Male Hormone Disorders in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What are male hormone disorders?
Male hormone disorders are conditions that lower testosterone, the main male sex hormone, or disturb the hormone signals that control the testes. Testosterone supports sex drive, erections, muscle, bone strength, red blood cell production, energy and mood. At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, the endocrinology team assesses and treats male hormone disorders, working with the Urology team where the testes, erections or fertility need their input.
Testosterone production depends on a chain of signals. The pituitary gland releases two hormones, LH and FSH, which tell the testes to make testosterone and sperm. This gives two broad types of hypogonadism:
| Type | Where the problem sits | Typical blood pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Primary hypogonadism | the testes themselves, after mumps, injury, surgery, chemotherapy, undescended testes or genetic conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome | low testosterone with high LH and FSH |
| Secondary hypogonadism | the pituitary or the brain area above it, from pituitary tumours, high prolactin, obesity, serious illness, opioid painkillers or anabolic steroid use | low testosterone with low or normal LH and FSH |
Secondary hypogonadism linked to weight, diabetes or medicines is often reversible when the cause is treated, which is why finding the type comes before any decision about treatment.
Who needs it
Assessment for a male hormone disorder is usually worth arranging if you have several of these together:
- reduced sex drive and fewer morning erections
- erectile difficulty, particularly with low desire
- tiredness, low mood, poor concentration and reduced motivation
- loss of muscle strength, more fat around the middle, or breast tissue growth
- loss of body hair or slower beard growth
- thinning bones or a fracture after a minor fall
- difficulty conceiving with a partner, or a low sperm count on semen analysis
- previous anabolic steroid use for training, with symptoms after stopping
- a pituitary condition, testicular injury or cancer treatment in the past
- delayed or incomplete puberty in a teenage boy
What happens
The first visit covers symptoms, sexual health, fertility plans, past illnesses and surgery, medicines, supplements and any use of bodybuilding products, discussed privately and without judgement. The examination includes body hair, breast tissue, testicular size and blood pressure.
Testosterone is highest in the morning and drops after a meal, so the blood test is taken early in the morning, ideally fasting. A low result is always repeated on a second morning before a diagnosis is made. Further tests usually include:
- LH and FSH, to show whether the problem lies in the testes or the pituitary.
- Prolactin and other pituitary hormones, if LH and FSH are low or normal.
- Blood count, blood sugar, cholesterol and liver tests, which guide safe treatment.
- Iron studies, since iron overload can affect the pituitary and testes.
- Semen analysis if fertility matters to you.
A pituitary MRI is arranged when the pattern points to the pituitary, and a bone density scan when bone thinning is likely.
Treatment follows the cause and your goals. Where weight, sleep apnoea, diabetes or medicines are responsible, the endocrinology team treats those first. Where testosterone replacement is right, it is given as a skin gel or an injection, and the team explains the practical differences. For men who want children, the plan is built to protect sperm production, using hormone treatments that stimulate the testes directly, with fertility input from Urology through male infertility treatment.
Preparing for it
Book an early morning appointment for your blood test and ask whether to fast. Bring every medicine and supplement, including gym supplements, testosterone boosters and any injections obtained outside a pharmacy, since several of these affect results. Bring previous hormone results and any semen analysis reports.
Think about whether you and your partner are planning children now or in the future, because this changes the treatment choice at the first visit.
Afterwards
If you start testosterone replacement, the endocrinology team checks your testosterone level, blood count, PSA and symptoms at regular reviews, adjusting the dose where needed. With a skin gel, wash your hands after applying it and cover the area with clothing, since close skin contact can transfer testosterone to a partner or children. In the Sharjah heat, apply gel after showering and let it dry before dressing.
Contact the hospital if you develop headaches with a flushed face, new breast tenderness, reduced urine flow, or swelling in the legs while on treatment. **Go to the emergency department straight away if you have chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or a painful swollen calf.**
Cost and insurance
UAE insurance plans usually cover endocrinology consultations and hormone blood tests when there is a clinical reason. Testosterone replacement commonly needs pre-approval supported by two low morning results and symptoms, and some plans exclude it for age-related decline or sexual function alone. Fertility treatments are frequently excluded. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you check your cover on 06 599 7777.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the risks of testosterone replacement?
Testosterone replacement can thicken the blood, cause acne, breast tenderness, fluid retention and worsen untreated sleep apnoea, and it lowers sperm production, which can cause infertility while it is used. It is unsuitable with untreated prostate or breast cancer and needs care with some heart conditions. The endocrinology team monitors blood count, PSA and symptoms throughout treatment.
Will testosterone treatment affect my fertility?
Testosterone treatment usually reduces sperm production, because it signals the pituitary to switch off the hormones that drive the testes. Men who want children are offered treatments that stimulate the testes directly instead, and the plan is agreed before any testosterone is started.
Why does my testosterone test need to be in the morning?
Testosterone is highest in the early morning and falls through the day and after meals, so a sample taken later can look falsely low. A low result is repeated on a second morning before any diagnosis is made.
Can losing weight raise my testosterone?
Losing weight can raise testosterone in men whose low level is linked to obesity or type 2 diabetes, because fat tissue converts testosterone to oestrogen and dampens the pituitary signals. Treating sleep apnoea can help in the same way.
I used anabolic steroids for the gym. Can my hormones recover?
Hormones often recover after anabolic steroids are stopped, though recovery can take many months and is sometimes incomplete after long use. The endocrinology team assesses your level, fertility and symptoms and can support recovery without judgement.
Is low testosterone a normal part of ageing?
Testosterone falls only gradually with age in healthy men, and a clearly low level with symptoms usually has a cause such as obesity, diabetes, medicines or a pituitary problem. Treatment is considered when symptoms and repeated low results match, rather than for age alone.
Are testosterone boosters sold online effective?
Testosterone boosters sold online or in gyms have little evidence of raising testosterone, and some contain undeclared hormones or steroids. Bring any product you have used to your appointment so its effect on your results can be judged.
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