What should I do
if I think I have
low testosterone?
1. Complete the ADAM questionnaire
If you think you might have low testosterone, take the ADAM questionnaire. This is a short questionnaire used by HCPs to help find out if you have low testosterone. It’s quick and easy to complete.
Please note that the ADAM questionnaire is not in itself a diagnostic tool. A blood test performed by a GP or specialist is needed to diagnose low testosterone and rule out other health problems with similar symptoms.
If the assessment shows that you may have low testosterone, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your HCP to talk about your symptoms.
Take your completed ADAM questionnaire, as well as our helpful guide, to your appointment.
Please note that the ADAM questionnaire is not in itself a diagnostic tool. A blood test performed by a GP or specialist is needed to diagnose low testosterone and rule out other health problems with similar symptoms.
If the assessment shows that you may have low testosterone, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your HCP to talk about your symptoms.
Take your completed ADAM questionnaire, as well as our helpful guide, to your appointment.
2. Talk to your HCP
Don’t delay
Often people will delay talking with their HCP for months, even years. However, the sooner you talk about the issue, the closer you will be to getting your life and well-being back in balance.
What should I expect?
- When you get to your appointment, your HCP will ask you about your symptoms and assess your health.
- Based on your symptoms/assessment, your HCP will also consider other conditions that present with similar symptoms and advise appropriately.
- If your HCP thinks you might have low testosterone, they might suggest that you have a simple blood test to measure your testosterone levels.
- In case the first blood test is abnormal, another one should be done on a different day, to confirm the diagnosis.
- If your blood results show low testosterone levels and you have symptoms of low testosterone, your HCP may either refer you to a specialist or directly recommend an appropriate course of action.
Get enough rest
Lack of sleep can result in reduced testosterone levels. Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep per night and rearrange your schedule to make rest a
top priority!
Change your diet
Eating a healthy, balanced diet will help you feel better, generally. Consult your HCP to get dietary advice.
Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity has been linked to the development of low testosterone. Losing weight can help increase testosterone levels.
Reduce stress
The stress hormone, cortisol, can reduce your body’s ability to release testosterone. Cutting back on long working hours and increasing daily relaxation activities, such as reading or listening to music,
can help.
Medical treatment
The decision as to which the best treatment option for you should be made by you, after discussion with your HCP. If your testosterone levels are of concern your HCP will advise you appropriately.
Guide to speaking with your HCP
Having a prepared list to hand is a great way to make sure that you remember to ask the important questions and get the answers you need. It will also help you to answer questions your HCP might ask.
Print or email this helpful guide to talking with your HCP
Remember, only your HCP can decide if you need a blood test, so the more information you provide will help them determine what’s best for you.
- “I don’t feel sick; I just don’t feel like myself anymore. What could be causing it?”
- “Are the symptoms I’m experiencing related to low testosterone?” (give your HCP your completed ADAM questionnaire so that you can discuss your symptoms)
- “Is it possible that these symptoms could be caused by something other than low testosterone?”
- “Considering my symptoms, do I need to be tested for low testosterone?”
- “How is low testosterone diagnosed?”
- “How does my diet, fitness and lifestyle affect my testosterone level?”
- “If I need it, what medical treatment options are available for low testosterone?”
- (Where appropriate) “Could my diabetes/high blood pressure/being overweight/any of my medical conditions be related to my low testosterone?”
If you’re taking any prescription medications, over-the-counter medications or vitamin supplements, be sure to tell your HCP.