By Mike Kocsis | 7 minutes read | Last updated: November 9, 2020 Categories: Low testosterone Testosterone
Medically Reviewed by Dr. George Touliatos
Millions of men suffer from low testosterone and the symptoms that accompany it each year. Low testosterone is not an uncommon problem, but those who have it know that it is anything but pleasant. If you have low testosterone, then you likely want to find the fastest and most effective way possible to treat your low testosterone and overcome the symptoms. Early detection in boys can help prevent issues associated with delayed puberty. For men, early diagnosis and treatment provide better protection against osteoporosis and other related conditions.
With this guide to low testosterone diagnosis, you’ll be sure to find all the answers that you’re looking for. We’ll walk you through step by step what to expect during a low testosterone diagnosis and how you can make the process easier for you.
Why is diagnosis important?
The crucial first step in addressing low testosterone is getting an accurate diagnosis. Without it, you might not understand the cause of your symptoms, and your doctor won’t have the necessary information to create an effective treatment plan.
It’s natural to want to start treatment immediately, but it’s important to slow down and take the right steps. Addressing the root cause of low testosterone, rather than rushing into treatment, will yield better results. Diagnosing low testosterone is complex and requires an experienced medical professional to ensure a treatment plan that’s suited to your unique requirements.
A thorough diagnosis forms the foundation of your recovery. Depending on your testosterone levels, your doctor may prescribe anything from lifestyle changes to testosterone replacement therapy. If you choose to go with a private clinic like Balance My Hormones, your doctor will also take into account your personal preferences. Prioritising an accurate diagnosis positions you to effectively tackle low testosterone and restore your health and well-being.
Preparing for your appointment
Getting diagnosed with low testosterone begins with a visit to your GP or endocrinologist. Here are a few things you can do to prepare for your appointment.
List your symptoms: The best information that you can provide your doctor is a detailed list of your symptoms. That includes when they occur when they started, and any other information that you can provide about your symptoms. The more information your doctors have, the more they’ll be able to make a diagnosis and determine the best path forward.
Key personal information: including any major stresses, recent life changes, and history of childhood illnesses or surgeries
All medications: vitamins or other supplements you take, including doses
Questions to ask your provider: You may want to ask about available treatments and possible causes of symptoms.
If you’re looking to speed up the diagnosis process, you should pay particular attention to the medical facility that you choose to work with. This can have a big impact on the effectiveness of your chances of diagnosis and treatment provided. Make sure you choose wisely when evaluating your treatment partner.
The path to diagnosis
The low testosterone diagnosis process is easy, simple, and usually fast. We’re going to walk through the steps one by one so that you can have a deeper understanding of how exactly low testosterone is diagnosed and what to expect if you have low testosterone.
Note your symptoms
The first step is one that we touched on briefly earlier – recording your symptoms. While this might seem like a minor step, it could be the difference between a successful and unsuccessful treatment. Download our symptoms form so that you can keep a record of all your symptoms.
looking at your preexisting symptoms helps to eliminate other conditions that could be contributing to your low testosterone. With that in mind, it is crucially important to pay close attention to your symptoms and record them as accurately as possible.
Doctor consultation
After you have made accurate notes of the symptoms that you are experiencing, the next step is to seek out a medical professional such as Balance My Hormones. You should make an appointment with a professional who specialises in low testosterone diagnosis and treatment. The doctor and facility that you choose are going to be very instrumental in ensuring that you have the tools and expertise that you need to conquer low testosterone and the symptoms that come along with it.
Get a blood test
Testosterone is a hormone that courses through your bloodstream. One of the best and most direct ways to check your testosterone levels is to conduct a blood test. Your blood work will be able to determine whether your hormone levels are normal for someone of your age range.
With this blood test, your doctor will have all the information they need to prescribe a treatment and diagnose your condition.
Work with doctors to overcome low testosterone
Once the doctors have the information that they need, it’s time to treat your low testosterone. The treatment options that are available to you could range from simple lifestyle changes to testosterone replacement therapy.
Treatment Options
The most common treatment for low testosterone is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). Having said that, some people choose to boost their testosterone levels naturally. Although this works for some, for those with particularly low levels, natural methods is not an effective intervention. Let’s look at both TRT and natural methods as a means of improving testosterone levels and improving symptoms.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a medical treatment that aims to restore testosterone levels to optimal physiological range. TRT involves providing the body with bioidentical testosterone (T) to help relieve low T symptoms. The most common way for testosterone to be administered is through injection or topical methods such as creams and gels but it can also be administered by patch, pill, or implant. You can access TRT through the NHS or from private clinics like Balance My Hormones.
The cost of TRT varies depending on the patient’s specific needs. Some treatments are more expensive than others, but we can assure all our treatments offer value for money, first-class delivery, and ongoing support. Take a look at the prices for some of the treatments we offer below. Don’t hesitate to get in contact with us below if you have further questions.
TRT Treatment Options | TRT Cost Bandings |
Treatment packages | Between £99-£149 |
Doctor Consultation | £199 |
Comprehensive Blood Test | £155 |
Basic TRT test | £49.95 |
Fertility Treatment packages | From £35 |
Erectile Dysfunction treatment packages | From £24 |
Natural Methods
There are a number of ways to increase your testosterone levels naturally. They include a combination of lifestyle changes and healthy habits.
Regular exercise: Strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are particularly effective for increasing testosterone levels.
Maintaining a balanced diet: Consuming a diet rich in healthy fats, lean proteins, and whole grains supports hormone health. Nutrients like zinc and vitamin D are especially beneficial for boosting testosterone.
Managing stress: Practices such as yoga, meditation, and ensuring adequate sleep are crucial, as chronic stress can lower testosterone levels.
Reducing sugar intake: Avoid sugary snacks and excessive alcohol consumption to help maintain optimal testosterone levels.
Final Thought
Diagnosing low testosterone is a crucial first step toward improving health and quality of life for millions of men. Early detection is particularly beneficial, helping to prevent issues like delayed puberty in boys and protecting against conditions such as osteoporosis in men. By understanding the importance of diagnosis, preparing thoroughly for medical consultations, and knowing what to expect from the diagnostic process, patients can take informed steps toward effective treatment.
Whether opting for medical interventions like Testosterone Replacement Therapy or pursuing natural methods, the key is to address the root cause of low testosterone under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. This comprehensive approach ensures that you are well-positioned to manage your symptoms and restore your overall well-being.
Evidence Based Research
This article has been researched and written based on scientific evidence and fact sheets that have then been crossed checked by our team of doctors and subject matter experts.
References, sources and studies used alongside our own in-house research have been cited below, most of which contain external clickable links to reviewed scientific paper that contain date stamped evidence.
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Quick Low Testosterone Test
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