Men’s health , what needs to change. There’s enough evidence now so why is this problem still ignored?, because it’s men

Phil Morris MBE

Founder of TesticularcancerUK.com

Great to see health minister Wes Streeting launching a male health initiative on the #NHS , I’ve written to every health minister for 23 years with reports of testosterone deficiency being linked to all the illnesses he’s highlighted, unfortunately with no response

#Testosterone and its links to many male illnesses

the primary male sex hormone, plays a critical role in a man’s physical, emotional, and metabolic health. Beyond its role in sexual function and development, rtestosterone influences a wide array of physiological systems. Low testosterone—clinically referred to as hypogonadism—has been increasingly linked to several chronic conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and depression. In the UK, low testosterone remains a significantly underdiagnosed and under-discussed health issue in men. This paper explores the impact of testosterone on men’s health, examines its connections to Type 2 diabetes, depression, and hypogonadism, and argues for greater awareness and screening within the male population.

Introduction

Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, typically beginning around the age of 30. However, a growing body of research suggests that low testosterone (also called androgen deficiency or hypogonadism) is not just a natural consequence of aging—it is a potentially serious medical condition with widespread implications. Despite this, awareness in the UK remains limited, and many men suffer in silence with symptoms that are often misattributed to aging, stress, or lifestyle factors.

Testosterone and Type 2 Diabetes

There is a strong, bidirectional link between testosterone and Type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that men with low testosterone levels are significantly more likely to develop insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. Testosterone appears to influence glucose metabolism, fat distribution, and insulin sensitivity.

Men with Type 2 diabetes are more likely to have low testosterone, and vice versa. In fact, the British Society for Sexual Medicine recommends that all men with Type 2 diabetes should be screened for testosterone deficiency. However, this is rarely carried out in routine NHS practice, resulting in many men remaining undiagnosed and untreated.

Testosterone and #Depression

Depression is another major concern linked with testosterone deficiency. Low testosterone can lead to mood changes, fatigue, irritability, and a general lack of motivation—symptoms that overlap significantly with clinical depression. Numerous studies have shown that men with lower testosterone levels are more likely to experience depressive symptoms.

In the UK, male mental health is already in crisis. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in men under 45. Yet, testosterone screening is not commonly included as part of mental health evaluations, even when hormonal imbalance may be a root contributor.

#Hypogonadism: A Common but Neglected Condition

Male hypogonadism is defined by a clinical deficiency in testosterone accompanied by specific symptoms such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and muscle loss. Primary hypogonadism is caused by a problem in the testes, while secondary hypogonadism originates in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.

Despite its prevalence—affecting an estimated 1 in 10 men over 40—hypogonadism remains poorly recognized in general practice. Many GPs may not routinely consider hormonal health unless prompted by overt sexual dysfunction, which only scratches the surface of the condition’s impact.

Barriers to Diagnosis in the UK

Several factors contribute to the underdiagnosis of low testosterone in the UK:

Stigma and Masculinity: Men are less likely to seek help for issues perceived as weaknesses, such as fatigue, mood swings, or reduced libido.

Lack of GP Awareness: Many primary care providers are not trained to recognise the broader symptoms of testosterone deficiency.

Limited Screening: NHS guidelines do not mandate routine screening for testosterone in at-risk groups like diabetics or men with depression.

Misattribution of Symptoms: Symptoms of low testosterone often mimic those of other conditions, leading to misdiagnosis or dismissal.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Testosterone deficiency is a significant but underrecognized public health issue in the UK. Its connections to major chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and depression highlight the urgent need for increased awareness, better screening protocols, and broader public education.

Recommendations:

Routine Testosterone Screening in men with diabetes, depression, obesity, or erectile dysfunction.

Public Health Campaigns to destigmatize hormone health and encourage men to seek medical advice.

GP Training to recognize the diverse symptoms of testosterone deficiency.

Further Research into the impact of testosterone therapy on long-term health outcomes.

By addressing low testosterone as a legitimate medical concern rather than a taboo or niche issue, we can make significant strides in improving men’s health outcomes across the UK.