Why Hormone Health Should Be the Standard Part of Men's Health Care

Hormone health is something we are not talking about enough when it comes to male care. Low testosterone is usually brushed off, just the normal part of aging or is attributed to stress, ignoring that it is a medical condition that can have a real impact on a man’s feelings and ease of treatment. We often hear letters from members telling us they know something is wrong and they no longer feel like they are, but their healthcare providers never suggest that testosterone could be a problem, let alone testosterone levels.

I have a patient in my 40s who, after a series of medical procedures, began to feel “deviated”. He has been exhausted, lost his muscles, and felt unusually low. Despite visiting his doctors several times over the years, he has never been screened for testosterone deficiency. His level was dangerously lowered when he finally asked for a test himself. He felt that there were several years of nights that were night, but his testosterone levels were never mentioned in any clinical visit. By the time of diagnosis, he had been unnecessarily coping with unexplained symptoms for nearly a decade.

Unfortunately, this story is not uncommon. Testosterone deficiency is common in men over the age of 40, but is usually unrecognizable. Many men don’t know that they should be screened, while others may feel uncomfortable. In some cases, even if patients ask for testing, they will face challenges, whether it is insurance barriers, whether arrangement delays are taken seriously. All of these factors can hinder the access to proper care.

Understand testosterone deficiency

Testosterone deficiency or gonadal insufficiency is estimated to be 10% to 40% of men over 40 years of age, according to the diagnostic criteria and population studied. This condition is characterized by a decrease in testosterone production as you age, usually starting in your 30s. Common symptoms include fatigue, low sexual desire, mood changes, reduced muscle mass and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms are vague and are usually the effects of a busy, stressful lifestyle. Unfortunately, the end result is usually a patient who does not recognize that there are bigger problems, or is a provider who is reluctant to prescribe testosterone.

Another patient, who is in his 50s, has received cancer treatment before. He has been on hormone therapy for a while and has performed well, but when insurance issues have caused his treatment to be interrupted for several months, he just stopped feeling himself. He felt completely exhausted his energy or emotional stability and could not get through the day. Once testosterone therapy is restarted, things start to change. His symptoms have improved, reminding us how profound the effects of hormones have on physical and mental functions.

Diagnostic disorders

Although symptoms of low testosterone are common, only about 4% of men with low testosterone symptoms have actually tested it. Most doctors don’t usually check testosterone levels and will only be screened if the patient asks them. But why should patients figure out what tests they need?

Historically, men are less likely to take the initiative to seek medical services. Cultural expectations about masculinity can lead to this trend, leading to delaying or avoiding medical care due to embarrassment, stigma or belief that it should be “made difficult”. The lack of awareness further complicates things because many people don’t know that hormonal problems may be the source of their feelings.

Cost is a huge barrier to treatment. Without insurance or without plans, testing, appointments and prescriptions that offer too much coverage can quickly become unbearable. Some patients may skip tests or treatments due to financial problems, which may exacerbate symptoms and, in the long run, difficult situations become more difficult.

Routine screening

As men age, testosterone levels naturally drop. Sometimes, this decline is so gradual that it does not really cause any obvious changes. But for others it can be harder, affecting energy, emotions, motivations and even how they feel in their own skin. Men with testicular cancer, chronic diseases, metabolic problems, or some history of surgery are particularly at risk, and regular screening can make a big difference for them.

If we start treating testosterone tests like any other part of preventive care, especially for men in high-risk groups, we may experience defects early and provide people with the help they need before symptoms start to affect their daily lives.

Benefits and considerations

Men are most often involved in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Depending on the patient, it can be delivered as a gel, injection, plaque or long-acting pellet.

Testosterone therapy can help confirm energy, mood, sexual desire, and muscle mass in men when used properly. Some patients also reported better sleep, clearer thinking and more emotional stability. Recently, I had a patient confirming that TRT made him finally feel “consistent” again. More evenly, able to appear in his work and more in his relationship with his partner. Others say they feel more motivated, more capable of exercising and more engaged in their daily lives.

There is growing evidence that testosterone treatment may support metabolic health, bone strength and cardiovascular markers. Although more research is still needed, these findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis, thoughtful prescriptions, and ongoing monitoring.

Like any treatment, hormone therapy must be personalized. For the right patients, HRT can be a powerful approach that can make people lack this energy, focus and stability. When thoughtful and done with the right support, hormone therapy can really help someone feel more like they are once again.

The way forward

Testosterone deficiency deserves our attention to any other age-related health issues. When patients propose low energy, mood changes, or reduced sexual desire, the provider can play an important role here, thus playing an important role here. For men over 40, especially those with chronic illnesses, rehabilitation from surgery or metabolic problems, routine hormone screening may be an important part of preventive health care.

On the other hand, men should work with their doctor to address hormone health, especially when they notice the ongoing changes in their emotions, energy, or physical performance. Honest conversations, timely testing and tailor-made treatment plans will surely have a positive impact on a person’s life.

Most importantly, men should be aware of available HRTs and have access to potentially life-changing care.

Photo: 3283197D_273, Getty Images

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