Testosterone Deficiency

Dr. Anurag Shahi (AIIMS)MBBS,MD

January 11, 2019

March 06, 2020

Testosterone Deficiency
Testosterone Deficiency

What is Testosterone deficiency?

Testosterone deficiency is a condition most commonly seen in ageing men, as the production of testosterone is affected leading to its deficiency. Testosterone deficiency in younger men may result in other complications, as they are essential in the process of puberty and transformation of the body.

What are its main signs and symptoms?

The signs and symptoms of this condition differ as per varying age groups. Some of the common signs of testosterone deficiency are:

  • Underdeveloped male genitals.
  • Poor facial hair and muscular development.
  • Stunted growth post puberty.

In adults, mood swings get persistent with a low sex drive and difficulty in sexual activities.

What are the main causes?

Control of the production of testosterone depends upon the testes and the brain, as the brain regulates the production of the hormones. The most natural cause of testosterone deficiency is an old age. Other causes which lead to this condition are:

  • Genetic disorders of the pituitary, hypothalamus or the testes
  • Drug abuse
  • Any trauma or damage to the testes

How is it diagnosed and treated?

In case of decreased libido and frequent mood swings, a physician may order a testosterone test performed by taking blood samples. This test is repeated in under a day or two to confirm the readings. Treatment for this condition is available, however, it is not fully curable and requires the periodic intake of the medication. A testosterone replacement therapy is often adapted to return the levels to normal. A testosterone gel or injection may be prescribed to treat the deficiency.

In young adults, testosterone therapy can easily correct the missing secondary sexual characteristics. However, in older adults, it might not produce completely satisfying results.

Testosterone deficiency is a challenging condition for any adult as it affects testicular growth in men.



References

  1. Department of Health Testosterone deficiency. Australian Government [Internet]
  2. National Institutes of Health; [Internet]. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services; Understanding How Testosterone Affects Men.
  3. Better health channel. Department of Health and Human Services [internet]. State government of Victoria; Androgen deficiency in men
  4. James A McBride, Culley C Carson, Robert M Coward. Diagnosis and management of testosterone deficiency . Asian J Androl. 2015 Mar-Apr; 17(2): 177–186. PMID: 25532575
  5. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: US National Library of Medicine; Could you have low testosterone?

Doctors for Testosterone Deficiency

Dr. Narayanan N K Dr. Narayanan N K Endocrinology
16 Years of Experience
Dr. Tanmay Bharani Dr. Tanmay Bharani Endocrinology
15 Years of Experience
Dr. Sunil Kumar Mishra Dr. Sunil Kumar Mishra Endocrinology
23 Years of Experience
Dr. Parjeet Kaur Dr. Parjeet Kaur Endocrinology
19 Years of Experience
Consult a Doctor

Medicines for Testosterone Deficiency

Medicines listed below are available for Testosterone Deficiency. Please note that you should not take any medicines without doctor consultation. Taking any medicine without doctor's consultation can cause serious problems.