Hypogonadism is also known as Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TDS) or Andropause.
Hypogonadism is the medical term for having a very low testosterone (Low “T”) level.
What are the causes of Testosterone Deficiency syndrome (Hypogonadism)?
It is caused when the testicles do not function normally or when internal hormone production is out of balance.
It affects men of any age.
- Testosterone so important as it not only enables a man to have an erection and experience sexual desire (libido)
- It is also important for
- positive mood
- physical energy
- maintaining muscles
- maintaining healthy bones
Because of this, the effects of low testosterone may cause symptoms of
- Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
- Loss of sexual interest (libido)
- Lack of energy and concentration
- Depression
- loss of facial and body hair
- Increased risk of developing fragile bones (osteoporosis)
- Muscular weakness
- Increased breast tissue (gynecomastia)
- Small firm testicles
Read more about the other Causes of Erectile Dysfunction and Erectile Dysfunction Treatment.
A short video on Andropause (Male Menopause):
There are three main types of hypogonadism (Testosterone deficiency syndrome:
1.) Primary hypogonadism
Primary hypogonadism is the term used for low testosterone resulting from a problem within the testes.
This may be due to a genetic cause such as Klinefelter’s syndrome and Kallmann syndrome.
Or
Due to physical damage to, or removal of, one or both of the testes.
2.) Secondary hypogonadism
Secondary hypogonadism is when the complex hormonal system responsible for producing male sex hormones goes out of balance or breaks down.
When the system works properly the testosterone level is kept within a normal range.
3.) Late-onset hypogonadism
Late-onset hypogonadism which is often left undiagnosed tends to develop later in life.
If you think you have low testosterone levels, you can visit your doctor for full medical assessment, physical examination, and further blood tests.
This will determine whether your symptoms are due to primary or secondary hypogonadism.
The blood tests are usually done in the morning as this is when the testosterone in your blood is naturally at its highest.
If a genetic cause is suspected, this blood test will include a chromosome analysis as well as measuring your testosterone level.
You might need to undergo a few more tests, which may include looking for enlargement of the pituitary gland (which regulates the testosterone level in your blood). This is usually done by an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or a CT (computed tomography) scan.
Sometimes a bone density scan (a special scan of your hips and spine) may be recommended to check whether there is any sign of the weakening of the bones (osteoporosis), which can occur when low testosterone is left untreated.
Although these seem like a lot of tests to perform, these steps are very important in making an accurate diagnosis of hypogonadism and may influence the management and treatment you receive.
Treatment is aimed at restoring the normal level of testosterone to improve wellbeing, sexual function, quality of life and to prevent the development of osteoporosis.
There are now several preparations of testosterone available, all of which require your doctor to prescribe.
Whichever type of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) you take, you will need blood tests at regular intervals to check testosterone levels and ensure you do not develop side effects of treatment.
Different types of testosterone preparation available which includes:
Partner Clinics
1) DTAP Clinic @Somerset
Men’s Lifestyle Clinic
Address: 1 Grange Road, #10-08 Orchard Building (Office Tower), Singapore 239693
Telephone: +65 6262 0762
WhatsApp: +65 8372 8393 (For Appointment Only)
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time: Monday to Thursday: 9.30 am – 2.00 pm & 3.00 pm – 6.30 pm Friday: 9.30 am – 1.00 pm & 2.00 pm – 6.30 pm Saturday: 9.00 am – 1.00 pm Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays
Nearest MRT Station: Somerset MRT Station
2) DTAP Clinic @Novena
Men’s Health & Sexual Health Clinic
Address: 10 Sinaran Drive, #08-31 Novena Medical Centre, Singapore 307506
Telephone: +65 6397 2095
WhatsApp: +65 9859 8376 (For Appointment Only)
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time: Monday to Friday: 8.30 am – 5.30 pm Saturday: 9.00 am – 1.00 pm Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays
Nearest MRT Station: Novena MRT Station (Exit A)
3) DTAP Clinic @Holland Village
Men’s Health & Sexual Health Clinic
Address: 15B Lorong Liput, (Next to Holland Piazza), Singapore 277730
Telephone: +65 6235 1339
WhatsApp: +65 8825 8034 (For Appointment Only)
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time: Monday – Friday: 8.00 am – 8.00 pm Saturday & Sunday: 9.00 am – 2.00 pm Closed on Public Holidays
Nearest MRT Station(s): Holland Village MRT Station (Exit B) & (Exit C)
4) DTAP Clinic @Robertson
Men’s Health & Anonymous HIV Testing Clinic
Anonymous HIV Testing in Singapore: (Don’t require any identification, such as passport, NRIC or contact details during registration. )
Address: 11 Unity Street, #02-06/07 Robertson Walk, Singapore 237995
Telephone: +65 6238 7810
WhatsApp: +65 8825 8037 (For Appointment Only)
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time: Monday to Friday: 8.00 am – 9.00 pm Saturday: 9.00 am – 9.00 pm Sunday: 9.00 am – 2.00 pm Closed on Public Holidays
Nearest MRT Station: Fort Canning MRT Station (Exit A)
5) DTAP Clinic @Raffles Place
Men’s Health & Sexual Health Clinic
Address: 20 Cecil Street, #02-01 PLUS, Singapore 049705
Telephone: +65 6962 7144
WhatsApp: +65 9864 3198 (For Appointment Only)
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time: Monday: 8.00 am – 6.00 pm Tuesday – Friday: 8.00 am – 5.00 pm Saturday: 9.00 am – 1.00 pm Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays
Nearest MRT Station(s): Raffles Place MRT Station (Exit E) & Telok Ayer MRT Station (Exit B)
6) DTAP Clinic @Siglap
Men’s Health & Sexual Health Clinic
Address: 914 East Coast Road, #01-04 The Domain, Singapore 459108
Telephone: +65 6962 2144
WhatsApp: +65 8892 1023 (For Appointment Only)
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time: Monday & Friday: 9.00 am – 8.00 pm Tuesday & Thursday: 10.00 am – 8.00 pm Wednesday: 10.00 am – 6.00 pm Saturday: 9.00am – 2.00pm Closed on Sunday & Public Holidays
7) DTAP Clinic @Kovan
Men’s Health & Sexual Health Clinic
Address: Stars of Kovan, #01-21 988 Upper Serangoon Road Singapore 534733
Telephone: +65 6962 7191
WhatsApp: +65 8921 6820
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time: Monday – Friday: 9.00 am – 7.00 pm Saturday: 9.00 am – 2.00 pm Closed on Sunday & Public Holidays
Nearest MRT Station: Kovan MRT Station
