Latest research from the mens’ healthcare company, Numan, has identified a significant knowledge gap in relation to TD with nearly half (44%) of men unclear about what it’s, and with low awareness of most of the condition’s key symptoms.
Men’s testosterone levels naturally decline by 1% annually after they hit their thirties. In certain cases, levels can decline to such an extent that they suffer from TD – a debilitating condition (incorrectly labelled by some because the ‘male menopause’) that sees men affected by symptoms including: erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, reduced muscle mass, lower energy levels and low mood. The condition could be reversed through testosterone substitute therapy (TRT), though treatments aren’t widely available on the NHS, meaning most men go untreated.
An estimated 2 million UK men are impacted by the condition. Despite this, understanding of TD is low with over 1 in 10 men (15%) believing it’s an ‘untreatable’ condition, and TD’s symptoms are much more poorly understood.
The least known TD symptoms, in keeping with a Numan survey of adult men:
- Poor focus (84%)
- Poor memory (79%)
- Weaker bones / risk of osteoporosis (75%)
- Weight gain (67%)
- Reduced muscle mass (60%)
- Fatigue and reduced endurance (55%)
Low levels of understanding of TD are compounded by the proven fact that it’s underserved by the NHS and, as a consequence of the character of its symptoms, victims that visit their GP are sometimes referred for other treatments resembling for erectile dysfunction or depression, while the source of the symptoms – low testosterone – goes untreated.
Numan is using its research findings as a call to arms to encourage men to get their levels checked. It comes as Numan launches its latest TD treatment programme. The programme sees patients take a capillary after which a venous blood test to discover their testosterone levels, understand the underlying explanation for their TD, and whether TRT is suitable for them. If levels are low, patients can have an internet consultation with a clinician who provides an summary of treatment options before prescribing a course of medication. From there, testosterone levels and the efficacy and safety of the treatment are monitored through on-going clinical care.
TD is impacting the lives of thousands and thousands of men across the country. Left untreated, TD can have a significant impact on victims, with lack of sex drive, lack of sleep, depression, erectile dysfunction, in addition to reduced muscle mass and strength, all common symptoms.
Our research underlines how poorly understood the condition is. The result’s most men with TD are unaware of the explanation for their problems, and unable to get the treatment they need on the NHS.
Men are suffering in silence, writing off their decline in wellbeing due to low testosterone as a traditional a part of ageing. We would like to bring men’s hormonal health to the forefront of public consciousness, as has been so successfully achieved with women’s hormonal health within the context of the menopause. Men need to age healthily, so that they can get probably the most enjoyment out of their lives for so long as possible.
The excellent news is that TD is well treated. That’s why we’re urging men to take motion on their health by getting their testosterone levels checked in the event that they’re affected by symptoms.”
Dr Luke Pratsides, Head of Medical at Numan