After age 40, a man’s testosterone levels begin to slowly decline. Men with low testosterone have a condition often called “andropause” because testosterone is in a class of hormones known as androgens. Androgen deficiency is associated with many common medical conditions including metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis; as well as elevations in triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).

Low levels of testosterone are associated with specific signs and symptoms, including:

• diminished sex drive and sense of vitality
• erectile dysfunction
• depression
• anemia
• heart disease or worsening cholesterol profile
• reduced muscle mass
• increased fat mass
• frailty
• osteoporosis

Testosterone levels are usually measured by blood tests. Hormone therapy is recommended for men with symptoms of low total testosterone levels or high estrogen levels. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has relieved symptoms and improved the quality of life for many men. Laboratory values and symptom relief should be monitored frequently so that any necessary adjustments can be made.