Questions you might ask
It can help to go into your appointment with a few questions. You might ask what could be contributing to the changes you have noticed, whether any tests are worthwhile and why, what the results might mean, and what you can expect over the next few months.
You might also ask how lifestyle factors such as sleep, activity and alcohol may be relevant to you, and when you should come back for a review. A good GP will welcome your questions and explain things clearly.
If you see more than one practitioner, keep each of them informed about any medicines, supplements or other products you use, so that your care is coordinated and safe.
Frequently asked questions
Can symptoms tell me if I have a hormone problem?
No. Many common symptoms have a range of possible explanations. Only a doctor can assess your situation and decide whether any testing is appropriate.
Should I ask my GP for a hormone test?
You can raise your concerns with your GP. They will decide whether testing is appropriate based on your history, symptoms and examination.
Does AMPHA provide hormone assessments?
No. AMPHA provides general information and doctor referral enquiries. It does not assess hormones, provide testing advice or recommend treatment.
Related reading
Talk to your doctor
This article is general information only and cannot assess your individual situation. If you have questions about your health or notice changes that concern you, please talk to your doctor. A registered doctor can take your history, examine you and decide what, if anything, is appropriate for you. In an emergency, call 000.
AMPHA may receive fees for referring people to partner clinics, such as Third Spring Medical. Information on this site is general in nature and is not medical advice.