The problem of testosterone deficiency syndrome affects from 6 to 12 percent of men aged 40-69. The likelihood of its occurrence increases when they suffer from metabolic disorders. Most often, the condition is diagnosed during a consultation with a doctor regarding the reduction of vitality and libido.
TDS, or Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome, equally negatively affects the intellectual and physical activity of men. It affects both professional life, health and relationships in a relationship.
What is TDS?
The Endocrinology Standards define this male condition as: “testosterone deficiency syndrome manifested by decreased libido and potency, constant fatigue, deterioration of well-being and sleep quality, nervousness, hot flashes, decreased testosterone levels and increased serum gonadotropin concentrations.”
Testosterone deficiency syndrome is definitely indicated by symptoms related to sexual dysfunction: decreased libido, lack of morning erections and erectile dysfunction, however, the concentration of total testosterone should be below 11 nmol/l.
Characteristic symptoms of testosterone deficiency syndrome
Common symptoms of testosterone deficiency syndrome include:
- decrease in libido,
- erectile dysfunction, especially at night,
- skin changes that occur with hair thinning,
- decrease in bone mineral density with subsequent osteoporosis, with an increased risk of bone fractures,
- a decrease in the percentage of lean body mass along with muscle mass and their strength, while there is an increase in the volume of visceral fat,
- poorer sleep quality,
- chronic fatigue,
- deterioration of general well-being,
- changeable mood,
- depressive states,
- a decrease in intellectual activity, which is accompanied by a decrease in cognitive abilities along with spatial orientation disorders.
With the manifestation of the above-mentioned symptoms, we are dealing with a simultaneous increase in the concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone FSH and luteinizing hormone LH, or only LH hormone in the blood serum.
Effect on health
TDS is indispensable with insufficient levels of many hormones, which is why men are much more exposed to the development of cancer or atherosclerosis, as well as faster aging of the body. Androgen deficit and visceral obesity are conducive to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, due to testosterone deficiency, the risk of kidney failure and liver cirrhosis increases.
Treatment
It is necessary to visit a urologist, andrologist or endocrinologist, because the doctor will refer you to appropriate tests, including the assessment of the prostate gland, because hormone therapy can cause adverse changes in the prostate.
The recommended means with testosterone can be in the form of patches, tablets, gels, intramuscular injections are prescribed the least often. Hormone therapy will restore proper libido and erection, and will have a positive effect on body weight. It should also prevent osteoporosis and complications of atherosclerosis.