Low testosterone
Low energy, low libido, mood changes. Often treatable once properly assessed.
In short
Low testosterone becomes more common with age but should always be confirmed with properly-timed blood tests before any treatment. Many men improve with lifestyle changes; replacement therapy is reserved for confirmed cases and usually started by a specialist.
Overview
What is low testosterone?
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone. Low testosterone (male hypogonadism) means the body isn't producing enough, which can affect sex drive, energy, mood, muscle, and concentration. It can be caused by ageing, obesity, certain conditions and medications, or problems with the testicles or pituitary gland. Diagnosis needs symptoms plus confirmed low blood levels, because symptoms alone are non-specific.
Symptoms
Common symptoms
- Reduced sex drive
- Erectile difficulties
- Persistent tiredness or low energy
- Low mood or irritability
- Loss of muscle mass or strength
- Increased body fat
- Reduced body or facial hair
- Poor concentration ("brain fog")
When to act
When to see a doctor
Book a GP if you have several of the symptoms above, particularly low libido and persistent fatigue, so the right tests can be arranged and interpreted. Don't start testosterone bought online without assessment.
When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent help if
- Sudden severe headache, visual changes, or milk discharge from the breasts (possible pituitary cause)
- Very low mood or thoughts of self-harm (please use crisis resources, call 999 or NHS 111)
- Breast lumps or swelling
Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.
Treatment
How a private GP can help
- A thorough assessment of symptoms and possible causes
- Guidance on the right blood tests (a morning total testosterone, repeated to confirm, plus related hormones)
- Interpretation of your results against UK reference ranges
- Lifestyle advice on the factors that affect testosterone (weight, sleep, alcohol, exercise)
- Review of medications or conditions that can lower testosterone
- Referral to endocrinology for testosterone replacement therapy where results and symptoms confirm it is needed
What we don't do
- Start or prescribe testosterone replacement therapy without specialist input
- Prescribe testosterone for performance, bodybuilding, or anti-ageing
Pricing
What it costs
An online consultation about low testosterone starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.
FAQ
Common questions about low testosterone
How is low testosterone diagnosed?
Can I just start testosterone replacement?
Can lifestyle changes help?
Does low testosterone cause erectile dysfunction?
Ready to talk to a GP about low testosterone?
Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.
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