Is It Just Stress — or Could It Be Low Testosterone? A Guide for Spouses of Combat Veterans
You’ve seen it all — the homecomings with silent relief, the restless nights, the weight of unspoken memories. He came back from deployment physically whole, but you’ve noticed lately... something’s different. He may still seem strong on the outside — but something feels off and not in a way that fades with time.
Maybe he’s more tired than usual, even when he gets a whole night’s sleep.
Maybe he’s withdrawn, moody, or seems to have lost his spark.
Maybe he’s gained weight, lost interest in intimacy, or just doesn’t seem like himself.
You know your husband better than anyone. And if you’ve started to wonder, “Is this just stress — or something more?” you’re not alone. The truth is, it could be something deeper — something medical and treatable. It could be low testosterone.
What Is Testosterone and Why Does It Matter?
Testosterone is the hormone that helps men feel strong, focused, energetic, and motivated.
It supports:
Energy and stamina
Mental clarity and mood
Muscle mass and metabolism
Sex drive and emotional connection
Men naturally begin to lose testosterone around age 30, but for combat veterans, this process can happen earlier and more severely.
Why? Because combat and military service entail physical and emotional demands that most civilians never encounter. Years of intense training, chronic stress, blast exposure, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), poor sleep, and even medications like opioids or antidepressants can all impact hormone production.
Signs Your Husband Might Have Low Testosterone (Low T)
Low testosterone can look different in every man, but here are common signs to watch for:
Fatigue — Even after resting, he seems constantly tired
Irritability or mood swings — He’s quicker to anger or seems emotionally flat
Low sex drive — There’s less intimacy or interest in closeness
Brain fog — Trouble focusing, forgetfulness, or feeling mentally “off”
Weight gain or muscle loss — Especially around the belly
Low motivation — He just doesn’t seem as driven or confident in any area of life
If you’ve noticed several of these changes, it’s worth looking deeper. This isn’t about overreacting — it’s about understanding what’s happening beneath the surface.
How Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Can Help
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a safe medical treatment that helps bring testosterone levels back into a healthy range. For many combat veterans, TRT is a game-changer — not just physically but emotionally and mentally.
Benefits of TRT May Include:
More energy and stamina
Improved mood and mental sharpness
Restored libido and intimacy
Better muscle tone and metabolism
A greater sense of motivation and confidence
It’s not about “fixing” your husband — it’s about giving him back the tools his body needs to thrive again.
Why Spouses Often Notice It First
You live with him every day. You notice the little things: the heaviness in his eyes, the distance in his voice, the way he avoids stuff he used to enjoy. He may not want to talk about it, or he may not realize anything is wrong. That’s where your voice matters.
Low testosterone is not a weakness. It’s a medical condition that can be safely and effectively treated. A simple blood test is all it takes to find out if hormone levels are playing a role in how he’s feeling.
You’re Not Alone — And Neither Is He
Thousands of veterans silently struggle with hormonal imbalances, often thinking it’s just part of getting older or living with trauma. But you both deserve more than just “getting by.” TRT can help him feel stronger, focused, and more connected to himself and you.
You deserve a partner who feels like himself again. He deserves a chance to thrive, not just survive.
If you're noticing changes and would like to learn more, please reach out. As a physician who works closely with veterans, I’m here to help you both understand what’s happening and guide you through the next steps with compassion and care.
Let’s Take the Next Step Together
Midlife doesn’t have to mean slowing down or settling. For many combat veterans, it can be a turning point and a chance to reclaim their health — a return to strength, clarity, and connection.
Take the first step toward helping your husband feel like himself again. Contact us for a veteran-focused hormone evaluation, where Dr. Dawson will review your husband's medical history, health concerns, and symptoms to create a personalized healthcare plan.
Schedule your husband's men's health courtesy consultation today.