Losing interest in sex can occur at various times of life and is often normal and transient. However, if this has lasted for more than six months or you have any concern it may be worth discussing with a doctor.Possible underlying causes include low testosterone (Testosterone Deficiency), thyroid disease, diabetes, stress, anxiety, depression, some medications, alcohol, recreational drugs, and more.
Low levels of testosterone can have negative effects on erections, libido, muscle mass, energy levels, mood, bone strength and heart disease risk, so it is important to assess for TD appropriately. Testosterone levels can naturally gradually decline as men get older. However, age is certainly not the only cause of testosterone deficiency (TD).
Other possible causes include obesity, diabetes, other hormonal conditions, some medications, alcohol and some recreational drugs. It is important to identify men with genuine testosterone deficiency, using the correct tests, before considering testosterone replacement therapy (TTh).
Often when men begin to suffer from mood swings, fatigue, loss of libido, lack of self-confidence, erectile dysfunction, sleep disturbance, decreased concentration and lack of motivation, they are often confused about what’s happening. TD can affect 8% of men aged between 50 and 79 years. But TD remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in Ireland. When men begin to feel the symptoms of declining testosterone levels, they tend to put them down to ageing.
While a males sex drive might be down, they may have difficulty sleeping, feeling a little low, or have lack of motivation we must be careful as all these symptoms can be due to other conditions, however, within this cohort of men (who suffer from these common symptoms) there are some men who are truly TD and can benefit from (TTh).
As men get older, testosterone levels often decline naturally; however, in men with TD the levels of testosterone drop to a point where it affects their health and enjoyment of life in a variety of different ways. It is particularly common in men over 50 and those who already have type 2 diabetes and erectile dysfunction (ED). Low testosterone can be an important health warning for these other conditions.
TD can be diagnosed after a consultation and a series of blood investigations. Testosterone replacement therapy aims at restoring physiological (normal) levels of testosterone in those that are TD but like any treatment, there may be side effects. It’s best to talk to us directly about the diagnosis of TD and different treatment options for TD so that the most suitable treatment can be chosen.If you wish to find out more please do not hesitate to take our questionnaire and contact us for an appointment.
