Galway men who feel they may have lost their 'lust for life' can take hope today as a new men's health awareness campaign has been launched to highlight testosterone deficiency. Marie Madden reports.

Testosterone production declines naturally with age. Low testosterone, or testosterone deficiency (TD), may result from disease or damage to the hypothalamus, pituitary gland or testicles that inhibits hormone secretion and testosterone production, and is also known as hypogonadism.

Testosterone is the androgenic hormone primarily responsible for normal growth and development of male sex and reproductive organs, including the penis, testicles, scrotum, prostate and seminal vesicles. It also facilitates the development of secondary male sex characteristics, such as musculature, bone mass, fat distribution, hair patterns, laryngeal enlargement and vocal chord thickening. Additionally, normal testosterone levels maintain energy level, healthy mood, fertility and sexual desire.

Testosterone Deficiency is characterised by low levels of testosterone and is an under-diagnosed medical condition most common in men over 40 years of age. It is estimated that TD may occur in eight per cent of men in the 40 to 49 age group and occurs in a rising scale thereafter, affecting 12 per cent of men in the 50 to 59 year age group; 19 per cent of men at 60 to 69 years of age; 28 per cent of men aged 70 to 79 and occurs in almost half of men (49 per cent) over 80 years of age. TD can cause a variety of changes to your health, both physical and emotional.

Some of the key symptoms associated with testosterone deficiency include tiredness, weight gain, loss of libido and feeling down. Sleep disturbance, inability to concentrate, loss of erections, joint and muscle pain, memory loss and excessive sweating are also commonly experienced.

"Approximately six per cent of Irish men are deficient in testosterone, however very few are aware of their diagnosis. Traditionally many men accept these symptoms are part of the aging process, however for some the symptoms are so severe that they can alter a person's quality of life. I would encourage men to visit www.lustforlife.ie and, if they recognise several of the symptoms listed on the site, to seek a follow up consultation with their GP," said Dr Peter Wahlrab.

The long term implications of testosterone deficiency include reduced bone mass that may lead to osteoporosis, decreased muscle size and strength and increased weight gain, decreased virility, decreased hair growth, smaller/softer testes and an increase in breast size.

Testosterone Deficiency is treated by administering testosterone, which is available in a number of forms including a colourless, odourless gel or an injection. Once a diagnosis of low testosterone has been made, the testosterone treatment can begin. Studies have demonstrated improved levels of overall wellbeing with testosterone replacement.

Recent studies reveal that Irish men are reluctant to visit their GP as they don't believe their symptoms are serious enough to warrant treatment. However, if the correct diagnosis is considered to be TD, treatment is proven to reduce the symptoms of testosterone deficiency and return testosterone levels to normal levels.

Investigations have found that testosterone therapy results in restored levels of sexual interest, body and muscle mass, bone density, mood and more energy. For more information and a checklist of symptoms visit: www.lustforlife.ie or speak to your GP for advice.

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