Understanding Testosterone Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, USA United States of America
Declining testosterone levels may be linked to aging and certain medical conditions like obesity or type 2 diabetes.
Millions of men experience a decline in testosterone levels as they age.
Several treatment options are available for low testosterone including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and lifestyle modifications.
Testosterone deficiency can cause symptoms such as fatigue, changes in mental acuity, less stamina, depression and infertility.
Understanding Testosterone Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Millions of men worldwide experience a decline in testosterone levels as they age, leading to various health issues. This condition, known as testosterone deficiency, can cause symptoms such as fatigue, changes in mental acuity, less stamina, depression, and even infertility.

Testosterone is a key male hormone responsible for characteristics like hair growth, muscle mass and deepening of the voice. As men age past 40 years old, their testosterone levels gradually decrease. This decline can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, such as osteoporosis and lowered red blood cell production.

Dr. Gregory Broderick, a renowned urologist from the Mayo Clinic, encourages men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone to consult their healthcare team for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The exact cause of declining testosterone levels is not fully understood. However, research suggests that it may be linked to aging and certain medical conditions such as obesity or type 2 diabetes.

Several options are available for treating low testosterone, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the form of creams, gels, patches, injections, pills or pellets. Each method aims to restore normal levels of testosterone and alleviate associated symptoms.

It is essential to note that not all men require HRT. Proper diagnosis based on symptoms and blood test results is crucial before initiating treatment.

Besides medical interventions, lifestyle modifications such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management can help improve overall health and potentially boost testosterone levels.


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Confidence

90%

Doubts
  • Are there non-medical ways to increase testosterone levels?
  • How does obesity contribute to testosterone deficiency?

Sources

85%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Men’s energy and vitality plummets for 6 reasons. Boost it back up this way

Fox News Media Melissa Rudy Wednesday, 19 June 2024 15:55
  • Unique Points
    • Aging brings changes in hormone levels and metabolism, but it’s a misconception that nothing can be done about feelings of fatigue or a lack of energy and vitality.
    • Testosterone levels naturally decline as men age, which can contribute to a lack of energy or feelings of fatigue.
    • Unmanaged stress can contribute to poor sleep, lack of physical activity, or poor diet, creating a vicious cycle.
  • Accuracy
    • Hormone therapy comes with both benefits and risks, so men should discuss the pros and cons with their doctor.
    • A sedentary lifestyle can be directly related to feelings of lagging energy or decreased vitality.
    • Low-quality sleep is also a big factor in overeating, poor weight management, and difficulty in decision-making and feelings of brain fog.
    • Poor diet and nutrition can lead to feelings of fatigue and a lack of energy and vitality.
  • Deception (50%)
    The article contains several instances of selective reporting and editorializing. The author quotes experts to support her claims but does not disclose that some of the information she is presenting comes from these sources. She also presents information in a way that implies certain facts without providing evidence or links to peer-reviewed studies.
    • Hormone therapy comes with both benefits and risks, so men should discuss the pros and cons with their doctor.
    • Join Fox News for access to this content Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account - free of charge.
    • Older men who are experiencing signs or symptoms of low testosterone can get their levels checked by a doctor and explore treatment options.
    • Testosterone levels naturally decline as men age, which can contribute to a lack of energy or feelings of fatigue.
    • For Men’s Health Month, several doctors shared with Fox News Digital some common reasons for the decline
  • Fallacies (85%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

94%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

The crisis of low testosterone and what South Florida doctors advise patients

South Florida Sun Sentinel Cindy Krischer Monday, 17 June 2024 10:30
  • Unique Points
    • Men's testosterone levels have been declining over the last few decades, and no one knows exactly why.
    • South Florida doctors have many options to raise testosterone levels: shots, gels, patches (which tear up the skin), topical gels (which run off in hot weather), and more recently, pills and pellets.
    • Pellets are a newer option for raising testosterone levels; they are inserted under the skin twice a year and have customizable dosages with long-lasting effects.
    • The University of Miami studied a nasal testosterone gel in a clinical trial and found promising results for younger men looking to raise their testosterone levels without infertility.
    • Orange peels may be key to heart health according to a new study from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
  • Accuracy
    • Low testosterone affects a man’s sex drive, energy levels, body hair, and muscle size.
    • A simple blood test can reveal whether testosterone levels are low.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains some informal fallacies in the form of appeals to authority. The author presents various options for testosterone treatment without indicating any personal stance or research on their effectiveness, instead relying on the expertise of doctors and researchers. Additionally, there are several instances where the author describes treatments or studies without providing context or evaluating their significance. However, no blatant logical fallacies such as false analogies, strawmen, ad hominems etc were found.
    • South Florida doctors say they now have many options to raise testosterone levels: shots, gels, patches...
    • At the University of Miami...studied a nasal testosterone gel in a clinical trial...The nasal gel is short-acting and doesn’t cause the body to maintain high testosterone levels throughout the day.
    • Doctors say supplements such as vitamin D, zinc and magnesium may also help to boost testosterone.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Campaign to highlight testosterone deficiency in men

Pharmacy Magazine Pharmacy Magazine Wednesday, 19 June 2024 15:59
  • Unique Points
    • Research by Besins Healthcare UK reveals a lack of awareness and knowledge among healthcare professionals regarding the symptoms of testosterone deficiency.
    • Besins Healthcare UK has created a testosterone deficiency educational website as part of its Stronger Voices campaign to help men and their partners identify potential symptoms.
    • The website features multi-language resources including the Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males questionnaire and a downloadable guide to starting a conversation.
  • Accuracy
    • Low testosterone affects a man’s sex drive, energy levels, body hair, and muscle size, as well as being a trigger for depression.
    • A simple blood test can reveal whether testosterone levels are low.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

96%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

How low testosterone can affect men’s health

Atlanta Journal-Constitution Alex Osiadacz Wednesday, 19 June 2024 16:00
  • Unique Points
    • Millions of men live with a testosterone deficiency.
    • Testosterone is a key male hormone responsible for hair growth, muscle mass, deepening of the voice and other characteristics.
    • As men age, testosterone levels gradually decline, particularly over 40.
    • Dr. Gregory Broderick encourages men with symptoms of low testosterone to speak with their health care team.
  • Accuracy
    • Symptoms of low testosterone include a lack of interest in sexual functioning, fatigue, changes in mental acuity, less stamina and mild degrees of depression.
    • Infertility can be tied to a decline in the hormone.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The author makes several statements that are factual and do not contain any fallacies. However, there is one instance of an appeal to authority when the author quotes Dr. Gregory Broderick as an expert on testosterone deficiency and its effects on men's health. This does not detract significantly from the overall quality of the article, but it is worth noting.
    • Dr. Gregory Broderick, a Mayo Clinic urologist, encourages men with symptoms of low testosterone to speak with their health care team.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

100%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Mayo Clinic Minute: How low testosterone can affect men's health

Union Democrat Alex Osiadacz, Tuesday, 18 June 2024 18:41
  • Unique Points
    • Millions of men live with a testosterone deficiency.
    • If left unchecked, this treatable condition may contribute to serious health problems like osteoporosis and lowered red blood cell production.
    • Dr. Gregory Broderick encourages men with symptoms of low testosterone to speak with their health care team.
    • Testosterone is a key male hormone responsible for characteristics like hair growth, muscle mass and deepening of the voice.
    • As men age, testosterone levels gradually decline, particularly over 40.
    • The main complaint I see as a urologist is a lack of interest in sexual functioning.
    • But fatigue, changes in mental acuity, less stamina and very often mild degrees of depression are associated with falling testosterone.
    • Infertility can be tied to low testosterone.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication