Once considered one of Sweden’s top cross-country skiing prospects, Fredrik Andersson’s journey took a sudden and dramatic turn this past winter. The 26-year-old, younger brother of skiing star Ebba Andersson, received a shocking diagnosis: low testosterone levels.

“Mood swings, depression, irritability, impatience, low sex drive — it all fit me perfectly,” Andersson revealed to Expressen during the Swedish Nationals in Kalix. “But I couldn’t believe my ears when the doctor gave me the diagnosis.”

A Promising Start, Then a Wall

Andersson had shown promise early in his career — podium finishes at national championships, FIS victories as a first-year senior, and projections of a bright future. But this winter, he didn’t make a single World Cup start.

The preseason had gone smoothly. He trained harder than ever, beat personal bests, avoided illness and injury, and entered the season with confidence. But the results didn’t come, and he was left out of the World Cup team. Then, everything fell apart.

Just before Christmas, Andersson developed tendonitis in both wrists and couldn’t use poles for three weeks. At the Scandinavian Cup in Falun in January, he placed 69th and 62nd — a clear sign that something was seriously wrong.

“I didn’t recognize myself. I had no patience, I was easily irritated, and nothing felt fun anymore.”

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A Desperate Search for Answers

Despite a general skepticism toward blood tests, Andersson finally sought help. What the tests showed was clear: his testosterone levels were abnormally low.

“At first, I couldn’t believe it. But when I looked up the symptoms, everything made sense.”

He described feeling as weak as an 85-year-old. But even worse than physical fatigue were the psychological effects.

Despite the stigma often associated with low testosterone, Andersson chose transparency.

“It is what it is. You must take responsibility and face it.”

Not a Quick Fix

Testosterone supplements would have been the easy way out — but they’re on the anti-doping list. That meant Andersson had to find a different path.

“I went the other direction instead. I reduced my training, prioritized sleep, ate better, and added vitamins, zinc, and magnesium. After four weeks, my testosterone levels started recovering.”

Bouncing Back

By the end of the season, Andersson’s turnaround was noticeable. In the Swedish National Cup finals in late March, he was close to the podium. At the Swedish Championships in early April, he took silver in the 10km, bronze in the team sprint, and finished fourth in the 50km.

“It’s like night and day. Now, I feel like a human being again.”

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