Dr Emmett Byrne
GP with a special interest in Men’s Health, Dublin
Late-onset testosterone deficiency (TD) is a deficiency of testosterone in men as they age. It is a hormone disorder in men, like others such as type 2 diabetes.
Testosterone deficiency can lead to a range of signs and symptoms that can significantly affect quality of life. TD is also a risk factor (meaning, it can put you at a higher risk) for type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis, among other conditions.
Testosterone deficiency risk factors and characteristics
It is important to note that if you have some pre-existing conditions or risk factors for disease, your risk for low testosterone is higher. Some of the most common conditions associated with low testosterone are obesity and type 2 diabetes. Certain medications and illicit drug use can also lower testosterone. As a result, it is important to make sensible lifestyle choices to reduce your exposure to these risk factors.
The testosterone molecule acts on receptors called androgen receptors that are all over the body. These receptors are responsible for developing and maintaining male characteristics as well as regulating mood, and they also play a role in metabolism and sexual function.
The three most common signs or symptoms
relating to low testosterone are low libido
or sex drive; loss of early morning
erections; and erectile dysfunction.
Signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency
The three most common signs or symptoms relating to low testosterone are low libido or sex drive; loss of early morning erections; and erectile dysfunction. These symptoms rarely travel alone, and below are the other common associated symptoms with testosterone deficiency.
Physical: Fatigue; loss of muscle tissue; increased weight around the midsection.
Psychological: Increased anxiety; lower mood; loss of concentration.
Typically, a middle-aged man may present with low mood or increased anxiety. On further questioning, he may reveal a history of reduced libido or the inability to maintain erections. Sometimes, we accept these things as ‘I’m just getting on,’ and as a result — without prompting — it may never have crossed his mind to mention such symptoms or ask for help.
If you have any of these signs and symptoms which are suggestive of low testosterone, please speak to your GP who may be able to help you, and visit testosteronedeficiency.ie for more information on the condition.
Sponsored by Besins Healthcare. BHUK/2023/798- ROI. November 2023