Red flags & when to go in person for Hypogonadism (Low Testosterone) - Evaluation

Audience: adult

Hypogonadism, or low testosterone, is a condition where the body doesn't produce enough testosterone. This can cause symptoms like low energy, reduced muscle mass, mood changes, and decreased sexual desire. Telemedicine can help you discuss symptoms, review your medical history, and decide if further testing is needed. However, some signs mean you should see a healthcare provider in person promptly. These include sudden severe symptoms, signs of serious illness, or if you have other health conditions that need physical exams or lab tests. This guide helps you understand when telemedicine is appropriate and when in-person care is necessary for evaluating low testosterone.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe weakness — seek emergency care immediately.
• Unexplained rapid weight loss or severe fatigue — arrange urgent in-person evaluation.
• New or worsening symptoms affecting mood, memory, or physical function significantly — contact healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to low testosterone.
• Providing education about hypogonadism and lifestyle advice.
• Ordering initial blood tests for testosterone levels.
• Reviewing test results and discussing treatment options.
• Monitoring response to treatment in stable patients.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams to assess testicular size or abnormalities.
• Conducting blood draws or imaging tests in person.
• Evaluating acute or severe symptoms requiring urgent care.
• Diagnosing complex hormonal disorders requiring specialized tests.
• Managing emergency situations or severe complications.

What is Hypogonadism?

Hypogonadism means your body is making less testosterone than usual. Testosterone is important for many body functions, including muscle strength, mood, and sexual health. Low testosterone can happen for many reasons, such as aging, certain illnesses, or problems with the testicles or brain areas that control hormone production.

Common Symptoms of Low Testosterone

People with low testosterone may notice:

These symptoms can be caused by other health issues too, so it's important to get evaluated.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine visits can help you talk about your symptoms and medical history. A healthcare provider can decide if you need blood tests to check testosterone levels. They can also discuss lifestyle changes or treatments that might help. Telemedicine is convenient for follow-up visits or discussing test results.

When to See a Healthcare Provider in Person

Some situations need an in-person visit:

If you notice any red flags, seek urgent care.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your tele-visit:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your visit, you may need:

Keep track of your symptoms and report any changes to your healthcare provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your symptoms and when they began.
• Gather your medical history, including past hormone or health tests.
• Prepare a list of current medications and supplements.
• Find a quiet, private place with good internet connection for the visit.
• Write down any questions or concerns to discuss with your provider.

After your tele-visit

• Complete any recommended blood tests promptly.
• Schedule follow-up appointments to review test results.
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Follow lifestyle or treatment recommendations provided.
• Keep a symptom diary to track changes over time.

FAQs

What causes low testosterone?

Low testosterone can result from aging, injury to the testicles, certain medical conditions, or problems with the brain areas that control hormone production. Sometimes, medications or chronic illnesses can also lower testosterone levels.

Can telemedicine diagnose low testosterone?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and decide if testing is needed, but a diagnosis usually requires blood tests and sometimes physical exams that may need to be done in person.

What treatments are available for hypogonadism?

Treatment may include testosterone replacement therapy, lifestyle changes like exercise and diet, and managing underlying health conditions. Your healthcare provider can discuss options based on your individual situation.

When should I seek emergency care?

If you experience sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe weakness, or other sudden severe symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.

Can low testosterone affect mental health?

Yes, low testosterone can contribute to mood changes, depression, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. It's important to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider.

Sources

1. Hypogonadism — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Low Testosterone (Male Hypogonadism) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Testosterone Deficiency — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.
4. Testosterone Testing — Testing.com.
5. Low Testosterone in Men — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have urgent symptoms or concerns, please seek care from a healthcare professional in person.