A Guide To Living With Testosterone Deficiency

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about living with testosterone deficiency. We will explain what testosterone deficiency is and how it compares to hypogonadism. As well as this, we will outline the physical symptoms associated with this condition, factors that can increase your risk and how you can manage it effectively. We'll also discuss how Testogel can be used to treat low testosterone levels, ways to boost your testosterone levels naturally and why it’s important to monitor your Testogel usage with a healthcare professional.

Key Takeaways

Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about living with a testosterone deficiency:

• Testosterone deficiency (TD) occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone, impacting various functions such as sexual health, muscle mass, and mood.

• While closely related, testosterone deficiency is a symptom of hypogonadism. Hypogonadism is a broader condition where the body's sex glands produce insufficient hormones.

• Testosterone deficiency can be caused by ageing, obesity, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and testicular injuries.

• Testogel is a topical medication that helps manage symptoms of testosterone deficiency.

• To naturally support testosterone levels, focus on lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep, reducing stress, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying active.

What is testosterone deficiency?

Testosterone deficiency, often referred to as low testosterone, occurs when the body doesn't produce enough of the hormone testosterone. This hormone plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including the development of male physical characteristics, muscle mass maintenance, bone density and sexual health. Men experiencing testosterone deficiency may notice symptoms such as: 

• Reduced libido

• Fatigue

• Mood changes

• Decreased muscle mass

• Increased body fat

It's essential to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have low testosterone levels, as they can provide guidance on diagnosis and potential treatment options. There can be a number of reasons why you may experience low testosterone, including hormonal imbalances and male menopause.

Is TD the same as hypogonadism?

While testosterone deficiency (TD) and hypogonadism can be closely related, they are not the same. Testosterone deficiency refers to low levels of the hormone testosterone in the body. Hypogonadism is a broader medical condition where the body's sex glands produce little or no hormones. In men, this typically means the body is not producing sufficient testosterone, which can lead to TD. Hypogonadism can also affect other hormonal functions and can be either primary (originating from the testes) or secondary (due to issues in the brain's hypothalamus or pituitary gland), according to the NHS.

What are the physical symptoms of TD?

The physical symptoms of testosterone deficiency (TD) can significantly impact a man's overall health and well-being. According to Testogel, one of the leading testosterone medications available, common symptoms include:

• Reduced bone strength

• Muscle weakness

• Weight gain and a higher body mass index (BMI)

These symptoms can lead to declining physical and mental health, making it important to recognise and address testosterone deficiency early.

What can cause testosterone deficiency in men?

Testosterone deficiency in men can be caused by a number of different factors, with ageing being the most common reason for a decline in testosterone levels according to WebMD. Several health conditions can also contribute to this deficiency, including type 2 diabetes, liver disease, obesity and issues with the pituitary gland. Injuries to the testicles, the presence of tumours and certain treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy and the use of steroids can also negatively impact testosterone levels.

What can increase the risk of TD?

The risk of testosterone deficiency can be affected by a number of different factors. Long-term illness and chronic conditions such as cancer can contribute to lower testosterone levels. Another significant factor that can affect your levels is age. Other factors to consider include obesity, diabetes and metabolic issues, according to Testogel.

Why would you be prescribed Testogel?

Testogel is a topical medication that contains testosterone. It is commonly prescribed to men who have low testosterone levels. It is applied directly to the skin, allowing for the medication to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Testogel has been proven to improve symptoms of TD including low energy, reduced libido and mood changes.

You may be prescribed Testogel if you have low testosterone levels which can be caused by a number of factors. Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, but factors such as obesity, health conditions you have inherited or specific illnesses may also lead to you being prescribed Testogel (Tidy & Vincent, 2023). Typically, the medication is prescribed when low testosterone levels are persistent and not expected to return to normal on its own.

How can you live with testosterone deficiency when you use Testogel?

Living with testosterone deficiency while using Testogel involves a combination of consistent treatment and lifestyle adjustments to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. Factors to consider to live with TD whilst using Testogel include:

Be mindful of your mood

When you are using Testogel it is important to be mindful about its effects on your mood. In the patient information leaflet provided with the medication, changes in mood, increased anger, impatience and sleeplessness are listed as potential side effects. You may also experience an increase in the amount of abnormal dreams you have or an increase in your sex drive.

Gain support from family and friends

Getting the support you need from your friends and family can be a useful tool when it comes to coping with the potential side effects you may experience when using Testogel. Your friends and family will be able to help you understand and note potential side effects and can help you get through them whilst using the medication. Open lines of communication with your friends and family provide emotional support which helps you navigate any challenges you may face.

Reassure your partner

If your partner is using Testogel or if they are struggling with testosterone deficiency, it is important that you offer them the reassurance that they need. This condition can be difficult for some people to cope with, and support from partners can help them get through any challenges they may face. Testogel advises you to reassure them that you are still attracted to them whilst also keeping an open, honest communication that includes sharing your concerns for them. 

Be careful around other people, pregnant women and children

When you are using Testogel it is important to remain cautious around others, especially pregnant women and children. This is due to the transfer of testosterone from the gel to these at-risk people. If Testogel comes into contact with another person it could affect their testosterone levels. For adult women, this could cause side effects such as:

• Facial or body hair growth

• Deepening of the voice

• Issues with menstruation

For children, side effects could include:

• Enlargement of genitalia

• Premature puberty

• Pubic hair growth

You should always ensure that the gel is fully absorbed before you come into contact with others. If you think someone has been exposed to the medication they should wash the affected area with soap and water and seek medical advice as soon as possible (UK Government, 2023).

Can you increase your testosterone levels naturally?

Yes, you can increase your testosterone levels naturally through changes to your lifestyle and adopting some healthy habits. Ways to increase your levels naturally include:

Get enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining testosterone levels. According to WebMD, your body produces and releases testosterone when you are in REM sleep. On the other hand, not getting enough sleep (5 hours or less) can drop your levels by 15%. You should aim to get around 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.  

Reduce stress

Trying to reduce the amount of stress in your life can also help you to maintain healthy testosterone levels. High amounts of stress can lead to an increase in cortisol, a hormone that lowers testosterone levels. When cortisol levels are raised, testosterone production can drop and with it, your testosterone levels (Cumming, Quigley & Yen, 1983).

Eat well

Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help to support healthy testosterone levels. You should try to fill your diet with whole foods such as lean meats, fruits and vegetables. Zinc-rich foods are also useful as zinc is used in testosterone production, meaning you should eat foods like oysters, red meat, poultry, beans and nuts. Healthy fats from salmon, mackerel and sardines as well as extra-virgin olive oil can also help. You should also include leafy greens such as spinach and kale, as well as foods rich in antioxidants such as onions, ginger and pomegranate (Meacham & Leonard, 2024).

Maintain a healthy weight

Maintaining a healthy weight can be crucial for managing your testosterone levels. Obesity is linked closely with low testosterone levels and people who are obese are significantly more likely to benefit from testosterone medications like Testogel. According to WebMD, obese men are four times more likely to benefit from testosterone therapy than men who are not obese. 

Stay active

Staying active can also boost your testosterone levels. GQ has stated that weight training or bodyweight exercises provide a temporary boost in testosterone. Regular exercise not only provides temporary improvements in testosterone levels but can also help lower body weight in people struggling with obesity. As previously mentioned, combating obesity can help to support the production and release of testosterone.

Should you always monitor your Testogel usage with your doctor?

Yes, it is recommended to regularly monitor your Testogel usage with your doctor. Having regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help to make sure the medication is effective and that you are getting the best results possible. Your healthcare provider can also adjust your dosage if necessary as well as advise on side effects or any other issues. 

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Irfan Siddique MBBS
GMC reference no: 7694522
LinkedIn

Sources

Living with testosterone deficiency (TD) - Testogel

Slideshow: A Visual Guide to Low Testosterone - WebMD

Low Testosterone (Testosterone Deficiency): Symptoms and Treatment - Patient