What is Androgen Deficiency?
Androgen deficiency is a hormonal disorder that occurs when testosterone levels, known as the male hormone, fall below the normal range. This condition can negatively impact not only sexual health but also energy levels, muscle-bone structure, and mood.
What Are the Symptoms of Androgen Deficiency?
Androgen deficiency, due to decreasing testosterone levels, can cause significant changes in many body systems. Symptoms typically appear slowly and can vary depending on the person’s age, general health, and hormone levels. The most common symptoms include:
- Decreased sexual desire
- Constant feeling of fatigue
- Decrease in muscle strength
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depressed mood
- Sleep disturbances
- Reduction in body hair
How Does the Diagnosis Process for Androgen Deficiency Work?
The diagnosis of androgen deficiency is based not only on symptoms but also on objective evaluations through laboratory tests. In the presence of symptoms and findings of hypogonadism, a total testosterone level of <300 ng/dL, measured on at least two different days, fasted in the morning between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM, is diagnostic. However, if conditions that might influence SHBG levels are suspected, free testosterone can be measured. If free testosterone cannot be measured, the free testosterone level can be calculated using SHBG, albumin, and total testosterone values.
Uzm. Dr. Burcu Meryem Atak Sançmış performs the following steps in the diagnostic process:
- Taking your detailed medical history
- Assessing your current condition through physical examination
- Measuring your testosterone levels with a morning blood test
- If necessary, checking other hormones such as pituitary and thyroid hormones
What Are the Treatment Methods for Androgen Deficiency?
After confirming the diagnosis, an individualized treatment plan is created based on the patient’s age, lifestyle, co-existing conditions, and personal expectations. For men over 65 years of age who show symptoms or conditions suggestive of testosterone deficiency and have confirmed low morning testosterone concentrations, we recommend testosterone treatment on an individualized basis, following open discussions about potential risks and benefits.
The main treatment options offered by our specialist are:
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): Testosterone administration via gel, injections, or subcutaneous applications. For individuals with hypogonadism without a desire for fertility, testosterone replacement therapy should be initiated according to patient preference and availability in our country.
- Recombinant Gonadotropin Therapies: For individuals with underdeveloped secondary sexual characteristics but a desire to have children, sequential hCG/hMG or combined hCG/hMG therapy may be considered. With hMG therapy, a response should not be considered absent until doses of 75-150-225-300 IU have been reached and treatment has been continued uninterrupted for 2 years.
- Treatment of the Underlying Cause: Management of the underlying conditions causing hormonal imbalances.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Holistic support regarding diet, exercise, and stress management.
- Regular Monitoring and Dose Adjustments: Ensuring safe and effective continuation of the treatment process.
Every phase is planned according to current medical guidelines and the patient’s individual needs.
What You Should Know About Androgen Deficiency
Androgen deficiency is not just a hormonal deficit; it’s a comprehensive health problem whose diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment require a multifaceted specialization process. Although this condition primarily affects men, it can also occur in women with certain symptoms. Especially with increasing age, a natural decrease in testosterone levels (LOH – Late-Onset Hypogonadism) can reach an extent in some individuals that requires medical intervention. Late-onset hypogonadism is a clinical and biochemical syndrome that occurs in adult men in conjunction with low testosterone levels, affecting a variety of organ functions and quality of life.
Endocrinologist Uzm. Dr. Burcu Meryem Atak Sançmış considers not only total testosterone levels but also other hormones such as free testosterone, SHBG, LH, FSH, and prolactin when evaluating androgen deficiency. This way, it can be accurately determined whether the deficiency is hormonal or structural.
Untreated androgen deficiency can contribute to osteoporosis (bone loss), metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, sexual dysfunction, psychological problems, and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are extremely important.
It should be emphasized that treatment is not limited to medication. Uzm. Dr. Atak Sançmış also integrates lifestyle changes into the process. Factors such as improving sleep quality, regular exercise, healthy eating, stress reduction, and avoiding harmful habits directly affect treatment success.
You are in the right place to get all your questions about androgen deficiency answered by an expert and to regain your quality of life through an individualized assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do vitamin supplements help?
While numerous vitamin, antioxidant, or dietary supplements are recommended for individuals with hypogonadism, there are no randomized controlled studies on the efficacy of these treatments.
Does androgen deficiency only occur in older men?
No, androgen deficiency can occur at any age. However, its frequency increases with age. For example, it is 0.1% in men aged 40-49, while it increases to 5.1% in men aged 70-79.
Does androgen deficiency also affect women?
Yes, androgens are present in both men and women. In women, androgen deficiency can lead to symptoms such as decreased sexual desire, fatigue, and reduced bone density.
Does androgen deficiency affect fertility?
Yes, androgen deficiency can reduce sperm production and negatively affect fertility. Therefore, treatment options for men who wish to have children should be carefully considered.
Can androgen deficiency be corrected naturally?
In milder cases of androgen deficiency, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and stress management can positively influence hormone levels.
How are androgen hormone levels affected by physiological aging?
With aging, total testosterone levels decrease by approximately 1-2% annually and by an average of 110 ng/dL per decade.
Can androgen deficiency be corrected by lifestyle changes?
In milder cases of androgen deficiency, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and high-quality sleep can positively influence hormone levels.
Important Notes for Our Patients:
Do not use medications containing testosterone or similar hormones on your own initiative. You can only use these medications if your doctor deems it necessary and prescribes them.
Do not believe recommendations for numerous vitamins and supplements (whose content is unclear) that entice you to non-medical methods to increase sexual performance or stimulate sperm production.
A single hormone measurement or sperm examination is not always accurate. Therefore, your tests must be repeated under appropriate conditions and at appropriate times.
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