Do you have health concerns you have been putting off? At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC), you can discuss your symptoms and questions with a health care practitioner.

Medical journals have implied that males tend to refrain from getting advice for their health concerns; in some cases, it may be due to societal standards. “This reluctance means that men often do not seek help until a disease has progressed,” confirms a BMJ article, which goes on to explain, “Late presentation can have serious consequences.” 

Testosterone is a hormone involved in several aspects of male health, including sexual function, muscle development, and bone health. Testosterone levels can vary due to factors such as age, medical conditions, and individual health circumstances. Changes in testosterone levels may be associated with certain symptoms, although these symptoms can also have other underlying causes.

Research has explored the relationship between testosterone levels and various aspects of health, including metabolic function and bone health. Some studies have observed associations between lower testosterone levels and certain medical conditions, although these findings do not necessarily establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Understanding these associations may provide useful context when discussing hormonal health with a qualified healthcare practitioner.

So, what is testosterone and what does it do? The TFMC explains its role and what you can discuss during a health visit.

Gaining Insight into Testosterone: Its Role and Impact on Men

This is a sex hormone with key roles in the growth and physical features of men. Testosterone is formed when the hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which then stimulates the pituitary gland to set the luteinizing hormone (LH) free. LH then takes a “trip” to the testicles, triggering the formation and release of testosterone. 

The hormone contributes to the functioning of several body systems, affecting libido, male characteristics (i.e. hair), muscle size and recovery, bone development, the production of sperm, and more. Low or excessive amounts can affect your stress levels, too. Testosterone is regulated through a “feedback loop”, which controls the amounts of hormones that enter your bloodstream. If there is excessive testosterone in the body, the brain will tell the pituitary gland to slow down the release of LH; then, the testicles will produce less testosterone.

What Are the Possible Signs and Symptoms of Low Testosterone?

Low testosterone may be associated with a range of physical, sexual, and emotional changes. The symptoms experienced can vary from person to person, and some may also be related to other health conditions or lifestyle factors.

Possible signs and symptoms include:

• Reduced sexual desire (low libido)
• Erectile difficulties
• Reduced sperm production or fertility concerns
• Changes in testicular size
• Reduced muscle mass or strength
• Increased body fat
• Reduced body or facial hair
• Hot flashes in some cases
• Low energy or fatigue
• Changes in mood, including depressive symptoms
• Difficulties with concentration or memory

These symptoms do not necessarily indicate testosterone deficiency. A healthcare practitioner may consider an individual’s symptoms, medical history, and appropriate laboratory testing when evaluating potential hormonal concerns.

Testosterone levels may gradually decline with age, although the rate of change varies among individuals. Aging is not the only factor that can influence testosterone levels, as certain medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors may also play a role. When low testosterone is suspected, a healthcare practitioner may consider symptoms, medical history, and appropriate laboratory findings to better understand the possible contributing factors.

There are conventional tests available, and functional medicine testing is offered by Western medicine doctors and integrated health care centres, such as ours. For instance, we would run a DUTCH test for these types of health concerns, and we would measure both testosterone and adrenal hormones. Your practitioner can discuss the results and your next steps after reviewing your health history and symptoms.

Suggested Reading: Functional Medicine Toronto Approach: Herbal Supplements for Supporting Adrenal Function

Discussing your results and next steps

If you are concerned about low testosterone, discuss your symptoms and test results with a qualified health care practitioner. Ask what they mean for your health and whether further tests or other care are needed.

Your next steps depend on your health history and findings. Ask about the possible benefits, risks and alternatives before making a treatment decision.

If you would like to discuss your health concerns with a functional medicine practitioner, contact the TFMC to arrange a consultation. The next section explains our approach to a health visit.

Getting Personalized Treatment Plans at the TFMC

Health goals are personal. This is why our custom approach to health care considers the key components of your individuality. Various aspects of health are deliberated for addressing health concerns, including your entire health history (medical history), lifestyle factors, environmental surroundings, and results from functional lab tests. Once we’ve gathered these components, we can tailor your comprehensive treatment plan. 

In your custom health plan, you may find a wide variety of treatment modalities. This is because we practice integrative medicine, which allows for patients to use health strategies from different sources at once. Our personalized approach to wellness may include Western medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, naturopathic medicine, herbal medicines, intravenous therapy, acupuncture, among others. If IV therapy is advised as adjunct support, your dosages will still be customized through the functional medicine model.   

If you have questions about your health, please contact us to arrange a visit with a functional medicine Toronto provider. Leave us a message to request your initial consultation. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.

 

References

Banks I. No man’s land: men, illness, and the NHS. BMJ. 2001 Nov 3;323(7320):1058-60. doi: 10.1136/bmj.323.7320.1058. PMID: 11691768; PMCID: PMC1121551.

Barone B, Napolitano L, Abate M, Cirillo L, Reccia P, Passaro F, Turco C, Morra S, Mastrangelo F, Scarpato A, Amicuzi U, Morgera V, Romano L, Calace FP, Pandolfo SD, De Luca L, Aveta A, Sicignano E, Trivellato M, Spena G, D’Alterio C, Fusco GM, Vitale R, Arcaniolo D, Crocetto F. The Role of Testosterone in the Elderly: What Do We Know? Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Mar 24;23(7):3535. doi: 10.3390/ijms23073535. PMID: 35408895; PMCID: PMC8998588.

Goodale T, Sadhu A, Petak S, Robbins R. Testosterone and the Heart. Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J. 2017 Apr-Jun;13(2):68-72. doi: 10.14797/mdcj-13-2-68. PMID: 28740585; PMCID: PMC5512682.

Kwon M, Lawn S, Kaine C. Understanding Men’s Engagement and Disengagement When Seeking Support for Mental Health. Am J Mens Health. 2023 Mar-Apr;17(2):15579883231157971. doi: 10.1177/15579883231157971. PMID: 36880329; PMCID: PMC9996733.

Osterberg EC, Bernie AM, Ramasamy R. Risks of testosterone replacement therapy in men. Indian J Urol. 2014 Jan;30(1):2-7. doi: 10.4103/0970-1591.124197. PMID: 24497673; PMCID: PMC3897047.

Smyth APJ, Gammage KL, Lamarche L, Muir C. Examining University Men’s Psychobiological and Behavioral Response-Recovery Profile From a Social-Evaluative Body Image Threat. Am J Mens Health. 2020 Mar-Apr;14(2):1557988320910831. doi: 10.1177/1557988320910831. PMID: 32285747; PMCID: PMC7158253.