Testosterone deficiency may be caused by testicles not making enough testosterone or a problem with parts of the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary gland) which make the hormones that stimulate the testicles to make testosterone.
Testosterone is key for physical changes during puberty and for your bones, muscles, sex drive and your general mood.
Men are more likely to develop testosterone deficiency as they get older. It is also more common in men who are overweight and men who are in poor general health with long-term health conditions.
Temporary testosterone deficiency may be caused by a physical illness, surgery or emotional stress. The testosterone level will go back to normal once the underlying problem has been treated.
Testosterone deficiency symptoms in adults can include:
- Low mood and irritability
- Poor concentration
- Tiredness (Low energy, tiredness, low stamina)
- Reduced muscle strength
- Increase body fat
- Decreased Libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Infertility
- Gynaecomastia (Breast development in men)
- Hot flushes, sweats
- Thinning of bones (osteoporosis)
Many older men with testosterone deficiency are never diagnosed. Often the general problems of tiredness, low sex drive and erectile dysfunction are thought to be due to the normal ageing process. Therefore, many men do not go to see a doctor to see whether they have testosterone deficiency.
Testosterone treatment is usually given in the form of a gel, patch or can be given as an intermuscular injection.
If you have any concerning symptoms, please come in to discuss with one of our Doctors. You can book an appointment online here.