Low Testosterone Symptoms & Effects in Men: A Doctor's Perspective

Question
Hello Doctor,

I don't know if this is your area of expertise but I will give it a shot and ask you anyway...

I am an otherwise healthy 35 year old white male. I am 6'2 and weigh 270lbs.  I had never been this heavy in my life up until 4-5 years ago. Around that same time I lost almost all interest in sex. Don't ask me why but I never even thought of going to my doctor about these issues and I was never good at going for my yearly physical. Well, this month I had it.  I called my doctor and made an appointment for a full physical.  I hadn't seen him in almost 5 1/2 years.  Anyway, when I got there I told him my issues and they did bloodwork, chest x-ray, the whole 9 yards.  I got a call today from the nurse who said that the doctor needs me to come in next week because my testosterone level came back at 91.  She said that was VERY low. All other bloodwork, lab values, chest x-ray etc were normal. So, here are my questions.

1) With a testosterone level of 91, would that cause a low sex drive?

2) With a testosterone level of 91, could that have an effect on any other chemicals in my body that would relate to my weight?  In other words, could having low testosterone somehow cause me to retain fat or not metabolize it correctly?  I eat pretty well and walk 3 - 4 times a week yet I never lose any weight.

3) My last question is a little weird. Could having a low testosterone level effect penis size? Over the past 4 - 5 years it seems that my penis has become somewhat smaller when flacid and when erect.

Thank You,

Paul

Answer
dear sir:
1. a low testosterone level will certainly decrease the sex drive and may even lead to impotence.
2. that is a hen - egg question: which came first? overweight is a disease affecting inhabitants of almost all industrialized countries, foremost the u.s.a. overweight can lead to a variety of conditions which could affect testosterone, among them nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a disease of the liver. on the other hand, there are many problems with gland dysfunction which can lead both to overweight and low testosterone. i assume that your gp will sort this out or send you to an endocrinologist (a specialist in said glands).
3. the answer again is a clear yes.
best regards
swissdoc