The hidden agony of low testosterone

Testosterone replacement therapy helped GP DR MAXIM DRAPER overcome the effects of testicular cancer, low energy, brain fog and depression. Here, he explains why it can be such a game changer

- DR MAXIM DRAPER

THERE'S a growing buzz around testosterone and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) - and much debate.

Testosterone is often either attacked as dangerous and reckless, or sold as a faddish miracle cure for almost every ailment affecting men over the age 40. The truth, as ever in medicine, lies somewhere between the two extremes.

I was 29 when my journey with testosterone began. I was a newly qualified GP, and my wife and I were expecting our first baby, then I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. My left testicle was surgically removed, and I was placed under regular hospital followups to monitor for signs of recurrence.

The diagnosis was a shock, but it wasn’t the hardest part of this journey. After surgery, and with some hindsight, I did perhaps experience some subtle changes: less energy, and some mild anxiety.

At first, I put it down to stress and life with a newborn. But two years later, after a hospital admission with viral meningitis, everything changed far more dramatically.

From that point, I didn’t feel like myself for several years. I tried everything I could think of.

I exercised regularly. I prioritised sleep, took regular naps and experimented with supplements, meditation and dietary changes.

Medically, I did what any responsible GP would advise: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), antidepressants, routine blood tests to check for the cause. I saw multiple GPs, a therapist and a psychiatrist. But I didn’t meaningfully improve. It was the most difficult time of my life.

During a cancer followup appointment, I mentioned the fatigue again and we agreed to check my testosterone. The result came back low, sitting beneath the reference range the lab provides. Because the NHS waiting time to see an endocrinologist was close to a year, I sought a private consultation. After further testing, I was started on TRT.