Questions about testosterone? Explore the causes and solutions in this article.
Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, affects many men and can have a big impact on their physical, mental, and emotional health. This article looks at the symptoms, causes, and treatments for low testosterone, so you can understand this condition and what options are available.
Testosterone is a key hormone in men, responsible for things like muscle mass, bone density, and sexual health. A lack of testosterone can lead to a range of symptoms that affect your day-to-day life. While it’s often linked with getting older, low testosterone can happen at any age due to different reasons. Knowing the symptoms and when to get help is important for managing this condition.
What is low testosterone?
Low testosterone is when your body doesn’t produce enough of the hormone. Testosterone levels usually drop as you get older, but medical conditions, lifestyle choices, and even genetics can cause low levels. Normal testosterone levels in men range from 300 to 1,000 ng/dL. If your levels fall below this, you might notice symptoms that need medical attention.
Causes of low testosterone
There are two main reasons for low testosterone: primary and secondary hypogonadism.
Primary hypogonadism is when the testes don’t make enough testosterone. Common causes are:
- Genetic conditions like Klinefelter syndrome.
- Injury or damage to the testes.
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Secondary hypogonadism is due to issues in the brain, where the hypothalamus or pituitary gland controls hormone production. Causes include:
- Pituitary disorders or tumours.
- Obesity or extreme weight loss.
- Chronic illnesses like diabetes or HIV/AIDS.
- Certain medicines, including opioids and steroids.
Other causes
Low testosterone can also be caused by the natural ageing process, which gradually reduces testosterone levels over time. Medical conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and HIV/AIDS are also linked to lower testosterone levels, as well as certain medications [2][3].
Symptoms of low testosterone
The symptoms of low testosterone can vary a lot depending on your age and health. Common signs include:
Physical symptoms:
- Reduced muscle mass and strength.
- Increased body fat, especially around your stomach.
- Lower bone density, which can lead to fractures.
- Loss of body and facial hair.
Sexual symptoms:
- Reduced sex drive (libido).
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Lower semen volume.
Emotional and mental symptoms:
- Depression and irritability.
- Difficulty concentrating and memory problems.
- Feeling tired and less energetic.
Other symptoms:
- Sleep disturbances.
- Hot flushes.
- Decreased bone density [1][2][3].
Testing testosterone levels
If you think you might have low testosterone, your GP can order a blood test to check your hormone levels. It’s best to do this in the morning when testosterone levels are highest. If the results show low levels, your doctor might suggest more tests to find out the cause.
Types of tests:
- Total testosterone test: Measures the total amount of testosterone in your blood.
- Free testosterone test: Measures the testosterone that isn’t attached to proteins and is available for your body to use.
One low result doesn’t always mean you have low testosterone. Levels can go up and down, so your GP might need to test more than once to be sure.
Diagnosis process:
Apart from blood tests, the diagnosis might involve evaluating your symptoms and conducting a physical examination. If needed, additional tests can be done to determine the underlying cause of low testosterone [3][5].
Treatment options
Treating low testosterone depends on what’s causing it and how bad your symptoms are. Common treatments include:
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT):
- This can be given as injections, gels, patches, or pellets.
- It helps bring testosterone levels back to normal and ease symptoms.
- It can have side effects like a higher risk of heart problems or prostate issues.
Lifestyle changes:
- Regular exercise, especially strength training.
- Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Cutting down on alcohol and quitting smoking.
Medication:
- Clomiphene citrate or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) might be prescribed to boost your body’s natural testosterone production.
Important considerations:
TRT isn’t suitable for everyone and should be prescribed carefully. It can affect fertility, so it’s not recommended for men wanting to father children. Regular monitoring is needed to watch for side effects, and it’s not advised for men with prostate or breast cancer [3][5].
When to seek medical advice
If you have symptoms of low testosterone, speak to your GP. Some symptoms might just be part of getting older, but others could be signs of a more serious problem. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent issues like osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease.
How HealthHero can support you
If you’re looking for help with a medical concern, HealthHero offers professional advice and guidance through our team of healthcare experts. To learn more, visit our online GP page.
