Male hypogonadism is when the testicles don’t make enough of the male sex hormone testosterone. When these hormone levels are low, men might have less of a sex drive, less muscle mass (the amount of muscle in your body), erectile dysfunction (problems getting and keeping an erection), and extreme tiredness.

To diagnose male hypogonadism, your doctor will need to check your testosterone levels with a blood test. This test should be done in the morning, usually between 07:00 and 10:00, after fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water).

Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone that helps develop male traits and supports overall health. It is mostly made in the testicles.

The brain plays an important role in helping the testicles make testosterone. The pituitary gland (a gland at the base of the brain) sends signals to the testicles. These signals tell the testicles to make testosterone and sperm. It’s all part of a system that works together to keep the body healthy and balanced.

Men’s bodies make less testosterone as they get older. Low testosterone can also develop in adulthood because of health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, or metabolic syndrome. Women also produce testosterone, but in much smaller amounts than men.

Testosterone also affects mood, energy, and sex drive.
For men, testosterone is important for making sperm and keeping bones strong.
In women, it’s present in smaller amounts and helps with muscle strength, keeping bones strong, and sex drive.

Overall, testosterone is important for both physical and emotional well-being. Men’s bodies make less testosterone as they get older.

Which applies to you?