Core messages
💡 Testosterone is crucial for energy, muscles, and mood.
💡 A deficiency often manifests as fatigue and lack of motivation.
💡 Nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction naturally help.
What is testosterone?
When it comes to men's health , testosterone is one of the most important factors.
Its powers extend far beyond determining sexual characteristics.
It practically influences every aspect of life, as testosterone:
- stimulates muscle growth,
- ensures body hair and beard growth,
- supports bone metabolism,
- promotes bone growth,
- ensures the development and maintenance of bone density,
- promotes dominant and aggressive behaviors,
- promotes sperm production,
- increases sexual desire, drive, and zest for life.
Testosterone levels over the years
As men reach an older age, the natural production of this hormone in the body gradually decreases. Only in rare cases does the testosterone level drop so significantly that symptoms and a pathological deficiency (hypogonadism) occur.
Therefore, it is crucial for those who want to maintain a healthy hormone level to have their testosterone measured.
The Pronova BKK has published a very informative article with further information on testosterone. We also really like the report on testosterone deficiency from Deutschlandfunk.
A testosterone test provides you with clarity about your current hormone status. If you want to increase your testosterone or simply know your testosterone level, this test can offer you valuable insights.
Why should one measure their testosterone?
From the age of about 40, a man's testosterone level continuously decreases by approximately 1-2%. This is a slow ongoing process that some men do not even notice. This process is called andropause or sometimes the "male menopause," although it is naturally not comparable to the menopause in women.
To accurately determine low testosterone levels in men and diagnose hypogonadism, precise testosterone measurement is required. Only then can the diagnosis be made and a treatment plan developed to improve the subject's quality of life. Testosterone deficiency can have a negative impact on numerous organ functions and can promote blood pressure and diabetes .
For which symptoms should you measure testosterone?
- Low sexual desire and erectile dysfunction,
- fatigue, lack of strength,
- muscle atrophy,
- increased abdominal fat,
- reduced body and pubic hair,
- reduced sperm production,
- hot flashes,
- reduced bone density up to osteoporosis,
- depressive moods.
BUT: It should be noted that many of the symptoms mentioned above can also be normal signs of aging. Whether it is actually a low testosterone level can only be determined by a test.
Causes of Low Testosterone Levels
Aging is one of the most common causes of low testosterone levels in men. As age increases, the body produces less of the hormone as part of its natural aging process.
An unhealthy lifestyle, alcohol, drug, or medication abuse, psychological stress or chronic diseases can promote an early deficiency.
The origin of testosterone deficiency is divided into two categories.
Primary hypogonadism
95% of testosterone production in men occurs in the testes. Primary hypogonadism is diagnosed when the hormone-producing cells found there are exhausted and cannot produce enough testosterone.Possible causes can include:
- testicular inflammations,
- testicular injuries,
- testicular cancer,
- or systemic diseases, such as liver cirrhosis.
Secondary hypogonadism
The testosterone deficiency can be due to a malfunction of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, which are responsible for hormone production and thus for the regulation of testosterone production. Possible causes include
tumor or dysfunction in the pituitary gland, brain injuries, or Kallmann syndrome (developmental disorder of the gonads).
The diagnosis and treatment
What is the standard?
The testosterone level in the blood is subject to daily fluctuations. In the morning, the value is higher than, for example, in the afternoon. Therefore, it is necessary for the blood sample to measure testosterone to be taken in the morning.
About 97% of testosterone is bound to proteins in the bloodstream, while the remaining 3% circulates as free testosterone. In laboratory tests, the luteotropic hormone (LH) and the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are used to measure testosterone levels, as they stimulate production in the testes.
An increased LH and FSH level can indicate testicular underfunction (primary hypogonadism) in the case of testosterone deficiency.
If both values are low, this indicates a dysfunction of the pituitary gland (secondary hypogonadism).
Reference values
- 3.5 – 11.5 ng/ml (12 – 40 nmol/l)
Treatment required
- < 2.5 ng/ml (8 nmol/l)
Doctor's assessment needed
- 2.5 – 3.8 ng/ml (8 – 12 nmol/l)
How does testosterone measurement work?
For the medical history, doctors usually use a well-known questionnaire, the ADAM Score (Androgen Deficiency in Aging Men). This questionnaire includes 10 questions that inquire about your current state of mind.
Questionnaire ADAM Score:
- Have you noticed a decrease in libido?
- Do you feel less energetic?
- Do you have less strength or endurance?
- Are you shorter than you used to be?
- Do you have less enthusiasm for life?
- Do you suffer from frequent mood swings?
- Do you have weaker erections?
- Is it challenging to engage in sports?
- Do you tend to fall asleep quickly after meals?
- Is it more difficult for you to work?
If you have answered more than three questions with "yes," this could indicate a testosterone deficiency .
Hormone replacement therapy
If a testosterone deficiency is detected, there are various remedies that can be used for treatment. These include gels for application on the skin, oral medications, or injections into the muscles. The injection is usually used for long-term treatment and is also called the 3-month injection.
The hormone replacement therapy aims to bring the testosterone level back into a healthy range through testosterone substitution.
IMPORTANT: A testosterone therapy does not stop natural aging! The prescribed medications require a prescription. Too much testosterone in the body can be harmful.
The test method
Blood tests are the most common method for analyzing hormone levels. These measurements can determine whether a man has a healthy testosterone level in his body.
Based on this, doctors can assess which treatments are best suited to the individual patient's needs.
Suitable tests for testosterone levels
Testosterone Test
More Energy and Vitality – find out about your testosterone levels.
- Targeted Analysis: Measurement of your testosterone level for a precise assessment.
- Early Detection: Identifies potential imbalances that affect your performance.
- Simple & Flexible: Sample collection conveniently from home with professional lab analysis.
Gain clarity about your hormone balance and take targeted actions for your health.
Testosterone Test Plus
Maximize your energy, strength, and hormonal balance.
- Comprehensive hormone analysis: Measurement of testosterone, SHBG, and prolactin for a complete picture.
- Early detection: Identifies hormonal imbalances before they affect your performance.
- Simple & reliable: Sample collection conveniently from home with professional lab evaluation.
Detect changes in time and optimize your health and performance effectively.
Fitness Check
More performance, better recovery – understand your body's signals.
- Targeted analysis: Examination of the most important blood values for fitness, recovery, and muscle health.
- Early detection: Identifies deficiencies that could impair your performance.
- Convenient & reliable: Easy sampling from home with professional lab evaluation.
Optimize your training progress and recovery with the right health values.
Conclusion - Measure and Increase Testosterone
Testosterone plays an important role in men's health, and its production decreases with age. Measuring testosterone is necessary to detect a deficiency that could negatively affect organ functions and quality of life.
A low testosterone level is categorized into two types: primary hypogonadism, caused by testicular inflammation or injury, and secondary hypogonadism, resulting from dysfunctions of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
With
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Testosterone
Why should I have my testosterone levels measured?
Why should I have my testosterone levels measured?
A testosterone test helps identify imbalances in hormone levels that can affect energy, muscle building, libido, and overall well-being. Low testosterone levels can also indicate health issues such as hormonal disorders or metabolic diseases.
What symptoms indicate a low testosterone level?
What symptoms indicate a low testosterone level?
Possible signs of low testosterone levels include decreased libido, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, weight gain, and mood swings. A blood test can provide clarity for such symptoms
Can I increase my testosterone if my test shows a low level?
Can I increase my testosterone if my test shows a low level?
A low testosterone level can be attributed to various causes. Targeted measures such as diet, exercise, and possibly medical support can often increase testosterone levels. The test helps you understand your current hormone status and plan individually suitable steps.
Which other important values should be measured alongside testosterone?
Which other important values should be measured alongside testosterone?
In addition to testosterone, values such as free testosterone, SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin), DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), and estradiol are also relevant. These hormones and proteins influence testosterone levels and can provide indications of hormonal imbalances.
How does a testosterone test work?
How does a testosterone test work?
The test is performed through a simple blood draw, ideally conducted in the morning as testosterone levels are highest at this time. The sample is then analyzed in the laboratory, and the results are available in a few days.
Can low testosterone levels be treated?
Can low testosterone levels be treated?
Yes, in cases of proven testosterone deficiency, hormone therapy can help. However, this should always be done under medical supervision. A healthy diet, exercise, and stress management can also help naturally support testosterone levels.
