4 The main nding is that symptoms associated with testosterone deciency were much more common than a formal diagnoses. However, the 49% gure represents men whose reported symptoms met the study's screening criteria, not men proven to have low testosterone levels. B. Older men were more likely to report symptoms Men aged over 50 were signicantly more likely to have symptom proles suggestive of testosterone deciency than men under 40. The odds were approximately 1.5–2 times higher in the older age groups, depending on the age group examined. Older men also reported more frequent problems with: • Libido and sexual function. • Energy levels. • Physical strength and endurance. • Sports performance. Interestingly, older men were also more likely to be unfamiliar with the symptoms and treatment options associated with low testosterone. These ndings suggest that increasing age may be associated with both a greater symptom burden and an ongoing need for better education about men's hormonal health. C. Awareness of testosterone deciency was limited Despite the frequency of reported symptoms, more than half of the respondents were unfamiliar with the signs and symptoms of testosterone deciency. Furthermore, 47% were unaware of treatment options such as testosterone replacement therapy. This lack of awareness may mean that some men do not recognise their symptoms as a potential reason to seek medical advice. The researchers also found that only 7% of respondents were satised with their access to resources relating to low testosterone in the UK. This nding highlights potential shortcomings in public education and access to information about men's hormonal health. D. Barriers to seeking medical advice The study identied several factors that prevented men from seeking medical advice or treatment. These ndings indicate that the challenge extends beyond identifying symptoms. Even when men experience symptoms that affect their quality of life, a lack of awareness, nancial concerns and social stigma may discourage them from seeking professional assessment. Finding Percentage Men with symptom proles suggestive of testosterone deciency 49% Men with low libido 31% Men reporting reduced erectile strength 27% Men reporting more than three symptoms associated with testosterone deciency 26% Men who had received a formal diagnosis of testosterone deciency Approximately 5% Men unfamiliar with the signs and symptoms of testosterone deciency 55% Men unfamiliar with treatment options such as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) 47% Barrier Percentage of respondents Lack of awareness of symptoms 39% Financial costs 35% Stigma surrounding hormonal health 29% Lack of time 26% Source: Liu et al., BMJ Open, 2025.
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