How to Diagnose Decreased Testosterone

Testosterone is the most important male sex hormone, controlling physical and sexual growth and affecting sperm production and sexual performance. A decrease in testosterone levels can easily go undetected, as symptoms vary widely, particularly as men age. The FDA reports that from 20 to 50 percent of healthy men, between ages 50 and 70, have decreased testosterone levels. Follow these steps to diagnose lower testosterone levels.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Begin your diagnosis with a simple questionnaire, which helps you determine if you have low testosterone. The most common are the ADAM and the AMS questionnaires. You can find the ADAM questionnaire on the Seek Wellness website (see Resources below).
2. Visit your general practitioner if you suspect possible decreased testosterone levels. Typically, she can make the diagnosis or she may refer you to an endocrinologist or urologist.
3. Provide your physician with your medical history, including general health issues, family history and sexual health. Expect specific questions related to your sexual activity, interest and any problems or changes you've noticed.
4. Describe to your physician any of the following symptoms, which may indicate low testosterone: erectile problems, decreased sexual activity or interest in sex, reduced body hair and skin thickness, sleep problems, energy loss, memory loss, lower intellectual ability, irritability or depression.
5. Allow your physician to perform a thorough physical exam, including blood pressure and heart rate, as well as an exam of your testes, scrotum and penis.
6. Get your blood tested to measure the level of testosterone, if recommended by your physician. You should get tested between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. when testosterone levels are at their height. Testosterone levels decrease during the day. A normal testosterone range is 300 to 1000 ng/dl.
7. Have additional blood tests if your blood testosterone levels are low. Your physician may order blood tests for FSH, LH and prolactin. These results give your physician a clearer overall picture of your hormonal state.

Tips & Warnings

• If you begin treatment with testosterone supplements, it's important for your physician to run more tests to rule out prostate cancer. Your physician should repeat these tests, once you begin testosterone treatment, at six weeks, three months, six months and then annually.
• Some medical conditions can cause decreased testosterone, including asthma, high cholesterol or problems with your hypothalamus or pituitary gland.