Getting down to details

Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TDS) is defined as having a low testosterone level (usually below 12 nmol/L), where you experience one or more of the following features36,1,46,9:

  • Erectile dysfunction (ED)
  • Reduced sexual desire/libido
  • Tiredness or general fatigue
  • Increased abdominal fat (waist circumference greater than 102cm)
  • Depressed mood or irritability
  • Slower thought processes
  • Hot flushes or sweating
  • Less lean body mass and muscle volume / strength
  • Loss of body hair and skin changes
  • Disturbed sleep 
  • Low sperm count
  • Low bone mineral density or more fractures

It is estimated that 5 in 1,000 men (1 in every 200) the general population may have TDS. 19 However, TDS is sometimes undetected as the symptoms are quite general and can be put down to ‘getting older’. Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is a form of TDS associated with advancing age50.

How does TDS affect my life?

You need a sufficient testosterone level to sustain a healthy sex life, as testosterone helps to maintain your sexual desire and erectile function18. Low testosterone levels are most commonly associated with a lack of energy, loss of motivation and irritability, with less common symptoms including hot flushes, slow beard growth and muscular aches31.