Blog > HOW IS LOW TESTOSTERONE DIAGNOSED IN MEN?

HOW IS LOW TESTOSTERONE DIAGNOSED IN MEN?

Testosterone is an important hormone in men. It plays a role in sex drive, sperm production, muscle development, bone strength and overall male health. Testosterone levels can naturally decrease with age. However, unusually low levels may indicate low testosterone, also known as testosterone deficiency.

Because symptoms can vary from one man to another, a healthcare professional should assess low testosterone rather than relying on symptoms alone.

What Are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?

Low testosterone may cause different symptoms depending on the testosterone level and how long it remains low.

Common symptoms in adult men may include:

Reduced sex drive
Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
Reduced energy or persistent tiredness
Reduced muscle mass and strength
Increased body fat
Reduced body hair
Low sperm production
Changes in mood
Reduced bone strength over time

However, these symptoms can also result from other medical conditions, lifestyle factors or certain medications. Therefore, proper assessment can help identify the actual cause.

How Is Low Testosterone Diagnosed?

Doctors generally assess low testosterone through symptoms, medical history, physical examination and blood tests.

1. Medical History and Symptoms

First, your doctor may ask about changes in your:

Sex drive
Sexual function
Energy levels
Muscle strength
Mood
Fertility
General health

In addition, your doctor may ask about existing medical conditions and any medications or supplements you take.

2. Physical Examination

Next, your doctor may perform a physical examination to look for signs that could relate to low testosterone.

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your doctor may assess body hair, muscle development and testicular size.

3. Testosterone Blood Test

A blood test plays an important role in diagnosing low testosterone.

Testosterone levels generally reach their highest levels in the morning. Therefore, doctors usually perform the test early in the morning.

If the first blood test shows a low testosterone level, your doctor may recommend another test on a different morning. This repeat test can help confirm whether your testosterone level remains consistently low rather than temporarily dropping.

Why Is More Than One Test Sometimes Needed?

Testosterone levels can change throughout the day. In addition, illness, poor sleep and certain medications may affect testosterone levels.

Therefore, one low testosterone result may not provide enough information to confirm testosterone deficiency. Instead, doctors generally consider both symptoms and consistently low testosterone levels when making a diagnosis.

Your doctor may also recommend additional blood tests. These tests can help identify the possible cause of low testosterone.

What Can Cause Low Testosterone?

Several factors can contribute to low testosterone. These include problems affecting the testicles, certain medical conditions, hormonal disorders, some medications and previous cancer treatments.

For example, conditions such as diabetes, obesity and obstructive sleep apnoea may also have an association with low testosterone.

Furthermore, certain medicines and supplements may affect testosterone levels. Therefore, discuss any pain medicines, sports supplements or herbal products with your doctor.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you experience persistent symptoms such as reduced sex drive, erectile difficulties, low energy or changes in muscle strength, consider discussing them with a doctor.

However, symptoms alone cannot confirm low testosterone. A proper medical assessment and appropriate blood tests can help determine whether your testosterone levels are actually low.

Conclusion

How is low testosterone diagnosed in men? Doctors generally assess the condition by reviewing symptoms and medical history, performing a physical examination when appropriate, and measuring testosterone through a morning blood test.

If the initial test shows a low testosterone level, your doctor may recommend a repeat test to confirm the result. In addition, further tests may help identify the underlying cause.

If you are concerned about possible low testosterone, speaking with a qualified healthcare professional can help identify the underlying cause and determine whether further assessment or treatment is appropriate.

Advanced Men’s Health Centre provides professional men’s health assessment and care for men experiencing concerns related to testosterone, sexual health and other aspects of male health.