| Importance of Testosterone to Men's Health |
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| What is testosterone? |
| Testosterone is the most important male sex hormone. It is responsible for the growth and development of a boy into a man during puberty. It is necessary throughout the adult life for maintaining health and quality of life. |
| Testosterone is produced mainly in the testes, from where it enters into the bloodstream and reaches the target organs. |
What is testosterone deficiency syndrome (hypogonadism)? |
| Hypogonadism is defined as defective functioning of the testes, leading to deficient secretion of testosterone. |
Late onset hypogonadism occurs due to reduced synthesis or secretion of testosterone with advancing age. |
What levels of testosterone are normal? |
| The levels of testosterone in men vary greatly. Values between 12 and 35 nmol/l are considered 'normal'. Values below 12 nmol/l may need to be treated if typical testosterone deficiency symptoms are present. |
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What are the symptoms of testosterone deficiency syndrome? |
| General symptoms of testosterone deficiency are decreased sexual desire (libido), erectile difficulties, feelings of depression and fatigue. Also a change in body composition with associated decrease in muscle strength and increased fat mass is a common complaint. |
| Below are some typical complaints of men with low levels of testosterone: |
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As the signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency may not be apparent, they may sometimes be assumed to be a normal part of aging or to be due to other health conditions.
If you suspect that you may be suffering from symptoms of testosterone deficiency, it will be advisable
that you speak to a doctor who can assess you by asking some questions and administering a blood test. |
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AMS Questionnaire (Aging Males' Symptoms Questionnaire) |
This self-administered questionnaire may help you to assess if you are suffering from symptoms of testosterone deficiency.
AMS Questionnaire
If you have mild, moderate or severe complaints of the what symptoms? you should consult a doctor. |
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How can testosterone deficiency be treated? |
Men who had been diagnosed as having testosterone deficiency should receive testosterone replacement therapy.
Testosterone replacement therapies are available in a number of different preparations as oral, topical and injectable forms. Oral testosterone pills are available and these have to be taken 2 to 3 times daily. Topical preparations like gels can be administered to the body 2 times a day. There are also available a few types of testosterone injections that doctors can administer.
The latest testosterone preparation in the market is a quarterly, 3 monthly depot injection. It has the advantage that the testosterone level in the blood can remain constant in the normal range for approximately 12 weeks. Hence, only about 4 injections per year are necessary. Through the 3 monthly injections, affected men gain more confidence and a higher quality of life compared to the conventional testosterone injections, which are effective for only 2 to 3 weeks.
You may obtain more detailed information on the various types of testosterone therapies available from your physician. |
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