Patient's question:
Does testicular atrophy require a serum testosterone test? What is its purpose? Is the impact significant?Doctor's answer:
ED patients should undergo at least one serum testosterone test. If the results are within the normal range upon careful examination, further detailed testing of other hormones is generally not required. In cases of testicular atrophy, testosterone levels are typically elevated. If the initial serum testosterone level is low, it is best to repeat the test while also measuring LSH, LH, PRL, etc. If the testosterone level remains low after the second test, the patient may have hypogonadism. If serum LSH and LH are normal or elevated, then hypogonadism is due to primary testicular abnormalities.