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Can Low Testosterone Cause Fatigue And Irritability?

Posted on Mon, 24 Apr 2023

Question: Hello, Im. 33 year old male. Married and father of 3. I started to feel really off for about a year now. Tired, sluggish, irritable, and my most noticeable symptoms anxiety and depression. I didnt know why i was feeling like this and visited a few doctors who checked me out. Blood work was fine so all they wanted to do was give me anti depressants. So i got tested for testosterone a few weeks ago and my total was 205 and free testosterone was 4.7. Could this be causing my symptoms??? What are my options? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:

About low testosterone;

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The total testosterone level you reported is low for your age and free testosterone at the lower ranges.

Low testosterone can be manifested with fatigue, low sex drive, muscle weakness, and mood disorders, usually, these symptoms are combined when the levels are too low.

First, you need to exclude some pathologies that cause low testosterone (thyroid and pituitary pathologies the most common) and treat them accordingly.

Otherwise, testosterone therapy should be initiated.

If the symptoms improve with testosterone increase, then there is no need to start treatment for depression.

Anyway, if your physician noticed that the situation is severe, then he may decide to treat it without waiting for testosterone correction.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Mirjeta Guni, Endocrinologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (22 minutes later)

Thank you for your answer. Well as far as depression goes, i would say its rather mild with a few intense bouts here and there. Im still able to go to work and take care of things. But its still there so that part still sucks. However Since i found out about low t a few weeks ago, i have joined a gym and work out 3-5 times a week, quit fast food and sodas, i eat healthier, etc.. would i be able to optimize testosterone levels naturally??? And if i start testosterone treatment would that be for life??

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:

Check other hormones

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

As I mentioned before I would suggest to rule out other pathologies that cause low testosterone levels (TSH, FSH, LH, Prolactin) would be of help.

I think there should be a pathology causing such low levels and once it is treated, testosterone goes back to normal.

You are too young to have such low levels caused by natural problems and it is difficult to be corrected with diet and physical activity.

Will be a pleasure to help you further.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Mirjeta Guni, Endocrinologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (38 minutes later)

Thank you...i will pay and get those checked. If something comes back abnormal, how are they treated?

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:

About low testosterone causes:

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Usually the hormonal abnormalities are treated with oral tablets (except of testosterone that may be in injections).

In rare cases (big prolactinomas) surgery may be necessary.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Mirjeta Guni, Endocrinologist

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy