Testosterone levels falling, but not many are aware

Dec 16, 2012, 01.43 AM IST

MUMBAI: When psychiatrist Sreekant (name changed) started forgetting the names of his patients,

 he was shattered. Consultations with various doctors and diagnostic tests didn't show any problem,

 except for a borderline measure of testosterone, the male hormone.

"I put him on testosterone replacement therapy and he was normal soon," said Dr Rupin Shah, an 

andrologist with Lilavati Hospital. Sreekant's case, however, shows the abnormally low awareness

 about reduced production of testosterone or male hypogonadism. This despite the fact that the 

condition can reduce a man's libido, indicate his bones are weak or he suffers from a major disease 

such as cancer, HIV or depression.

"It would be wrong to view hypogonadism as a lifestyle condition. It's a bonafide health problem that

 never gets attention," said visiting endocrinologist Dr Surendar Bhasin from Boston University. 

The lone Indian study on hypogonadism found prevalence of 26% in the 170 men who participated

 in the study (In the US, various studies peg it between 5% and 40% depending on the age group).

In many cases, hypogonadism is a harbinger of bigger diseases. "It could be a symptom for cancer,

 HIV or weakened bones," said Dr Bhasin. Hypogonadism is also seen in men with diabetes and 

heart diseases.

Referring to the situation in India, Dr Shah said, "None of the diagnostic tests in India gives the 

right result. So, we have to repeat the tests a few times." The first step would be to set up the

 right diagnostic protocol. Then, a study would be commissioned to understand the right levels 

of testosterone in the Indian male, added Dr Shah.