June 12, 2001

ST. LOUIS -- A recent telephone survey of 1,000 American adults (18 years of age or older) reveals that just 50 percent of men polled would contact their doctor if they experienced a diminished sex drive. When women were asked how their partners would react to diminished sex drive, only a third believed their partners would contact their doctors.

Low libido is one of several symptoms of low testosterone. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that four to five million American men may suffer from low testosterone, but only five percent are treated. Low testosterone is characterized by conditions such as diminished interest in sex, erectile dysfunction (ED), reduced muscle mass and strength, osteoporosis, depression and fatigue. When testosterone levels dip below the normal range, men may begin to experience these symptoms.

"Learning how to recognize the warning signs of low testosterone is an important step in helping aging men maintain their health," says John Morley, MB, BCh of Saint Louis University School of Medicine. The Saint Louis University Androgen Deficiency in Aging Men (ADAM) Questionnaire is an effective tool to help identify symptoms of low testosterone in men. Developed by Dr. Morley, the simple 10-question, self- screening tool can be used to help guide patient-physician communication about the condition and to encourage patients to contact their physicians to be screened. Women may also review the Questionnaire to see if the men in their lives exhibit symptoms of low testosterone and encourage screening.

Men over 40 who answer "yes" to questions 1 or 7, or "yes" to three or more questions may be candidates for testosterone replacement therapy and should schedule an appointment with their doctor to review the Questionnaire, have their testosterone levels checked and discuss potential treatment options.

For more information visit www.tquiz.com , and to access the and to access the ADAM Questionnaire in Adobe PDF format, see http://www.slu.edu/adam/maletquiz.pdf

A note from Mary Shomon:

For information about loss of sex drive with thyroid disease, a good starting point is to listen to my recorded audio, "Sexual Health: Reviving Your Sex Drive When Hypothyroid." Even when you've been diagnosed and treated by your doctor, hypothyroidism -- having an underactive thyroid -- can wreak havoc on your sex drive. In this 7 minute audio presentation, you'll hear ten tips on how to revive your sex drive when you're hypothyroid. Call now to find out about how thyroid treatment, supplemental hormones, herbs and supplements, and other suggestions can put the sizzle back in your sex life.

Also, see Thyroid Disease and Sexual Dysfunction, a look at the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in the U.S., and the link to undertreated or untreated hypothyroidism.