Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles. It drives sex drive in men and also plays an important role in physical development and appearance. Certain health conditions, injuries, or the excessive use of some medicines can lead to low testosterone, affecting a man's mood, sex drive, muscle mass, and body fat. Testosterone levels naturally decline with age. However, when medication or another underlying factor is the cause, you may need to see a doctor for suitable treatment.
Key Takeaways
- You may notice a reduction in your sex drive and find sexual activity less satisfying than before.
- Erections may become weaker or less frequent, especially in the early morning.
- Despite regular activity, your muscles may feel softer or shrink over time.
Is low testosterone in men common?
According to recent data, around 2 in every 100 men may have low testosterone levels. The condition is more common in men who are overweight or who have diabetes, and its prevalence increases with age, with men over 80 often having significantly reduced testosterone levels.
What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
The symptoms of this condition can vary, particularly with age. When you visit a doctor for a diagnosis, they will look for the following signs:
- You may experience low energy. Even after a good night's sleep, you feel lethargic and the fatigue does not lift.
- You may notice a reduction in your sex drive and find sexual activity less satisfying than before.
- Erections may become weaker or less frequent, especially in the early morning.
- You may notice changes in your mood. Men with low testosterone often feel more irritable and mentally dull, and some feel less motivated or under-confident without any obvious reason.
- Despite regular activity, your muscles may feel softer or shrink over time.
- You may gain excess fat around the abdomen, or notice a sudden change in how your body looks, even without any change to your diet.
- You may struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep. Some men with low testosterone also develop sleep apnoea.
- You may find it harder to focus or concentrate. You forget small details and your attention span shortens.
How is low testosterone tested?
In addition to discussing your symptoms, the doctor may order some tests to confirm the diagnosis before starting treatment.
- Total testosterone level: This test is done twice, both times before noon, when testosterone levels are at their most reliable for measurement.
- Luteinising hormone: This helps identify the cause of low testosterone. Abnormal levels can indicate a problem with the pituitary gland.
- Blood prolactin level: If your prolactin level is high, the doctor may repeat the blood test to rule out any error.
- Blood haemoglobin: Haemoglobin levels help the doctor rule out other causes of low testosterone.
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): This test checks sperm-producing function. The doctor may also arrange a semen analysis.
- Estradiol hormone test: This is done to check for breast-related symptoms.
- HbA1c blood test: As diabetes can be a cause of low testosterone, this test may be done to rule it out.
- MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary gland may be used to confirm the diagnosis.
- Other tests: Additional tests may include bone density scans and karyotype or chromosome studies.
How is low testosterone in men treated?
Treatment depends on several factors, including the underlying cause and how low the testosterone levels are. After making a diagnosis and identifying the cause, the doctor may choose from the following options.
Lifestyle changes
The doctor will usually recommend important lifestyle changes to help boost your testosterone. If you are overweight, losing weight can help. You will also be advised to eat healthily, sleep well, and exercise regularly to support natural testosterone production. These changes improve mood, energy, and overall health.
Testosterone hormone therapy
If levels remain low despite lifestyle changes, the doctor may suggest testosterone replacement therapy. This is often given as injections, weekly or monthly depending on how low your levels are. It may also be delivered through implants placed under the skin, skin gels or patches, or tablets placed inside the mouth.
Regular monitoring
Therapy is not a quick fix. Alongside hormone treatment, the doctor will carry out regular monitoring to keep your levels in check and to watch for side effects, such as an increase in red blood cells or prostate issues. If your low testosterone is due to another condition, they will treat the root cause to help restore hormone levels naturally.
Takeaway
Low testosterone can quietly affect your mood, well-being, and sex life. Although it is not always easy to spot, it is worth being watchful for the symptoms. If you frequently experience tiredness, low sex drive, changes in mood, or weight gain, see a doctor for a diagnosis so that treatment can begin in good time. If you would like to understand more about the wider picture, read our article on whether India is facing a low-T epidemic.
Every treatment plan starts with a proper assessment, so you only get the care your condition actually needs. If you have symptoms or a question about your health, book a consultation with Dr. Anish Gupta.