Libido and testosterone: how are they connected?

Testosterone and libido are connected, but not one to one. Some men with a low value have plenty of drive, others with a normal value have little. A low testosterone can play a role in less drive, but it's rarely the whole story.

That nuance matters, because "just check your testosterone" doesn't always fix everything.

How does testosterone affect your sex drive?

Testosterone helps get sex drive going, together with signals from your brain. A level that's too low can dampen drive, but mood, stress and relationship weigh in just as much. So a doctor looks at the whole picture, not at one number.

Important: not only total testosterone counts, but also your free testosterone and your SHBG.

Why does the timing of the test matter?

Testosterone is highest in the morning and drops over the day. A reliable reading is therefore taken early in the day. The value also drops gradually with age, by about 1% a year from age 30 (Harman, 2001).

What do you do with the result?

A low result is a reason for a conversation with your GP, not a diagnosis on its own. Often a reading is repeated before conclusions are drawn. See also the pillar less interest in sex and the complete guide to testosterone.

Getting started

The Testosterone Panel measures total and free testosterone and SHBG, so you get a fuller picture.

References

1. Harman SM, et al. Longitudinal effects of aging on serum total and free testosterone levels in healthy men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001;86(2):724-731. PMID: 11158037.
2. Wu FCW, et al. Identification of late-onset hypogonadism in middle-aged and elderly men. N Engl J Med. 2010;363(2):123-135. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa0911101.
3. NHG-Standaard Erectile dysfunction (biology). Dutch College of General Practitioners.

Disclaimer

Caliberhealth works with BIG-registered doctors who assess your blood results. This article gives general information and is not a substitute for medical advice from a GP or specialist. A blood test is a tool, not a diagnosis in itself. For serious symptoms, contact your GP, or in an emergency call 112.