preventing male hormone

Overview

In men, the main “male hormone” is testosterone. This article is about preventing testosterone deficiency — a condition where your body does not make enough testosterone for good health. Low testosterone is also called male hypogonadism.

Yes. Low testosterone is one of the most common hormone conditions in men, especially after age 60. But younger men with certain health problems can also have low levels.

It mainly affects men. The risk goes up with age, and men with obesity, diabetes, or testicular injury are more likely to experience low testosterone.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Low sex drive (loss of interest in sex)
• Erectile dysfunction (trouble getting or keeping an erection)
• Fatigue and reduced energy
• Loss of muscle mass and strength
• Depressed mood or irritability
• Increased body fat, especially around the belly

Symptoms in children

• Not applicable — this condition does not affect children.

Symptoms in older adults

• The same symptoms as younger men, but they may develop gradually and can be mistaken for normal aging. Older men also have a higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Causes

Main causes

• Aging — testosterone levels naturally fall as you get older.
• Injury or infection of the testicles.
• Disorders of the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus in the brain, which control hormone production.
• Some chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, liver disease, or kidney disease.
• Use of certain medicines, including opioids and steroids.

Risk factors

• Age over 60
• Obesity or metabolic syndrome
• Type 2 diabetes
• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer
• Excessive alcohol use
• A family history of hormonal problems

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sudden severe testicular pain
• Sudden swelling of the scrotum
• Difficulty urinating or inability to urinate

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a low sex drive, erection problems, low energy, or low mood for several weeks.
• If you have diabetes or obesity and are worried about your hormone levels, ask your doctor if testing is appropriate.
• If you are taking a medicine that may affect testosterone, discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and order a blood test to measure your testosterone level. Because levels change during the day, the test is usually done in the morning.

Tests that may be done

• Total testosterone blood test
• Free (bioavailable) testosterone blood test
• LH and FSH blood tests to check how your pituitary gland is working
• Prolactin blood test
• A complete blood count (CBC)

What to expect at your appointment

If the first test shows a low level, your doctor may repeat it to confirm. They may also check your testicles and look for other causes like thyroid problems or anaemia. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, you can talk about what to do next.

Treatment

Treatment for low testosterone starts with lifestyle changes to improve your overall health. If that is not enough, your doctor may recommend testosterone replacement therapy — a medical treatment that raises your testosterone level into a healthy range. The goal is to reduce symptoms and prevent problems like bone loss.

Self-care at home

• If you are overweight, losing even 5–10% of your body weight can help.
• Exercise regularly, including strength training twice a week.
• Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night.
• Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as walking, meditation, or talking to a friend.
• Cut back on alcohol and stop smoking if you smoke.

Medical treatments

When needed, doctors prescribe testosterone replacement in forms like gels, patches, pellets, or injections. Your doctor will choose the best type for you and will monitor your blood levels, prostate health, and blood count during treatment. Always take testosterone replacement exactly as prescribed, and only after a proper diagnosis. Never use unregulated testosterone products.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for low testosterone. It may be considered if a pituitary tumour or a serious testicular problem is the cause. If surgery is an option for you, your healthcare team will explain the procedure and expected benefits.

Living with this condition

Living with low testosterone can be challenging, but many men improve with the right care. Stay patient — it may take a few weeks before you notice changes. Work closely with your doctor to adjust your treatment or lifestyle plan as needed.

Lifestyle tips

• Be physically active every day.
• Eat regular, balanced meals.
• Keep in touch with friends and family.
• Set aside time for hobbies and rest.
• Talk to a counsellor or a men’s health group if you feel anxious or low.

Diet and exercise

Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Strength exercise, like lifting weights or using resistance bands, two or three times a week can help build muscle and raise testosterone naturally. Adding aerobic exercise like walking or cycling also supports heart health and body composition.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Low testosterone can affect your mood, confidence, and sense of well-being. It is common to feel frustrated, sad, or irritable. If you notice these feelings lasting more than a few weeks, tell your doctor. Talking therapies can help you cope with the emotional side of hormonal changes. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, reach out for help immediately — call your local emergency number or a crisis helpline.

Prevention

You cannot stop the natural decline in testosterone that comes with ageing. But you can lower your chances of a serious deficiency by staying at a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, and keeping chronic conditions like diabetes well managed.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine that prevents low testosterone. However, keeping up to date with childhood vaccinations, such as the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, can protect against mumps — an infection that can sometimes damage testicles. This is an indirect protective step.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for low testosterone in all men. You and your doctor may decide to check your level if you have symptoms or conditions that raise your risk, such as type 2 diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

Complications

If left untreated

• Osteoporosis and a higher risk of broken bones
• Loss of muscle mass and increased body fat
• Persistent low energy and low mood
• Erectile dysfunction and low sex drive
• Greater difficulty concentrating and remembering things

Long-term outlook

With proper care, the outlook is usually positive. Many men see real improvements in energy, mood, sexual function, and bone strength after making lifestyle changes or starting treatment. The earlier you address the problem, the better your long-term health can be.

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