Campaigners say identification of testosterone deficiency syndrome needs to become a priority as it is linked to osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, heart disease and depression.

Most people associate low testosterone with a loss of libido, which is just one of the side effects, said Dr Martine Millett Johnston of the Kilkenny clinic, who addressed the conference.

"For many men, low testosterone manifests itself in unexplained fatigue, apathy about their jobs and life, and poor memory. People immediately associate it with loss of libido so many men who suffer from it are completely unaware, " she said.

Testosterone supplements in the form of gel, patches, tablets and injections treat the problem. Testosterone deficiency syndrome is still somewhat taboo and there is a lack of awareness about it among the medical profession and the public, according to Millett-Johnston. "The meeting is about educating GPs and consultants to recognise the signs of low testosterone as much as encouraging men over 45 to be aware and tested for it if feeling out of sorts, " she said.

Yesterday's one-day symposium, entitled 'Testosterone and Men's Health', was held at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dublin. Irish and international experts addressed the conference, the first in a series of meetings to be held to highlight the prevalence of low testosterone in Irish men and the potential long-term implications if it goes undiagnosed.