MEN’ S HEALTH
Why
MATTERS
BY CHARIS TORRANCE
TESTOSTERONE GOES BEYOND THE GYM; THIS HORMONE PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN YOUR EVERYDAY WELLBEING, WHICH IS WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO RECOGNISE THE SYMPTOMS WHEN YOUR LEVELS ARE LOW.
measurement is a good screening tool,” but adds that“ two measurements are required to confirm a low testosterone level.” So if symptoms sound familiar, a GP visit is a solid first step.
When most people think of testosterone, they picture hulking giants pumping iron. But the reality is that low testosterone can quietly affect a man’ s energy, mood, relationships, and longterm wellbeing. And because its symptoms can be subtle or overlap with other conditions, many men shrug them off or chalk them up to stress, age or lifestyle. But paying attention to the signals matters.
According to Dr Zodwa Dire, endocrinologist at Mediclinic Morningside, the signs of low testosterone vary depending on when the problem begins.“ If onset is prior to puberty, symptoms include failure to complete puberty,” she explains.“ If onset is after puberty, symptoms can be nonspecific with decreased vigour, low mood, decreased libido, infertility, reduced muscle mass and gynaecomastia among others.” Because these symptoms are vague, they’ re often tricky to distinguish from other health issues, which is exactly why men shouldn’ t ignore them.
Diagnosis is fairly straightforward, but it does require proper testing. Dr Dire notes that“ a fasting morning serum testosterone
For men diagnosed with low testosterone, treatment options exist, but they’ re not one-sizefits-all. Testosterone replacement therapy( TRT) can be effective, and as Dr Dire puts it,“ the pros of TRT is that it restores the testosterone level to normal concentration.” However, it’ s not without drawbacks.“ The cons are it can increase blood haemoglobin levels, can increase prostate size and increases risk of developing clots in veins,” she cautions. Because of this, TRT should only be used when medically necessary and carefully supervised.
Lifestyle also plays a surprisingly meaningful role. Diets very low in fat have been linked to reduced testosterone, while regular exercise can give levels a natural boost. And sleep, often overlooked, is essential.“ Adequate sleep is necessary for testosterone production,” Dr Dire emphasises.
Leaving low testosterone untreated isn’ t harmless. Over time, men may face“ loss of muscle mass, increased fat mass, low bone mineral density and gynaecomastia,” says Dr Dire.
The bottom line? If something feels“ off”, don’ t brush it aside. Understanding the symptoms and seeking early advice can make a real difference to long-term health. IB
52 INBOUND SA / JANUARY 2026