Recently singer Robbie Williams has “come out” to the press about being on testosterone replacement. As reported by News.com.au:
ROBBIE Williams has revealed he has no testosterone and has to inject himself once a week to correct the hormonal imbalance.
Williams was diagnosed with the rare condition, which affects the development and health of the male reproductive organs, last year.
The Angels singer said his testosterone levels were not just depleted – they were absent altogether.
Despite what has been reported, low testosterone levels are not that rare. Up to 1 in 200 men are diagnosed with low testosterone with common causes being genetic defects, damage to the testicles or lack of hormones from the brain that simulate the testicles.
What are the symptoms of Low Testosterone?
Common symptoms of low testosterone include:
• Mood changes (low mood and irritability)
• Poor concentration
• Low energy
• Reduced muscle strength
• Longer time to recover from exercise
• Low interest in sex (decreased libido)
• Difficulty getting and keeping erections
• Hot flushes, sweats
• Breast development
• Osteoporosis (thinning of bones)
• Low semen volume
• Reduced beard or body hair growth
There are many diseases that can lead to low testosterone levels, and low testosterone can mimic many diseases. For this reason it’s important to have a careful screening with your family doctor to investigate potential causes.
How To Check For Low Testosterone
Low testosterone is checked for my a simple blood test taken around about 9 o’clock in the morning. You don’t need to be fasted for this test to be done. If the first test comes back low, a second test will be organized to confirm this reading and to start exploring potential causes.
If your results show a medical cause for the low testosterone the key to treatment is to firstly address the medical cause. If appropriate or needed the next step is to replace testosterone.
Good news is that testosterone replacement is straight forward with choices including patches or gels that are applied daily, or regular injections either weekly or three monthly. These choices can be discussed with your doctor to work out the best regime for you.
Of course the key treating low testosterone is to first have your levels checked with your doctor.
Yours in great health.
Dr George
Resource: For a great info sheet on low testosterone you can download this PDF from Andrology Australia.
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