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Medically Reviewed by Dr. George Touliatos
Testosterone is the hormone most often associated with the development of male characteristics. It continues to have an effect on your body even after puberty. At around 30 years of age, Testosterone levels lower begin to drop. In some cases, low testosterone can lead to a condition called late-onset hypogonadism which can come with some pretty unsavoury symptoms.
The impact of testosterone begins with the embryo, but levels of testosterone are at their highest during puberty when they contribute to the development of male secondary sexual characteristics. In adulthood, it is associated with increased bone density, muscle mass and physical strength, as well as regulating the libido. It also affects cognitive functions, including mood, memory, concentration and spatial awareness. Conditions associated with low levels of testosterone include heart disease and cardiac failure, hypertension, osteoporosis and diabetes.
Andropause, also known as “male menopause”, is the name given to a collection of symptoms often experienced by middle-aged men. Unlike female menopause, this is not a dramatic drop in hormone levels. Testosterone levels generally fall at a slow and steady rate in most men and rarely drop to levels where they cause problems.
Many of the common symptoms experienced by middle-aged men, such as erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle and increased fat, fatigue and poor concentration, are not actually caused by lowering testosterone. Instead, they often have psychological causes, such as stress and depression. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by changes to circulation and blood vessels.
Hypogonadism refers to a condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone. It can be present from birth, but late-onset hypogonadism generally emerges later in life. It is quite rare but tends to be more common in men who have type 2 diabetes or who are obese. If you are displaying the symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism, the condition can be verified with a blood test to measure your levels of testosterone.
Symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism include irritability or mood swings, lack of energy and enthusiasm, fatigue or insomnia, poor concentration, memory problems, reduced muscle and increased or redistributed fat. The fact that these symptoms are so similar to the natural symptoms of ageing can lead to difficulties with diagnosis, especially as testosterone levels mirrors natural reduction with age.
For men experiencing late-onset hypogonadism, testosterone replacement therapy can help to relieve symptoms and help to rebuild muscle mass, reinvigorate libido and ease other symptoms.
It’s natural for your testosterone levels to reduce with age. Although it’s expected, nothing quite prepares you for the symptoms that come with it. Luckily, there are treatments available to help keep those symptoms at bay. If you feel you may have low testosterone, get in contact with one of our specialist doctors to discuss your options today!
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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If you know your total testosterone reading from a previous blood test input the results to the left above to see if your testosterone levels are normal.
You may have low testosterone depending on the symptoms you have, please contact us to find out how we can help.
The Total Testosterone Level You Entered Is Incorrect. Figure Must be in nmol/L you can use our converter here.
Your testosterone levels appear to be in the normal range.
You must be over 38, have had your ovaries removed or have suffered with premature menopause to warrant further hormone tests.
Please contact us to discuss your hormones, we need your total testosterone levels to validate your hormone deficiency. You can order a blood test here.
You may have low testosterone depending on the symptoms you have, please contact us to find out how we can help.
You appear to have higher than normal testosterone levels, please contact us for further investigation.
You appear to have normal testosterone levels. Contact us if you have any concerns.
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