Frequently Asked Questions


Testosterone Deficiency

Frequently Asked Questions


Testosterone Deficiency

Testosterone Deficiency

Frequently Asked Questions

Testosterone is produced naturally, mainly by the testicles, and is important for a man’s physical and emotional well-being. It’s responsible for many things in the body, including the normal growth of muscle and bone, the production of sperm, and the desire to have sex.

Common symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency include tiredness, reduced well-being, low mood or depression, loss of concentration, hot flushes and sweats, weight gain, male breasts, loss of muscle mass and strength, as well as loss of body hair. Sexual symptoms include reduced sex drive, problems with getting or keeping an erection, and difficulty in achieving orgasm. Some men with Testosterone Deficiency have all of these symptoms, while others may only have a few. None of these symptoms are specific to Testosterone Deficiency, so it is important to talk to a doctor to make sure that Testosterone Deficiency is not confused with other medical conditions. Find out more about the signs and symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency.

The chances of Testosterone Deficiency are higher when men have certain other conditions such as obesity, diabetes, those on long-term opioids, Erectile Dysfunction, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and osteoporosis.

Improvements in overall health could help to boost naturally occurring levels of testosterone. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, reducing stress and getting enough rest will all have a positive effect on testosterone levels. Eating a healthy, balanced diet will help improve general well-being. Consult a doctor and get lifestyle and dietary advice.

Assessing whether a man has Testosterone Deficiency may take several appointments with a GP or specialist. As well as noting a man’s symptoms, a blood test is needed to measure the testosterone levels so that Testosterone Deficiency can be diagnosed. Fasting T levels should be measured from 7 to 11 AM on at least 2 occasions with a reliable method preferably 4 weeks apart and, if possible, not during an acute illness. If the first blood test is abnormal, another one should be done a few weeks later to confirm the diagnosis.

Having Testosterone Deficiency may lead to a low sperm count, but testosterone therapy (TTh) may also do the same – the relationship between testosterone levels and sperm production is complicated. If infertility in a man with Testosterone Deficiency is a concern, seek the advice of a doctor.

TTh stands for testosterone therapy. This is used to treat Testosterone Deficiency. The aim of TTh is to alleviate the symptoms of TD and to improve quality of life. Different types of TTh include gels applied to the skin and injections. Your doctor will advise you of the treatment options available.

The treatments available for Testosterone Deficiency vary in how they are administered and whether they act over a short or long period of time. Some can be administered daily at home, such as the gels applied to the skin, while others, such as injections, may require a trip to the doctor or doctor’s surgery every 10-14 weeks. Your doctor will advise you of the treatment options available.

The aim of TTh is to alleviate the symptoms of testosterone deficiency and improve quality of life.

As with any treatment, there may be side effects. It’s best to talk to a doctor about the different treatment options for Testosterone Deficiency so that the most suitable treatment can be chosen.

The aim of TTh is to return testosterone levels back to normal, not raise them to excessively high levels. Emotional symptoms such as mood swings, affective disorder, anger, aggression, impatience, insomnia, abnormal dreams, increased libido have been linked to TTh treatment.

The aim of TTh is to alleviate the symptoms of TD and improve quality of life. So that Testosterone Deficiency symptoms don’t return, TTh may need to be taken long-term under the guidance of a doctor.

A link between diabetes and low testosterone is well established. Approximately 50% of men with diabetes will have low or borderline low levels of testosterone

BHUK/2020/089-ROI. December 2022

Information placed on this website is not intended as a substitute for consultation with your healthcare professional.


BHUK/2022/210f-ROI. December 2022