Low Testosterone: What You Should Know

  • As men age, their testosterone levels may drop.

     

    A. Myth

     

    B. Fact

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is fact. Testosterone levels may drop over time as a man ages. This drop is normal and many men don't even notice it. But if levels get too low, some symptoms may develop. See your doctor if you notice changes in your mood or sex drive.

  • Which physical change could be a sign of low testosterone?

     

    A. Increase in body hair

     

    B. Higher voice

     

    C. Swollen breasts

     

    D. Loss of body fat

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is swollen breasts. Men with low testosterone also may lose body hair and muscle mass. Their testicles may shrink. See your doctor if you notice any of these changes in your body.

  • It is normal for older men to lose all interest in sex.

     

    A. Myth

     

    B. Fact

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is myth. It is normal for older men to have less interest in sex compared to when they were younger. But it is not normal to lose all interest in sex. This could be a sign of low testosterone levels. Tell your doctor if you have lost interest in sex. Treatment may help.

  • Low testosterone can cause trouble getting an erection.

     

    A. Myth

     

    B. Fact

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is fact. Low testosterone can make it difficult to get or keep an erection. It can also lead to low sperm counts. Erection problems are also called erectile dysfunction, or ED. Health problems, such as high blood pressure, and many medications can also cause ED. See your doctor to find out may be causing ED.

  • Which emotional change could be a sign of low testosterone?

     

    A. Depression

     

    B. Irritability

     

    C. Trouble concentrating

     

    D. All of the above

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is all of the above. Some men also have hot flashes as testosterone levels drop. Emotional changes can make it hard to work, sleep, or do things you enjoy. Be sure you talk with your doctor if these symptoms occur.

  • A simple blood test can detect low testosterone.

     

    A. Myth

     

    B. Fact

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is fact. If you have ED, have lost interest in sex, or have other symptoms such as swollen breasts, your doctor may check for low testosterone. To do the test, your doctor will draw a sample of blood. Sometimes, more than one blood test is needed to accurately diagnose low testosterone.

  • Aging is the only cause of low testosterone.

     

    A. True

     

    B. False

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is false. Some medications, some cancers, problems with genes, injury to the testicles and other health problems can cause low testosterone. Your doctor can do tests to find out what is causing low testosterone.

  • Low testosterone can make a man's bones weaker.

     

    A. Myth

     

    B. Fact

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is fact. Low testosterone can lead to osteoporosis, a condition that causes thinner bones that may break more easily. If you have low testosterone, your doctor may recommend a bone density test see if you have osteoporosis.

  • Testosterone therapy can help:

     

    A. Build muscles and bones

     

    B. Improve sex drive and ability to get an erection

     

    C. Reduce depression and tiredness

     

    D. All of the above

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is all of the above. Testosterone therapy means taking testosterone to bring levels closer to normal. This can reduce the changes caused by low testosterone, but not everyone responds to testosterone therapy.

  • Testosterone therapy is a good idea for all older men.

     

    A. Myth

     

    B. Fact

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is myth. Some men don't need treatment for low testosterone because they don't have symptoms. Testosterone therapy isn't good idea for healthy older men who don't have low testosterone. It may increase the risk of prostate cancer. Your doctor can help you decide if testosterone therapy is right for you.