Hypogonadism is low testosterone accompanied by symptoms such as low libido, fatigue, low mood, and reduced muscle mass. Diagnosis requires low morning testosterone confirmed on two separate tests, not symptoms or a single reading. Causes range from testicular problems (primary) to pituitary/hypothalamic ones (secondary). Treatment may include TRT when appropriate.
Also known as
low testosteronelow T
Related terms
- TRT
- Prescription testosterone (gel, injection, or pellet) for men with clinically low, symptomatic levels.
- Free testosterone
- The fraction of testosterone not bound to proteins and available to tissues — often more telling than total.
- SHBG
- A blood protein that binds sex hormones; high SHBG lowers usable (free) testosterone.