Concerned your loved one may have testosterone deficiency?

Is testosterone deficiency affecting your loved one?

Have you noticed changes in the overall well-being of a loved one? Does he seem distant and disconnected?

Tiredness, loss of sex drive, low mood or depression, loss of concentration… These can all be signs of testosterone deficiency.

Find out more here

A man may be reluctant to talk about the symptoms of testosterone deficiency. He may feel embarrassed, or somehow less of a man.

Take time to reassure him; he doesn’t have to feel like this.

Testosterone deficiency can be a serious condition affecting over 8% of men aged over 50 that can be diagnosed and treated effectively.

Find out more here
How your partner may be feeling
What is he thinking? What are you hearing? What is he really experiencing?

HE SAYS…

‘I don’t have much energy anymore’

YOU THINK…

‘He’s just making excuses’

What may be the issue…

Testosterone deficiency can affect energy levels and so he may not join in as much in activities as he did before.

HE SAYS…

‘I don’t have the sex drive I used to’

YOU THINK…

‘Maybe he has erectile dysfunction’

What may be the issue…

Testosterone deficiency and erectile dysfunction are two different medical conditions with different symptoms. The majority of patients with erectile dysfunction do not have testosterone deficiency. Testosterone deficiency affects interest in sex, as well as the ability to perform sexually, whereas erectile dysfunction only affects the ability to perform sexually.

HE SAYS…

‘I feel depressed/grumpy for no reason’

YOU THINK…

‘He’s in a slump and needs to snap out of it’

What may be the issue…

When a man experiences testosterone deficiency, he can begin to experience mood changes. Often, he is unaware that testosterone deficiency is a medical condition with symptoms that can affect him physically and emotionally. He may be reluctant to talk to his doctor, loved ones/partner or friends, leaving him feeling isolated and depressed.

HE SAYS…

‘I must be just getting old’

YOU THINK…

‘He’s old before his time’

What may be the issue…

Testosterone deficiency can lead to muscle weakness making everyday tasks as well as exercise feel more difficult than usual.

Tips on talking with him

Testosterone deficiency can affect a man’s body as well as making him feel tired, depressed or less interested in sex. If you think your loved one has symptoms that may be due to testosterone deficiency, it’s important to share your concerns and reassure him that you will be there to support him and that help is available.

Ask him if he’s aware of the symptoms of testosterone deficiency. Explain how they can affect his mood, energy, and sex drive. Be prepared to talk about some of the signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency with him.
Help him realise that how he’s feeling may be caused by a medical condition and that the symptoms can be mild or similar to those caused by other diseases.
Let him know that testosterone deficiency is relatively common. 8% of men aged between 50 and 79 are affected.
Understand that it might be hard to discuss the fact that he may have testosterone deficiency. The symptoms can be a source of anger and frustration.
Encourage him to get on the phone to make an appointment to see a doctor. Remind him that his doctor is there to help.
Encourage him to tell his doctor about all his symptoms and ask whether they may be due to testosterone deficiency. Offer to accompany him to the doctor’s surgery if you think it would help.