Christian Jessen
Men across the UK are being urged to ‘Revive Your Drive’ following the launch of a new campaign to raise awareness of Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TDS).
The campaign developed by Bayer Schering Pharma aims to encourage men who may be suffering from TDS to ask themselves 10 quick questions , to determine whether they need to get their testosterone levels checked.
Men particularly at risk include those with erectile dysfunction (ED) or Type 2 diabetes mellitus1 and common signs include diminished sexual desire/libido1, lethargy and fatigue.
Dr. Christian Jessen explains, "The purpose of this campaign is to support men that are experiencing features of testosterone deficiency syndrome and to encourage them to talk to their GP about their testosterone level.
"Up to 37% of men with erectile dysfunction and 42% of men with Type 2 diabetes have symptomatic TDS4. TDS is often left under-diagnosed and under-treated in adult men, even though treating TDS with testosterone replacement therapy has shown great benefits in improving diabetic control, mood, and sexual desire and function in men.
"It is widely recommended that all patients with erectile dysfunction should have their testosterone levels checked."
Low testosterone levels have also been shown to be correlated with an increased death rate in men, reduced sexual health, specifically libido and it is often observed in the presence of common chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. Although relatively unknown, TDS is quite common, affecting between one in every 200 men11 and one in ten men over the age of 50 years.
ED patients often share the same risk factors as testosterone deficient patients, i.e. abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia and diabetes mellitus. The key features of TDS include:
· Lethargy and fatigue
· Erectile dysfunction (ED)
· Diminished sexual desire/libido
· Increased abdominal fat (waist circumference > 102cm)
· Depressed mood or irritability
· Decreased cognitive function
· Hot flushes or sweating
· Decreased lean body mass and muscle volume/strength
· Decreased body hair and skin alterations
· Low sperm count
· Low bone mineral density or increased incidence of fractures
Testosterone replacement therapies are effective for treating the features of TDS and are available in a number of formulations:
· Transdermal gel
· Long-acting injection
· Short-acting injections
· Patch
· Oral treatment
· Subcutaneous implants
The ADAM Test15
Take the following 1 minute test to see if you have any of the features of TDS:
1. Do you have a decrease in libido (sex drive)?
2. Do you have a lack of energy?
3. Do you have a decrease in strength and endurance?
4. Have you lost height?
5. Have you noticed a decreased `enjoyment of life’?
6. Are you sad and/or grumpy?
7. Are your erections less strong?
8. Have you noticed a recent deterioration in your ability to play sports?
9. Are you falling asleep after dinner?
10. Has there been a recent deterioration in your work performance?
Your answers:
- No to all questions - you are not likely to need further tests
- Yes to question 1 or 7, or at least three of the other questions you may have low testosterone15 and should speak to your doctor or nurse about checking your testosterone levelsA