Types of Testosterone Deficiency <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hypogonadism has two types, which are determined by where the issue of your lack of testosterone lies: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Primary Hypogonadism \u2013<\/strong> also called hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, this is diagnosed when your testosterone deficiency is caused by an abnormality in the testes. This can also be your diagnosis even if you reach the passing mark for a healthy testosterone range if the level of your luteinising hormone is excessive. This is because your pituitary gland is often trying to compensate for the lack of testosterone by releasing more hormones.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Secondary Hypogonadism \u2013 <\/strong>also called hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, this condition happens when your testosterone deficiency is caused by a lack of luteinising hormone or gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Remember, your endocrine system needs to signal your body to start biological processes. Your testes may be capable of producing enough testosterone, but if there\u2019s nothing ordering them to, you\u2019ll still be dealing with low testosterone.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Both primary and secondary hypogonadism can be caused by genetic conditions that damage your testes, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland. It can also be due to inflammation caused by an infection, collateral damage from chemotherapy, injury, or another chronic disease. Kidney failure, liver scarring, diabetes, alcohol addiction, and obesity contribute to both secondary hypogonadism and sexual dysfunctions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consequences of Having Low Testosterone <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The effects of low testosterone coincide with symptoms of other conditions like hypothyroidism and mood disorders, which is why it\u2019s important to get tested. It becomes even more imperative if you display many of these: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Muscular Atrophy <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Muscular atrophy<\/a> is the term for when you\u2019re losing muscle mass. Most men don\u2019t notice that their shrinking muscles are not just because of their lack of exercise, but that it\u2019s mainly caused by low testosterone secretion<\/a>. Testosterone deficiency can also lead to fatigue and loss of motivation, so one can become more sedentary. Note that testosterone is responsible for muscular and skeletal growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Testicular Atrophy <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your muscles aren\u2019t the only thing that can be reduced by a lack of testosterone. Your testicles themselves can also shrink. Testicular atrophy<\/a> and testosterone deficiency have a bidirectional relationship, which means they affect each other. Hypogonadism can be triggered by testicular atrophy caused by a sexually transmitted disease like HIV\/AIDS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/menshealthclinic.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/05\/2-8-1024x538.png?wsr\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nErectile Dysfunction <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Testosterone triggers the penile tissues to release nitric oxide<\/a>. Nitric oxide is necessary for your penile vessels to relax and dilate so that blood can enter for an erection. If your blood vessels remain constricted, you inevitably experience a weakened erection<\/a>. Studies<\/a> show a strong link between low testosterone and erectile dysfunction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Low Libido <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another sexual problem you might encounter due to low testosterone is a lack of sexual desire<\/a>. Sex drive is often spearheaded by increased circulating testosterone. Some attribute morning wood<\/a> to your testosterone being at its peak in the morning. Of course, the fatigue and mood swings that result from testosterone deficiency also make it harder to be in the mood for sex. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Infertility <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Testosterone is crucial for sperm production<\/a>. Not having enough testosterone often leads to oligospermia<\/a> (low sperm count) or azoospermia<\/a> (zero sperm count). Additionally, the pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone, alongside luteinising hormone, to signal sperm production. Oligospermia can make it difficult for couples to conceive because there aren\u2019t enough sperm cells to try and penetrate an egg cell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hair Loss <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Balding or a receding hairline aside, do you notice that you simply don\u2019t have much hair in the armpit and pubic area? That\u2019s a big sign of low testosterone<\/a>. Note that testosterone is responsible for the development of male characteristics, which is why men tend to have a beard or hairy limbs. Males also lose testosterone as they age<\/a>, which is why balding is common among older men. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gynecomastia <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you barely have any testosterone, chances are your oestrogen<\/a> levels are high. Luteinising hormone, which triggers the release of testosterone, balances oestrogen levels in men. Just as testosterone affects the size of your penis, oestrogen affects the size of your breasts. If you have too much oestrogen, your breasts may become enlarged<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anaemia <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A lesser-known function of testosterone is its role in red blood cell production<\/a>. Not only does testosterone help stimulate the production of your erythrocytes, another term for red blood cells, but it also keeps your iron levels sufficient and contributes to the survival of your red blood cells. Research<\/a> shows a correlation between anaemia and testosterone deficiency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fatigue <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anaemia aside, a lack of testosterone can result in exhaustion<\/a>, which may also be why men with testosterone deficiency often have trouble concentrating<\/a>. Testosterone is necessary for male metabolism and strength. If there\u2019s less testosterone, your body may become more inefficient with its processes, causing greater energy consumption and a resulting feeling of tiredness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depression <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some studies show a relationship between testosterone and depression<\/a> through serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that\u2019s more commonly known as the happy hormone. Lacking serotonin is linked to depression, which is why selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are one of the treatment options for depression. Serotonin<\/a> is also necessary for ejaculatory control. This may be why some men with hypogonadism also experience premature ejaculation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What To Do If You Suspect You Have Hypogonadism <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re experiencing most of the negative impacts of testosterone deficiency listed above, here are the steps you should take: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Test your testosterone levels \u2013 <\/strong>talk to your doctor about your symptoms. They will refer you for a total testosterone level blood test<\/a>. If the test results confirm low testosterone, they will most likely refer you for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Check for dietary deficiency \u2013 <\/strong>sometimes, dietary deficiencies like a lack of vitamin D<\/a> and zinc<\/a> can result in some of the symptoms. If you\u2019ve tested for both testosterone deficiency and hypothyroidism yet the results show as normal, check for these.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Avoid stress at all costs \u2013 <\/strong>cortisol, the stress hormone, throttles your testosterone<\/a> production. It\u2019s also a risk factor for sexual dysfunctions and chronic diseases. Try to use stress management activities like meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Don\u2019t compromise sleep \u2013<\/strong> if you\u2019re frequently sleep deprived<\/a>, you may end up with low testosterone. This is because sleep is crucial for regulating testosterone and cortisol. Not having enough sleep can spike your cortisol levels<\/a>, which will hinder testosterone release.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Try resistance training \u2013<\/strong> resistance training has been shown to be one of the exercises<\/a> that stimulate testosterone the most<\/a>. Note that if your testes, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland is damaged, you may still have low testosterone, but exercise will keep you healthy.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Eat the right food \u2013 <\/strong>you should aim for a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, meat, and seafood. Avoid products that have been heavily processed, like crisps, canned instant food, and takeaways. You may also want to incorporate more testosterone-enhancing foods<\/a> into your meals while reducing sugar consumption<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Reduce alcohol intake \u2013<\/strong> low to moderate alcohol consumption may not pose as much risk to your testosterone levels. However, long-term heavy consumption of alcohol<\/a> will lower your testosterone. Alcohol may also trigger erectile dysfunction<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Get into TRT \u2013<\/strong> TRT is the main treatment for hypogonadism. It can come in the form of gels, patches, injectables, pellets, and pills. However, some conditions that trigger low testosterone, like obesity<\/a>, may be treatable without TRT.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/menshealthclinic.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/05\/3-2.png?wsr\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nConclusion <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not only can low testosterone wreak havoc on your intimacy, but it also takes a significant toll on your quality of life. So, if you think you may have hypogonadism, please get checked ASAP. And if you’re also suffering from ED or PE, our team of experts will gladly step in to help. Book an appointment<\/a><\/strong> with us to begin regaining your sexual wellness!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Testosterone is more than just a sex hormone. We tend to associate testosterone with sexual performance or being buff. But did you know that lacking testosterone can become debilitating? This article provides an in-depth discussion on the steep price of living with testosterone deficiency. What is Hypogonadism? Hypogonadism, also called testosterone deficiency, occurs when a… Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3327,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3324","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-and-wellness"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/menshealthclinic.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3324","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/menshealthclinic.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/menshealthclinic.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/menshealthclinic.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/menshealthclinic.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3324"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/menshealthclinic.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3324\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3330,"href":"https:\/\/menshealthclinic.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3324\/revisions\/3330"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/menshealthclinic.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3327"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/menshealthclinic.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3324"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/menshealthclinic.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3324"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/menshealthclinic.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3324"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- Get into TRT \u2013<\/strong> TRT is the main treatment for hypogonadism. It can come in the form of gels, patches, injectables, pellets, and pills. However, some conditions that trigger low testosterone, like obesity<\/a>, may be treatable without TRT.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Reduce alcohol intake \u2013<\/strong> low to moderate alcohol consumption may not pose as much risk to your testosterone levels. However, long-term heavy consumption of alcohol<\/a> will lower your testosterone. Alcohol may also trigger erectile dysfunction<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Eat the right food \u2013 <\/strong>you should aim for a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, meat, and seafood. Avoid products that have been heavily processed, like crisps, canned instant food, and takeaways. You may also want to incorporate more testosterone-enhancing foods<\/a> into your meals while reducing sugar consumption<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Try resistance training \u2013<\/strong> resistance training has been shown to be one of the exercises<\/a> that stimulate testosterone the most<\/a>. Note that if your testes, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland is damaged, you may still have low testosterone, but exercise will keep you healthy.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Don\u2019t compromise sleep \u2013<\/strong> if you\u2019re frequently sleep deprived<\/a>, you may end up with low testosterone. This is because sleep is crucial for regulating testosterone and cortisol. Not having enough sleep can spike your cortisol levels<\/a>, which will hinder testosterone release.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Avoid stress at all costs \u2013 <\/strong>cortisol, the stress hormone, throttles your testosterone<\/a> production. It\u2019s also a risk factor for sexual dysfunctions and chronic diseases. Try to use stress management activities like meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Check for dietary deficiency \u2013 <\/strong>sometimes, dietary deficiencies like a lack of vitamin D<\/a> and zinc<\/a> can result in some of the symptoms. If you\u2019ve tested for both testosterone deficiency and hypothyroidism yet the results show as normal, check for these.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Test your testosterone levels \u2013 <\/strong>talk to your doctor about your symptoms. They will refer you for a total testosterone level blood test<\/a>. If the test results confirm low testosterone, they will most likely refer you for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Secondary Hypogonadism \u2013 <\/strong>also called hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, this condition happens when your testosterone deficiency is caused by a lack of luteinising hormone or gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Remember, your endocrine system needs to signal your body to start biological processes. Your testes may be capable of producing enough testosterone, but if there\u2019s nothing ordering them to, you\u2019ll still be dealing with low testosterone.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n