Testosterone Deficiency (TD) is the second most common endocrine presentation affecting men after diabetes mellitus type 2. Despite this, screening for Testosterone Deficiency (TD) is regularly overlooked. As a result, men with Testosterone Deficiency (TD) and its associated symptoms are very often not being treated which has a direct impact on their quality of life and its unnecessary burden of symptoms.
Symptoms usually present under three broad headings, physical, sexual and psychological.
Physical symptoms – loss of strength, central weight gain, loss of muscle mass and fatigue
Sexual – Erectile dysfunction and loss of libido
Psychological – Fluctuations in mood, increased anxiety and loss of confidence.
Causes for TD can be :
A comprehensive history, examination and laboratory work (fasting is essential) are carried out in order to establish causative factors of symptoms, this usually takes an hour, follow up appointments are then made as required. If treatment is appropriate there will be regular screening of symptoms and relevant blood tests.