Low Testosterone : It seems that testosterone is a favorite topic of conversation these days. TV commercials, lead articles in men's health magazines and even ads on the radio bombard us with the shocking headlines that men are losing testosterone at alarming rates. According to the latest news and media reports, this is a new and overwhelming situation. Is there really an epidemic happening around testosterone?
First of all, what is testosterone and why do men need it? Testosterone is a vital hormone found in the male bloodstream and body that is responsible for the changes that happen to a boy during puberty - facial and chest hair growth, increased muscle mass, deepening voice, and ultimately all things related to sex drive and sexual organ development. Testosterone is highest in boys during their teen years and decreases as they age. It is normal for men to begin to experience a gradual decline in testosterone as they enter their 30's ultimately resulting in a significant decrease by the time they reach their 80's. Declining levels of testosterone is not a new phenomenon and is an unavoidable part of aging.
How would a person know if they are experiencing low testosterone levels? Men who are wondering if they have decreased production of testosterone generally site the same symptoms which may include: low sex drive, fatigue, and insomnia, hair loss, reduced lean muscle mass, increased body fat, irritability, erectile dysfunction, and depression. Although these are all symptoms of Low-T (low testosterone), there may be other potentially severe conditions for these symptoms, so it is wise to get some blood work done and seek medical assistance in determining the root cause of the symptoms.
Are some men more prone to TD (testosterone deficiency) than others? TD is more common in men who have diabetes or who are overweight than in men of the similar age within the optimal weight range. In one research study, 30% of obese men had Low-T, compared to only 6.4% of those with normal weight. The same study found diabetes to be a risk factor for TD. In another study, 24.5% of men with diabetes had Low-T, compared to 12.6% of those without diabetes. (1)
Is there anything that can be done naturally to help alleviate the symptoms and increase testosterone production? Yes! There are many ways to address Low-T before turning to testosterone therapy. Health care personnel recommend trying these options before taking medication:
1.Increase your exercise and start lifting weights
2. Eat a balanced diet high in protein, healthy fat and low in carbs (in other words, lay off the processed foods)
3. Minimize stress and cortisol spikes
4. Make sure you're getting enough Vitamin D through sunshine or supplements
5. Take a high-quality daily multivitamin
6. Prioritize restful sleep for a minimum of 8 hours every night
If you do not see an improvement in your symptoms and your overall quality of life after making these lifestyle changes, then you should consider some pharmaceutical assistance to elevate your testosterone production. (2)
So is Low-T an epidemic? No, it's a natural part of the aging process which, for some men, has been accelerated due to lifestyle choices and unavoidable stress. It is not a new reality, but with the help of media, it has become a mainstream topic where it once was only admitted and discussed behind closed doors.
Do you believe that your testosterone level might be low? Don’t continue to live in frustration with your symptoms. Contact us, today, to set up your free consultation.
1. What is Low Testosterone? Retrieved from https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/low-testosterone
2. Mawer, R. (2016, May 20). 8 Proven Ways to Increase Testosterone Levels Naturally. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-ways-to-boost-testosterone