Are low testosterone levels a health risk?

Low testosterone is a common condition among men who are ageing. 

It’s natural for a man’s testosterone levels to drop as they get older; however, this should be happening when men reach their 60s and 70s, not to men who are in their 20s and 30s. “Abnormally low testosterone levels may impair health by causing weight gain, osteoporosis and depression,” Dr Sagen Naidoo, a physician from Mediclinic Louis Leipoldt, adds.

Why do testosterone levels drop?

According to Dr Naidoo, ailments directly or indirectly affecting the scrotum and/or pituitary gland may reduce the production of testosterone. The list of causes is very long but one of the common causes is chemotherapy and radiation while treating prostate cancer. Other common causes include obesity, anabolic steroid use, pituitary gland tumours, chronic kidney disease, HIV, liver cirrhosis, and alcohol addiction.

The effects of low testosterone on men’s health

Low testosterone levels may result in osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become very weak. Other symptoms of low testosterone include:

• Weight gain
• Constantly dealing with low energy levels
• Depression
• Issues with concentration
• Increased body fat and reduced muscle mass
• A low libido 

The treatment options for low testosterone

Once a cause is found, treatment will be directed at that; however, if testosterone production cannot be improved to normal, testosterone treatment will need to be started.

These are some of the options the doctor may prescribe:

• Testosterone gel: Applied to the skin, usually on the shoulders or upper arms.
• Injections: Testosterone can be injected into a muscle at intervals determined by your healthcare professional.
• Patches: Applied to the skin and release testosterone gradually.
• Implants or pellets: Small pellets can be placed under the skin and release testosterone over time.
• Oral testosterone: Some oral formulations are available, but they are not suitable for everyone and should only be used under medical supervision.
• Not suitable for everyone: Men with known or suspected prostate or breast cancer generally should not start testosterone replacement therapy.