Diagnosis | Testosterone deficiency

Diagnosis

In order to diagnose a testosterone deficiency, the affected person must first consult a doctor. If symptoms are perceived which indicate low testosterone levels, it is advisable to consult a family doctor or a specialist in endocrinology. This doctor will usually first take a look at the underlying symptoms to get an overview of the symptoms.

If necessary, this is followed by a physical examination, which is usually very brief if a testosterone deficiency is suspected. The blood can be checked for testosterone levels by taking a blood sample. After a few days, the results are available and there may be certainty that a testosterone deficiency exists.

How to diagnose testosterone deficiency

A testosterone deficiency in the majority of cases is caused by the symptoms that trigger the disease. Since the symptoms of an existing testosterone deficiency are sometimes very subtle, a deficiency can go undetected for months or years. A testosterone deficiency that occurs before or during puberty is usually detected by the lack of development of the external characteristics typical of puberty. A testosterone deficiency can be determined chemically in the laboratory by taking a blood sample. The value which is determined in the blood can be compared with normal values and a testosterone deficiency can be diagnosed if the value is low.

To compensate for testosterone deficiency

There are various ways to compensate for a testosterone deficiency. It makes sense to try to stimulate the body’s own production of testosterone. This can often be achieved by treating the diseases that may be the cause of the testosterone deficiency.

Since testosterone is available as a drug, a drug administration of testosterone can also raise the hormone level. How often and for how long the therapy has to be carried out depends on the individual laboratory values and the symptoms that occur, so both should be checked regularly. A testosterone deficiency that occurs before puberty can be compensated for by only a few doses of testosterone. Thus it is often attempted to stimulate the body’s own production of testosterone with an initial substitution therapy.