Low Testosterone Doctor Discussion Guide

Tips for getting the conversation started so you can start feeling like yourself again.

Low testosterone is nothing new to your doctor. He or she has likely seen many men feeling the same way you do, as about 45% of men over the age of 40 may be experiencing low testosterone.* There is no need to feel embarrassed about seeking help and getting the conversation started; it's your first step towards taking back control!

While the idea of talking about low testosterone can feel overwhelming and awkward, remember, your conversations with your doctor are strictly confidential and can put you on the path towards some lifestyle changes or treatment options that can have you feeling like yourself again.

If you think you may have low testosterone, you should make an appointment to talk to your doctor about it. If you can't schedule a time to talk about this issue alone, try bringing it up at the beginning of your next appointment to make sure you and your doctor have enough time to go through your options.

So, how do you break the ice? You may find it easier to talk to your doctor with some background information first. Try using the symptom self-assessment tool. Bring these results with you to your doctor's appointment to help get the conversation started.

Tips to get talking

Low testosterone is not always easy to talk about. Here are some ways you could start the conversation:

Tips to get talking:

    What you should bring

    Taking a few minutes to prepare for your doctor's appointment can help you get the most out your conversation on low testosterone. It can sometimes be hard to remember everything you wanted to discuss, especially when you're in the middle of a conversation you may find awkward. Try to write down the following things and bring them with you to your appointment to make sure you don't forget anything important:

    What you should bring:

      Questions your doctor may ask

      Once you've gotten the conversation started, your doctor will probably need more information from you to better understand what is happening. He or she may ask:

      Your doctor will likely have the majority of these answers on file, but come prepared to provide him or her with any additional information he or she may require.

      Questions your doctor may ask:

        Questions you may want to ask

        If your doctor confirms that you have low testosterone, it's time to discuss treatment options. Having some background on your treatment options can help with this conversation. You may have questions for your doctor such as:

        Questions you may want to ask:

          My results

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          *Low testosterone was defined as total testosterone <10.4 nmol/L (<300 ng/dl) and was based on a serum testosterone assessment from a single morning blood draw (between 8 am and noon).