Testosterone is associated with strength, virility and performance, yet this hormone plays a far broader role in your health, overall well-being and vitality

Most men chalk up fatigue, low mood or a fading sex drive to stress and the effects of ageing. But for some, these subtle and often overlooked changes may point to a deeper underlying issue – low testosterone (also called male hypogonadism). Recognising the signs early and seeking the right medical advice can make a significant difference to a man’s long-term health, well-being and overall quality of life.

The effects of low testosterone

“Testosterone underpins much of what men take for granted – strength, drive, focus and mood. When it dips, the effects ripple across body and mind,” says Ingrid Singels, associate director of Pharma Dynamics’ Scientific Division.

• Sexual health is often one of the first red flags. Low libido, erectile dysfunction and reduced spontaneous erections are well-documented in hypogonadal men.
• Men with low testosterone often report reduced muscle mass and strength, greater fat accumulation and slower recovery from exercise or injury.
• Testoserone also contributes to bone health; low levels are linked with lower bone density and higher risk of fracture.
• Mentally, low levels of testosterone are associated with depression, irritability, fatigue, poor concentration and diminished motivation.
• Beyond quality of life, observational studies suggest low testosterone may correlate with a higher cardiovascular risk and greater mortality in men.

@steven

Testosterone decline: who’s at risk and when

While testosterone levels naturally decline with age – typically by about 1% per year from the time a man reaches his 3os – the hormone never depletes completely.

Low testosterone generally stems from two main causes: primary hypogonadism, where the testes can’t produce enough testosterone, and secondary hypogonadism, where the brain fails to signal production properly.

Both can be linked to factors such as obesity, Type-z diabetes, chronic illness, certain medications, poor sleep, heavy alcohol use or high stress.

There is also what’s known as late-onset or adult-onset hypogonadism, which tends to develop gradually as men age. This form is more common in those who are overweight or obese, or who live with chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

“We often see a silent onset of hypogonadism,” says Ingrid. “Men don’t realise that the chronic fatigue, reduced strength or mood dips may have a hormonal root. That’s why early screening and dialogue with healthcare providers is absolutely critical.”

@moreplates

Prevention and early detection

While not all cases of testosterone deficiency can be prevented, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, getting good sleep, reducing stress, limiting alcohol and eating a balanced diet can help lower the risk and support all-round healthy hormone levels.

Screening too, plays a key role. Pharma Dynamics has digitised the internationally recognised ADAM Screening Questionnaire for Low Testosterone (see above), allowing men to assess their risk online, download their result and share it with a doctor.

“This questionnaire provides men with an easy way to start important conversations with their GP – talks that many tend to put off or avoid because of stigma or embarrassment,” says Ingrid.

@drbergofficial

Seeking help and treatment options

If symptoms and screening results raise concern, the next step is a medical evaluation and blood tests. Treatment depends on the cause, other health conditions and the patient’s health goals.

“Before hormone therapy is prescribed, doctors often recommend addressing underlying factors first, like excess weight and poor blood sugar control, that might lower testosterone,” says Ingrid.

“These steps alone can sometimes make a noticeable difference.”

For men with noticeable symptoms and confirmed low testosterone levels, testosterone replacement therapy is the most direct option.

It comes in different forms, including gels, patches, injections (both short- and long-acting) and implants. Long-acting injections can provide stable hormone levels for weeks or months, which helps avoid fluctuations and makes it easier to stick with treatment. Ingrid emphasises that testosterone is a regulated medicine in South Africa and doctors must carefully guide its use.

[Scan here to take the ADAM questionnaire for low testosterone]

Text Courtesy of Meropa Communications/Pharma Dynamics.

Photos: Pexels