Testosterone naturally decreases with age, significantly impacting testosterone levels, especially in older men. Low testosterone can lead to conditions like Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TD) or Low Testosterone (Low-T), presenting symptoms such as:
- Reduced libido
- Fatigue
- Decreased muscle mass
- Irritability
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low mood
These symptoms may also occur due to factors like diabetes, obesity, medication side effects, thyroid issues, or cholesterol problems. Non-specific symptoms connected to TD include lower energy, reduced endurance, compromised memory, difficulty articulating thoughts, and a general decline in focus affecting work performance.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosing testosterone deficiency involves evaluating total blood testosterone levels and considering specific signs and symptoms. A comprehensive medical examination includes a health history review, physical assessment, and scrutiny of reported symptoms.
Diagnostic blood tests measure total testosterone, assess luteinizing hormone (LH) for causes, and examine blood prolactin for potential pituitary issues or tumors. Additional diagnostic measures include evaluating haemoglobin, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) for sperm functionality, an estradiol hormone test for breast-related symptoms, an HbA1C blood test for diabetes, an MRI of the pituitary gland, bone density tests, and chromosome tests.
Treatment:
The common treatment for testosterone deficiency is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), using injections or transdermal methods like gels, creams, liquids, or patches, typically lasting around four days. Regular blood tests are needed to monitor testosterone levels during the treatment.
Potential TRT side effects include redness, itching, and back pain for gels and liquids; serious allergic reactions for injections; and potential swelling, pain and rare hematoma for testosterone pellets. During TRT, there’s an elevated risk of increased red cells and potential disruption of normal sperm production, which can be a concern for those planning parenthood.
Test Your Testosterone Levels:
Use our free testosterone score tool to see if you’ve potentially got low testosterone levels.
Our Services:
We offer a variety of health checks and services tailored to men’s health. These include:
This includes a testosterone blood test, Free Androgen Index, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) assessment, a phlebotomy appointment, and a written report.
Blood Test and GP Review – £275
This service includes a pre-test questionnaire, testosterone blood tests, a GP Appointment, and a written report along with a management plan.
This comprehensive health check includes a testosterone assessment, prostate assessment, general health assessment including blood tests, pre and post-test GP review, and a written report with a management plan.
Book an Appointment or Get in Touch
We are available early morning, late evening, and 7 days per week, covering Bucks, Berks, and Greater London. Our booking process is super simple – you can either book online choosing a time and place convenient to you, or by calling us directly.
Phone: 01494 623 053
Email: hello@healthality.co.uk
We are a private GP health service dedicated to making better health a reality.
