Mens Section

What men should know about low testosterone.

What is Testosterone?

In the male body, testosterone is the most important sex hormone. Testosterone is responsible for development of male characteristics such as body and facial hair, muscle growth and strength, and a deep voice. Normal levels of testosterone also influence the production of sperm, promote sexual function and promote sex drive.

We now know that some men's bodies do not make enough testosterone. These men may experience uncomfortable and sometimes distressing symptoms.

At Farmacologica Compounding Pharmacy we specialise in preparing hormone replacement therapies as prescribed by your doctors to cater for your requirements.

Symptoms of low Testosterone

As men get older, the ability to produce testosterone declines. This decrease in testosterone production is sometimes referred to as andropause or “male menopause.” If testosterone levels fall below the normal range some typical symptoms may include:

* Low sex drive, erectile dysfunction (ED), increased irritability or depression fatigue reduced muscle mass and strength, inability to concentrate, decreased bone density (osteoporosis).

In addition to age-related low testosterone, there are certain medical conditions that can cause low testosterone.

These medical conditions can begin in youth or in adulthood, and can affect testosterone levels throughout a man’s life.

Some of these conditions are associated with the testicles, pituitary gland and/or hypothalamus (a part of the brain that controls many of the body’s glands). Occasionally, the problem can be genetic.

In younger men, low testosterone production may reduce the development of body and facial hair. Muscle mass and genitals may not develop normally, and younger men’s voices may fail to deepen.

Be sure to get screened

If you experience symptoms associated with low testosterone, you may want to ask your doctor about getting your testosterone levels checked. Your primary care physician can check your testosterone levels with a simple blood test and treat you if you have low testosterone. You might also ask your primary care physician about a referral to an endocrinologist or urologist who specializes in treating conditions such as low testosterone.

Regular checkups and age-appropriate screenings can improve your health and extend your life. Consider adding regular screening for low testosterone to other screenings as part of your checkup.

If you have low Testosterone

If you do have low testosterone, the good news is that the condition is treatable. There are testosterone replacement therapies, including:

Cream that you rub on arm as directed, Injections, Patches, Clear gel that you rub on your arm every morning.

Talk to your doctor about which option may be best for you.

At Risk? Take the Quiz

To see if you are at risk for low testosterone, answer “yes” or “no” to the following questions. If you answer “yes” to question 1 or 7, or at least three of the other questions, you may have low testosterone. Be sure to discuss the results of this quiz with your doctor.

Choose the responses below that best describe how you have been feeling.

1. Do you have a decrease in libido (sex drive)? Yes / No

2. Do you have a lack of energy? Yes / No

3. Do you have a decrease in strength and/or endurance? Yes / No

4. Have you lost height? Yes / No

5. Have you noticed a decreased “enjoyment of life?” Yes / No

6. Are you sad and/or grumpy? Yes / No

7. Are your erections less strong? Yes / No

8. Have you noticed a recent deterioration in your ability to play sports? Yes / No

9. Are you falling asleep after dinner? Yes / No

10. Has there been a recent deterioration in your work performance? Yes / No

Please speak with your doctor and forward your request to us.

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