A specialist nurse from Dumfries is urging men to speak up about their wellbeing after his own health concerns were initially misunderstood. Following years of exhaustion and low spirits, Gordon Russell discovered his symptoms were actually caused by a significant hormonal deficiency.
Personal Journey to Diagnosis
The 46-year-old father of three spent a long period searching for answers while his vitality steadily declined. He eventually learned that his testosterone levels were critically low, rather than him suffering from clinical depression. By sharing his personal journey, Gordon hopes to break the silence surrounding male health and encourage others to seek thorough investigations. He believes that open conversations can help people get the specific support they truly need.
Recognising the Symptoms
Gordon, known to friends as Gordy, first noticed a shift in his energy levels when he reached his 40s. He initially assumed the tiredness was a natural result of becoming a new parent again later in life.
"I didn't understand why I was feeling so chronically fatigued all the time. I also noticed some changes in my body. I was gaining weight, which I'd never really done before, because I'd always been naturally quite skinny. My libido decreased as well, and my general interest in everything was gradually starting to deteriorate. So I was grumpy and my mood was off. I felt like I was constantly correcting the kids for things and I just had a shorter fuse than normal."
Despite numerous medical checks including heart and digestive screenings, every result suggested he was physically healthy. Doctors proposed that he might be experiencing anxiety, but Gordon felt this did not fully explain his physical changes.
The Turning Point
The situation became more challenging in 2024 following the loss of his father, which took a heavy emotional and physical toll. During this low point, a conversation with a medical colleague finally pointed him toward a different possibility.
"When he died, that definitely took its toll emotionally, then the physical side responded to that too. That's when everything really started to slump, and I lost interest in things like gym training. I was just exhausted, and I was reaching the point of being burnt out. I was physically and emotionally at the lowest point I think I've ever been."
After completing an Androgen Deficiency in Ageing Males (ADAM) questionnaire, it became clear that a hormone deficiency was the likely culprit behind his symptoms. Further blood tests confirmed his levels were exceptionally low, allowing him to finally begin the correct treatment.
Treatment and Recovery
Since starting replacement therapy, Gordon has experienced a remarkable turnaround in his daily life and family interactions. "My focus, my energy, my libido – everything's back to where it should be, rather than bouncing up and down all the time." However, it is not without issues. Gordy said he has experienced side effects of testicular atrophy – when the testicles decrease in size – small acne breakouts on his back and shoulders, and light shedding of hair, so he takes another medication called HCG to help with fertility.
He now uses his experience to remind others that it is vital to trust your instincts regarding your own body. "I think it's important sometimes to stand your ground and not just accept things," he said. "Sometimes people are anxious and depressed, but sometimes they're not, and there needs to be more investigation around this area. When men get to a certain age, this could be a real issue. That's where I would like to see things change more."
Breaking the Stigma
Today, he feels more present for his children and has regained the motivation he lost during those difficult years. He remains passionate about removing the stigma attached to discussing male-specific health issues.
"I want to make the message clear that it's OK to say that something's not right and for men to openly talk about things like libido, erections and energy to remove that stigma from it."
