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Low testosterone: a doctor who missed his own diagnosis
Summary
A 39-year-old GP from Newcastle experienced years of fatigue, anxiety and brain fog after testicular cancer and meningitis; a nurse later prompted a testosterone test and he began testosterone replacement therapy in 2021 with reported improvement.
Content
A 39-year-old GP from Newcastle who now specialises in men's hormones had persistent fatigue, anxiety and cognitive fog for several years. His medical history includes testicular cancer in 2016, which led to removal of his left testicle, and a later episode of meningitis. He initially attributed symptoms to burnout and was treated for low mood before a nurse suggested checking his testosterone. After starting testosterone replacement therapy in 2021 he reports that his energy and mental clarity improved.
Key facts:
- The doctor experienced prolonged fatigue, anxiety and brain fog and was treated for depression before hormonal causes were investigated.
- He had testicular cancer in 2016 and underwent removal of his left testicle; the article notes surgery and some cancer treatments can affect testosterone production.
- A nurse suggested a testosterone blood test, and a private endocrinologist started testosterone replacement therapy in 2021.
- The doctor reported clear improvement in energy and cognition after treatment and has written a book about testosterone.
- Surveys and research cited in the article indicate men often delay seeking help for low testosterone and that levels can fall after cancer treatment.
Summary:
The article describes how low testosterone can produce vague symptoms that are sometimes mistaken for burnout, ageing or depression, and that treatment coincided with substantial reported improvement for this doctor. Undetermined at this time.
