Men’s health stigma is still a big reason many men put off seeing a doctor, especially with low testosterone. Even though testosterone deficiency is common and treatable, lots of men wait years before getting help.
The reasons for this delay are multifaceted. Misunderstandings about the body, cultural pressures, mental health and misinformation all play a role.
What is testosterone and why is it important?
Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testes. It’s responsible for regulating your libido, energy levels, muscle mass, bone density and aspects of your emotional and cognitive functioning.
When testosterone levels fall, men may experience symptoms of low T, such as fatigue, low sexual desire, erectile changes, diminished strength, increased body fat, reduced concentration and mood changes.
These symptoms typically appear gradually, making them easy to dismiss as the normal consequences of ageing or the result of factors like stress.
But such symptoms are often treatable with testosterone replacement therapy that’s prescribed by an experienced clinician.
Testosterone and mental health
Low testosterone can also affect mental health. It can lead to low mood, irritability or lack of motivation. On the flip side, stress, anxiety, and poor sleep can also lower testosterone.
This bidirectional relationship often results in symptoms that men attribute to external pressures or personal shortcomings rather than a medical imbalance. As a result, men may attempt to manage the issue on their own, hoping it will resolve without intervention. And if low mood or low motivation is part of the problem, it can make it even harder to reach out for help.
Society tells men to be stoic, self-reliant and strong. Talking about problems, especially sexual or emotional ones, can feel like admitting weakness. And because testosterone is symbolically associated with masculinity, vitality, and competence, some men feel embarrassed discussing a possible deficiency.
This cultural conditioning makes it difficult for men to initiate conversations about symptoms, even with trusted partners or clinicians.
Testosterone and misinformation
Misinformation about testosterone makes things worse. Media stories and marketing often exaggerate or oversimplify testosterone issues, leaving many men unsure about whether their symptoms are clinically significant, or whether TRT is safe.
Without clear, reliable guidance, it’s no surprise many men do nothing, even when their quality of life suffers, and when there are evidence-based medical treatments available.
Low T is frequently undertreated
Testosterone deficiency is often missed. Many men with symptoms never get tested, and even among those diagnosed, concerns about stigma, safety, or necessity often lead to delayed or declined treatment.
But what many men don’t realise is that delaying treatment can affect your overall health and quality of life, including heart and metabolic health.
We need to make talking about men’s health and men’s hormones normal. Such conversations should be treated like any other routine medical topic rather than sensitive or taboo subjects.
Changing the culture around men’s health, and encouraging open conversations with doctors, would make a real difference. With clear information, proper testing, and personalised treatment plans, men can get the care they need before problems affect their quality of life.
Could low T be holding you back?
If you’ve noticed weight gain or a dip in your drive or libido, low testosterone could be a factor. Answer 10 quick questions to assess if low testosterone could be holding you back. It’s the first step towards a tailored testosterone treatment plan, prescribed by expert doctors.
¹Bain, J. “Testosterone and the Aging Male: To Treat or Not to Treat?” Maturitas
, vol. 66, no. 1, 2010, pp. 16–22. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20153946/.
²Bhasin, S., et al. “Testosterone Therapy in Men with Hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol. 103, no. 5, 2018, pp. 1715–1744. 10.1210/jc.2018-00229.
³Corona, G., et al. “Testosterone and Metabolic Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis Study.” Journal of Sexual Medicine, vol. 11, no. 8, 2014, pp. 2156–2169. 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01991.x.
⁴Corona, G., L. Vignozzi, A. Sforza, and M. Maggi. “Obesity and Late-Onset Hypogonadism.” Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, vol. 518, 2020, 110930. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26143633/.
⁵Feldman, H. A., et al. “Age Trends in the Level of Serum Testosterone and Other Hormones in Middle-Aged Men: Longitudinal Results from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol. 87, no. 2, 2002, pp. 589–598. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-abstract/87/2/589/2846777.
⁶Grossmann, M., and A. M. Matsumoto. “A Perspective on Middle-Aged and Older Men with Functional Hypogonadism: Focus on Holistic Management.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol. 102, no. 3, 2017, pp. 1067–1075. 10.1210/jc.2016-3580.
⁷Hall, S. A., G. R. Esche, and A. B. Araujo. “Testosterone Deficiency in Older Men: Prevalence, Clinical Implications, and Diagnosis.” Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, vol. 9, no. 2, 2008, pp. 113–120.10.1177/1756287215612961.
⁸Krausz, C. “Male Hypogonadism: Clinical Features and Management.” Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, vol. 8, no. 7, 2020, pp. 654–666. 10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00199-2.
⁹Mulhall, J. P., et al. “Evaluation and Management of Testosterone Deficiency: AUA Guideline.” Journal of Urology, vol. 200, no. 2, 2018, pp. 423–432. 10.1016/j.juro.2018.03.115.
¹⁰Tajar, A., et al. “Characteristics of Androgen Deficiency in Late-Onset Hypogonadism: Results from the European Male Aging Study.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol. 95, no. 4, 2010, pp. 1810–1818. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2011-2513.
¹¹Travison, T. G., et al. “Harmonized Reference Ranges for Circulating Testosterone Levels in Men of Four Cohort Studies in the United States and Europe.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol. 96, no. 10, 2011, pp. 3050–3058. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2016-2935.
