Testosterone levels have been a hot topic of conversation lately, with more people openly discussing the subject. Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist and sexual health expert, notes the shifting conversations around testosterone. This increased awareness is partly due to the breaking down of stigmas surrounding sensitive health issues like erectile dysfunction, fertility, and depression. Additionally, a study has highlighted a decline in testosterone levels among men in the US in recent years.

Online, the discussion around testosterone has been further fueled by the marketing efforts of men’s health clinics leveraging algorithms to reach a wider audience. Dr. Scott D. Miller, the medical director at Wellstar Urology, acknowledges the impact of market forces on healthcare practices.

Despite the marketing hype, understanding testosterone is crucial as it plays a vital role in various bodily functions, such as regulating sex drive, mood, red blood cell production, sperm generation, and muscle building. Dr. Miller emphasizes that testosterone influences every system in the body, and when levels drop below 300 nanograms per deciliter, symptoms like fatigue, low sex drive, depression, and cognitive issues can arise.

However, the decision to check testosterone levels is not always straightforward. Dr. Sanjay B. Dixit, the medical director at Quest Diagnostics, advises against unnecessary testing for asymptomatic individuals. The Endocrine Society’s guidelines from 2018 also discourage testing in otherwise healthy men without symptoms.

If you are not experiencing persistent symptoms associated with low testosterone, there may be no need to undergo testing. Dr. Dixit stresses that unless there are specific concerns, testing solely to explore testosterone levels is not recommended. Even if a test reveals low levels, if you are feeling well, there may be no need for treatment.