Are You Feeling Like Yourself? The Hidden Epidemic of Low Testosterone in UK Men

By Dr. Raphael Olaiya GP, TRT Expert Doctor (GMC No. 7492303)

Do you feel like you’ve lost your edge? Are you constantly tired, struggling with low mood or even just ‘Flatness’ and noticing a dip in your libido? You’re not alone. A silent health crisis is affecting millions of men across the United Kingdom. It’s called testosterone deficiency, and it could be the reason you’re not feeling your best.

The Unseen Struggle: Low Testosterone in the UK

Testosterone is the primary male steroid sex hormone. Although unlike it’s name suggests it has an impact on multiple organ systems, and is what we call ‘Pleiotropic’ with diversified effects – crucial for everything from muscle mass and bone density to energy levels and sexual health. However, average testosterone levels in men are declining by approximately 1% per year [11]. In the UK, it’s estimated that 8-12% of men aged 40-69 have testosterone deficiency (TD) [1]. That translates to nearly 1 million men diagnosed with low testosterone, with some studies suggesting up to 30% of British men may be affected [5, 6].

Despite how common it is, a staggering 20% of UK men over 50 suffer from low testosterone, yet only a fraction—just 1%—receive a proper diagnosis [7]. This means millions of men are living with symptoms that could be resolved, without even knowing the cause.

Are These Symptoms Familiar?

Testosterone deficiency isn’t just a number on a lab report; it’s a condition that can profoundly impact your quality of life. A major UK survey found that among men with TD symptoms, 31% report low libido, and 27% experience reduced erectile function [8]. Other common signs include:

• Persistent fatigue and low energy levels
• Loss of muscle mass and strength
• Increased body fat, especially around the midsection
• Mood swings, irritability, or depression
• “Brain fog” and difficulty concentrating
• Reduced bone density, increasing the risk of fractures

If any of these symptoms resonate with you, it’s not something you have to “just live with.” The first step to reclaiming your vitality is understanding what’s happening inside your body.

Knowledge is Power: Why You Should Test Your Testosterone Levels

For too long, men’s health issues have been swept under the carpet. But ignoring these symptoms won’t make them go away. In fact, low testosterone is an independent risk factor for developing serious health conditions like metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes [28]. Between 33-57% of men with type 2 diabetes also have low testosterone levels [29].

But there is good news. Identifying and treating low testosterone can lead to significant improvements in your health and well-being. Studies have shown that Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can:

• Improve Sexual Function: TRT significantly enhances libido, sexual activity, and erectile function [14].
• Increase Muscle Mass and Strength: It helps you build and maintain lean muscle [15].
• Strengthen Bones: TRT increases bone mineral density, protecting you from fractures [16, 33].
• Boost Energy and Mood: Many men report a renewed sense of energy and well-being [17].
• Reduce Fat Mass: It can help you lose stubborn body fat [19].

Is TRT Safe? Addressing the Concerns

It’s natural to have questions about any medical treatment, and TRT is no exception. For years, there have been concerns about its potential impact on prostate health and cardiovascular risk. However, modern, high-quality research is providing much-needed clarity.

The largest-ever randomised controlled trial on TRT, the TRAVERSE trial, enrolled over 5,200 men. The results, published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, were clear: testosterone therapy did not increase the risk of major adverse cardiac events or prostate cancer [24]. This landmark study provides strong reassurance that for men with diagnosed hypogonadism, TRT is a safe and effective treatment option when managed by a qualified doctor.

Take the First Step to a New You

Before you can consider treatment, you need a diagnosis. And that starts with a simple blood test. You don’t have to wait weeks for a GP appointment or feel uncomfortable discussing your symptoms. Our discreet, at-home testosterone blood test kit is the first step on your journey to taking back control of your health.

It’s time to stop guessing and start knowing. Find out your testosterone levels and get the answers you deserve.

Ready to take control of your health? Find out more your testosterone levels with our simple and discreet at-home blood test kit. Order yours today and start your journey to a new you.
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About the Author

Dr. Raphael Olaiya is a UK-based General Practitioner and an Expert in Testosterone Replacement Therapy. With years of experience helping men optimise their health, Dr. Olaiya is dedicated to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based care. (GMC No. 7492303)

References

1. 1. Awareness and prevalence of the symptoms of testosterone deficiency in men in the United kingdom: a cross-sectional survey – BMJ Open 2025
   2. Why Are We Missing The Diagnosis of Low Testosterone in Men? – Dr Jeff Foster
   3. The five signs of testosterone deficiency all men need to know – Telegraph 2025
   4. Low Testosterone In Men Over 70 – Goldman Laboratories
   5. Why do Gen Z and Millennial men have lower testosterone? – Medichecks
   6. The Benefits and Risks of Testosterone Replacement Therapy: A Review – PMC 2009
   7. Testosterone Treatment in Men with Hypogonadism and Elevated Cardiovascular Risk – TTrials / JCI 2021
   8. Testosterone treatment: what are the risks for the heart? – VA Research 2017
   9. Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy on Bone Mineral Density in Hypogonadal Men – JCEM 1997
   10. Testosterone Treatment and Fractures in Men with Hypogonadism – NEJM 2024
   11. Cardiovascular Safety of Testosterone-Replacement Therapy – NEJM 2023 – TRAVERSE Trial
   12. Testosterone and metabolic syndrome: the link – PMC 2010
   13. The effect of testosterone replacement therapy on metabolic syndrome – Frontiers Endocrinology 2023
   14. Testosterone replacement therapy and the prostate: a clinical perspective – ScienceDirect 2016
   15. British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines on Adult Testosterone Deficiency, with Statements for Practice – British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines 2023

1. UK Testosterone Statistics – Forth with Life