The male hormones are called androgens. By far the most important of the androgens is a hormone called testosterone. Nearly all the body's testosterone is normally made in the testicles.

This means that if the testicles are removed (or if one testicle is removed and the remaining one is not working properly for some reason) then the source of androgen in the body is lost.

As this loss is permanent it does mean that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) will have to be given for life.

HRT for men does have some benefits including protection against thinning and weakening of the bones (osteoporosis), keeping up muscle tissue and reducing fat in the body and possibly protecting against heart disease. It may also help to avoid depression, tiredness, hot flushes and  loss of libido (interest in sex and sexual activity) which occurs when male hormone levels are low.

Despite these possible advantages, some men do find that they find HRT inconvenient or troublesome or that it doesn't help their particular problems and they decide not to continue with it. So do talk things through with your doctors and see what they advise.