Testosterone is one of the hormones most men have heard of, but which many only have a superficial understanding of. It plays a far greater role than just muscles and sex drive – testosterone is involved in everything from energy levels and mood to bone strength and heart health. In this post, we will review what testosterone actually is, what symptoms can arise from a low level, and how to find out if your body needs help restoring balance.
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is the body's primary male sex hormone and is produced mainly in the testicles, with a smaller proportion formed in the adrenal glands. Production is controlled by an interplay between the brain and the testicles: the pituitary gland secretes the hormones LH and FSH, which signal to the testicles how much testosterone should be produced. If this interaction is disrupted – for example, due to a condition in the testicles themselves or in the pituitary gland – it can result in a lower testosterone level, regardless of age.
The hormone plays a central role already from the fetal stage, where it helps develop male sexual organs, and continues to be crucial throughout life – from puberty, where it drives the development of beard, deeper voice, and muscle mass, to adulthood, where it helps support energy levels, libido, and general vitality.
What role does testosterone play in the body?
Testosterone affects far more body systems than most people realize:
- Muscles and strength: Testosterone is crucial for building and maintaining muscle mass
- Bone health: The hormone supports bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis
- Libido and sexual function: Testosterone is closely linked to sex drive and the ability to achieve and maintain erections
- Mood and mental energy: Low levels are associated with fatigue, irritability, and in some cases, depression
- Fat distribution and metabolism: Testosterone helps regulate how the body stores fat, especially around the abdomen
Symptoms of low testosterone
Testosterone levels naturally decline with age – typically by about 1% per year from the mid-30s. For some men, however, the decline happens faster or more significantly, which can cause symptoms that significantly affect daily life:
- Fatigue and low energy levels
- Mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Reduced libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of muscle mass
- Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
These symptoms are often referred to as signs of hormone imbalance in men, and they can easily be attributed to stress or "just getting older" – but they are worth investigating if they affect your quality of life.
What can cause low testosterone?
In addition to the natural age-related decline, several factors can contribute to lower testosterone levels:
- Obesity, especially abdominal obesity
- Chronic stress and poor sleep quality
- Chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes or kidney and liver diseases
- Certain types of medication, including opioids and anabolic steroids
- Conditions that directly affect the testicles or pituitary gland
How to test your testosterone level
The only way to confirm if you truly have low testosterone is through a blood test. At Valida Health, we offer a male hormone analysis, where we not only measure your testosterone level (P-Testosterone) but also a number of other relevant markers such as prolactin, LH, FSH, hematocrit, PSA, and long-term blood sugar. This provides a far more nuanced picture than an isolated testosterone measurement, as several of these values can point to the underlying cause of your symptoms.
The analysis includes an initial consultation, the blood sampling itself – either at our clinic in Hellerup or at a hospital near you – and a thorough review of results with healthcare professionals.
What happens if the test shows low testosterone?
If your blood test shows signs of low testosterone, and you also experience related symptoms, we will refer you for an assessment by our endocrinologist. Here, your age, lifestyle, medical history, and any medication will be included in a comprehensive, individual assessment before a treatment plan is potentially made. You can read more about how the hormone treatment for men proceeds, should it become relevant for you.
Is testosterone treatment safe?
Testosterone treatment is a medical treatment that requires ongoing follow-up – not a one-time solution. Large and long-term studies have shown that the treatment does not increase the risk of prostate cancer, but in rare cases, it can stimulate the growth of an already existing, unrecognized tumor. Therefore, screening for prostate problems, including PSA measurement, is always performed before treatment begins, and follow-up blood tests are continuously conducted during treatment. The treatment is not offered to men with certain severe cardiovascular conditions, and the decision to start treatment is always made in close consultation with a doctor.
Natural ways to support your testosterone level
Not everyone with symptoms of low testosterone needs medical treatment. Lifestyle plays a significant role in how your body produces and regulates the hormone. Among the factors with the greatest influence are chronic stress, alcohol consumption, sleep quality, and body composition. If your level is only slightly reduced, adjustments in these areas – combined with follow-up blood tests – can in some cases be sufficient to improve both your numbers and your symptoms, without medical treatment being necessary.
Frequently asked questions about testosterone
How quickly can I feel an effect if I start treatment?
With injection treatment, most people experience an effect within approximately 2-3 months, while the effect with gel typically appears within the same timeframe and gradually increases over the first 3-6 months.
Is testosterone treatment lifelong?
For most men, the treatment is considered long-term, as symptoms often return upon cessation, especially after longer courses. Therefore, controls are continuously performed so that the treatment can be adjusted or possibly reduced, if deemed responsible.
Can I get help to naturally raise my level instead?
Yes. If your hormone analysis does not unequivocally indicate a need for medical treatment, we are happy to advise on lifestyle interventions, and we can together create a plan with follow-up measurements to track your progress.
Get started at Valida Health
If you recognize several of the symptoms above, you don't have to guess if it's due to testosterone. At Valida Health, you can book a male hormone analysis and get answers, advice, and – if relevant – access to safe, medically supervised treatment.
Book an appointment for your hormone analysis at Valida Health, and get clarity on your testosterone level today.
