Frequently asked questions about testosterone deficiency
What has caused my low testosterone?
Low testosterone can be caused by various reasons. The most common cause of low testosterone is obesity, especially belly fat. Other common causes include chronic stress, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and use of certain medications. Head injury and testicular damage to the testicles (caused by for example illness, surgery or sport) can also cause low testosterone.
How can I tell if I have low testosterone?
If you’re rarely in the mood for sex, often feel tired and perhaps have difficulty getting an erection, you may have low testosterone. Other common signs are increased body fat, especially belly fat, low mood, decreased muscle mass, weakness and fatigue. However, low testosterone is often ignored by suffering men because they think they’re just “getting old”.
Low testosterone is not an easy subject to talk about, especially if you are having sexual problems. However, if you suspect that you are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, it is important that you tell your doctor. All that is needed to find out whether you have low testosterone is a simple blood test that will measure your testosterone level.
Why is testosterone important to my health?
Testosterone not only enables you to have an erection and experience sexual desire (libido) and pleasure, it is also important for maintaining muscles, strength, healthy bones, positive mood, energy and overall health.
Why is it important to treat low testosterone?
Untreated low testosterone increases your risk for several health problems, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression and even premature death.
How can my low testosterone be treated?
It increases your testosterone to a healthy level; in so doing, after a while (usually during the first year of treatment) your symptoms will become less intense and may even disappear with long-term testosterone therapy.
Testosterone therapy is available in different preparations, the most common are injections - which can be long-acting (requiring few injections per year) or short-acting (requiring many injections per year) – and cream/gel or capsules.
Do you have TD symptoms?
Find out if you may have symptoms of TD by completing our SYMPTOM CHECKER...
Talking to your partner
Have you talked to your partner about your symptoms? Read our tips on talking to your partner.
Talking to your doctor
CONCERNED ABOUT TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR? Read our tips on talking to your doctor about your symptoms
