Testosterone — the primary male sex hormone — affects energy, mood, libido, erection quality, muscle mass, and bone strength. Low testosterone (hypogonadism) is underdiagnosed in Nigerian men, often dismissed as stress or ageing. A blood test at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka confirms or rules it out in one visit. From ₦5,000.
Not tiredness that improves with sleep — a constant, pervasive lack of energy and motivation that has developed over months.
Testosterone blood testA significant, sustained reduction in interest in sex — particularly if this represents a change from your earlier baseline.
Testosterone + prolactin testProgressive decline in muscle despite exercise, or difficulty building muscle. Testosterone is essential for protein synthesis and muscle maintenance.
Testosterone + metabolic testsTestosterone affects mood regulation. Low T is associated with depressive symptoms, loss of motivation, and emotional flatness.
Testosterone + thyroid testTestosterone deficiency promotes fat accumulation, particularly around the abdomen and chest (gynaecomastia — breast tissue growth in men).
Full metabolic panelTestosterone maintains bone mineral density. Long-standing hypogonadism increases osteoporosis risk — important for men over 40.
Testosterone + calcium + vitamin DTestosterone naturally declines from approximately age 30 at a rate of 1–2% per year. This is a gradual, normal process — not the same as hypogonadism (clinically low testosterone). True hypogonadism — where testosterone falls below the normal clinical range — causes the symptom constellation described above and warrants treatment.
Primary hypogonadism (testicular failure): The testes fail to produce adequate testosterone despite normal hormonal signals from the brain. Causes include testicular damage from infection (mumps orchitis — relevant in Nigeria), previous torsion, trauma, or chemotherapy. Blood tests show low testosterone with elevated LH and FSH.
Secondary hypogonadism (pituitary/hypothalamic failure): The brain fails to send adequate signals to stimulate testosterone production. Causes include: prolactinoma (a benign pituitary tumour — common and treatable), obesity, chronic illness, opioid use, or a pituitary problem. Blood tests show low testosterone with low or normal LH/FSH.
In Nigeria, rising rates of abdominal obesity are driving a significant increase in functional hypogonadism. Fat tissue converts testosterone to oestrogen (aromatisation) — so obese men tend to have lower testosterone and higher oestrogen. This is largely reversible with weight loss — making lifestyle intervention the first-line treatment for obese men with low-normal testosterone.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is appropriate for men with confirmed hypogonadism and symptoms. It is not appropriate as a performance enhancement or anti-ageing treatment in men with normal testosterone levels. Testosterone therapy suppresses sperm production — it is not used in men who are trying to father children; alternative treatments (clomiphene, HCG) are used instead.
Discreet hormonal assessment at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka. By appointment from ₦5,000.