Testosterone deficiency

What is testosterone deficiency?

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone that is crucial for overall health and well-being. As men age, their testosterone levels naturally decline, which can lead to low testosterone or hypogonadism. This condition is also known as testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS).

Some key signs and symptoms of low testosterone include:

• Decreased sex drive - Lack of desire or libido


• Erectile dysfunction - Inability to get or sustain an erection


• Fatigue - Lack of energy, tiring easily


• Depression - Sadness, irritability, lack of motivation


• Loss of muscle mass - Weakness, less strength


• Increased body fat - Weight gain, belly fat


• Hair loss - Thinning hair or balding


• Sleep disturbances - Insomnia, difficulty sleeping

Testosterone levels naturally peak in a man's late teens/early 20s then slowly drop about 1% per year after age 30. There is no standard "normal" testosterone level - it varies by age. But most doctors consider total testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL to be low.

If you're experiencing any symptoms of low T, get your levels tested. A simple blood test can confirm if you have testosterone deficiency. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications, prescription testosterone therapy, or visiting a men's health clinic.

Diagnosing testosterone deficiency involves having at least 2 early morning blood tests showing decreased total and/or free testosterone levels, along with associated symptoms.

Causes for testosterone deficiency include:

• Aging


• Injury/infection of the testes


• Chemotherapy/radiation


• Medications


• Obesity/poor diet


• Sleep apnea


• High stress


• Diabetes/metabolic syndrome

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Options can include:

• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) - Testosterone treatments (gels, patches, injections)


• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) - Stimulates natural T production


• Lifestyle changes - Diet, exercise, sleep, stress management


• Treating underlying conditions - Diabetes, sleep apnea, etc.

With an proper diagnosis and effective treatment plan tailored to your needs, testosterone deficiency can be successfully managed. Rebalancing your testosterone levels can lead to big benefits in energy, concentration, body composition, sex drive and quality of life.