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Symptoms

Of hypogonadism can be both physical and sexual

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What are the symptoms of hypogonadism (low testosterone)?

Symptoms and signs of testosterone deficiency occur as a result of low testosterone levels and hence, may benefit from testosterone therapy (regardless of whether there is an identified underlying aetiology).1,6

Insufficient testosterone action (even at normal testosterone levels) can be caused by less sensitive androgen receptors (which is genetically determined)7 or elevated SHBG levels (which bind to testosterone and reduce the free “active” serum fraction of testosterone.8

 

Due to the multiple effects of testosterone, the health consequences of hypogonadism are wide-ranging with signs and symptoms affecting sexual, physical, metabolic and psychological domains.

 

Figure: Common symptoms and signs of hypogonadism (low testosterone) in men.1,3-6

 

Metabolic
symptoms / signs

  • Obesity (BMI 30 or higher)
  • Abdominal obesity (waist circumference 94-102 cm or higher)
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Insulin resistance, prediabetes or type 2 diabetes

Sexual symptoms

  • Decreased sexual desire and activity
  • Decreased frequency of sexual thoughts
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Delayed ejaculation
  • Decreased volume of ejaculate
  • Decreased frequency or absent morning or night-time erections
  • Small testes
  • Infertility
symptoms of hypogonadism

Psychological symptoms

  • Depressed mood
  • Loss of energy
  • Reduced motivation
  • Poor concentration
  • Decreased well-being and/or poor self-rated health
  • Irritability
  • Sadness
  • Impaired memory
  • Decreased cognitive function (including impaired concentration, verbal memory, and spatial performance)

Physical symptoms

  • Decreased muscle mass and strength
  • Reduced physical performance
  • Hot flushes or sweats
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Fatigue
  • Reduced bone mineral density, osteoporosis, low trauma fractures
  • Decreased body hair
  • Gynecomastia

Recommendations

Treatment guidelines

About hypogonadism
How to diagnose hypogonadism?

How to diagnose hypogonadism

Related topics

Tools Treatment Online learning

References

  • Dean JD, McMahon CG, Guay AT, et al. The International Society for Sexual Medicine's Process of Care for the Assessment and Management of Testosterone Deficiency in Adult Men. The journal of sexual medicine. 2015;12(8):1660-1686. Return to content
  • Morgentaler A, Zitzmann M, Traish AM, et al. Fundamental Concepts Regarding Testosterone Deficiency and Treatment: International Expert Consensus Resolutions. Mayo Clin Proc. 2016;91(7):881-896. Return to content
  • Mulhall JP, Trost LW, Brannigan RE, et al. Evaluation and Management of Testosterone Deficiency: AUA Guideline. J Urol. 2018;200(2):423-432. Return to content
  • Hackett G, Kirby M, Edwards D, et al. British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines on Adult Testosterone Deficiency, With Statements for UK Practice. The journal of sexual medicine. 2017;14(12):1504-1523. Return to content
  • Dohle GR, Arver S, Bettocchi C, Jones TH, Kliesch S. 2018 European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines on Male Hypogonadism. Available at https://uroweb.org/guideline/ male-hypogonadism Return to content
  • Morales A, Bebb RA, Manjoo P, et al. Diagnosis and management of testosterone deficiency syndrome in men: clinical practice guideline. Appendix available at: http://www.cmaj.ca/content/suppl/2015/10/26/cmaj.150033.DC1/15-0033-1-at.pdf (accessed September 2020). CMAJ. 2015;187(18):1369-1377. Return to content
  • Zitzmann M. Mechanisms of disease: pharmacogenetics of testosterone therapy in hypogonadal men. Nature clinical practice Urology. 2007;4(3):161-166. Return to content
  • Krakowsky Y, Conners W, Morgentaler A. Serum Concentrations of Sex Hormone-binding Globulin Vary Widely in Younger and Older Men: Clinical Data from a Men's Health Practice. Eur Urol Focus. 2019;5(2):273-279. Return to content

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Licensed for: In the UK, Nebido® (testosterone undecanoate) is Licensed for testosterone replacement therapy for male hypogonadism when testosterone deficiency has been confirmed by clinical features and biochemical tests.

 

Nebido® (testosterone undecanoate) Prescribing Information

 

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Page last modified 14 Jul 2020

 

  • PP-NEB-GB-0424 February 2021

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