One of the earliest signs of low-T (low testosterone), is usually a decreased sex drive; however, the effects of low testosterone do not end there. Testosterone plays a critical role in men's health in that the receptors for this male hormone can exist in the brain, blood vessels, and bones. As such, low testosterone can affect one's life in more ways than one. While there are some common symptoms associated with low-T, the only way to know conclusively that your testosterone levels are low is through a blood test. In this article, we will take a look at several key indicators of low testosterone and treatments that have been proven to help men with this problem.
SHOULD YOU CONSIDER TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY?
The choice to undergo TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) is one that you and your physician will have to decide. In most cases, men with testosterone levels measuring 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) are good candidates for TRT. According to a study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, more than 12 million men in America testosterone deficient. In a separate study published in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), TRT prescriptions for men over the age of 40 increased significantly between 2001 and 2011. It is also worth noting that 12 percent of men who have a testosterone deficiency never seek treatment. Moreover, testosterone replacement therapy clinics are now more accessible than ever before. Take Ehormones MD for example. With more than 30 locations throughout the US, Ehormones MD makes scheduling a consultation with a hormone therapy physician is now easier than ever. Men no longer have an excuse.
HOW TO BOOST TESTOSTERONE NATURALLY
While testosterone replacement therapy is the most common way to combat low-T, there are ways to boost these hormones naturally. Here are a few tips to help get you started:
AVOID STRESS
Too much stress can cause a spike in cortisol production and can deplete the supply of testosterone-based hormones to the tissues that need them. Beyond that, stress can limit the amount of testosterone-based hormone the body is capable of producing. That said, you should find productive ways to cope with stress like taking up meditation or exercising, for example.
LIMIT ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
While some alcohol consumption can be healthy, excessive drinking can reduce the production of testosterone-based hormones. To further put this into context, studies have shown that even moderate drinking can reduce T levels by as much as 7 percent. To boost your T levels, it is a good idea to no more than 2 drinks per day.
MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT
Maintaining a healthy weight is another way to boost T levels naturally. In fact, decreasing your BMI (body mass index) by just 4 points has been shown to increase T levels. That said, if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, it may be a good idea to make exercising a priority.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR?
If you're not having any success in boosting your T levels naturally, it may be a good idea to schedule an appointment with a physician who can get you started on a testosterone replacement regimen that can normalize your T levels. Although commonly administered via injections, hormone replacement can take on many forms including oral patches, transdermal patches, and gels. Some of the more commonly prescribed testosterone replacement therapies include
Androgel
Striant
Fortesta
Androderm
Testim
Natesto
Obviously, you will have to work with your physician in choosing which treatment will work best for you. Nonetheless, all of these medications have been proven effective in helping patients boost their T levels.
According to a recent publication on WebMD:
"Some say it's just a part of aging, but that's a misconception," says Jason Hedges, MD, PhD, a urologist at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. A gradual decline in testosterone can't explain a near-total lack of interest in sex, for example. And for Hedges' patients who are in their 20s, 30s, and early 40s and having erectile problems, other health problems may be a bigger issue than aging.
COMMON LOW TESTOSTERONE SIDE EFFECTS
Along with a decreased libido, low testosterone can have a devastating effect on the male body, ranging from muscle loss to diminished bone density and everything in between. To further emphasize this point, let's take a closer look at some of the common side effects of low T levels in men:
MUSCLE LOSS
A reduction in the flow of testosterone-based hormone to the muscles can also result in atrophy. When T levels become too low, the body enters a catabolic state, which causes muscle tissue to deteriorate and makes it harder to build new muscle.
DECREASED BONE DENSITY
There are a variety of things that can contribute to reduced bone density, lower testosterone included. Because bone is living tissue, it can be negatively impacted once T levels drop too low. Bone tissue will begin to break down, and the body will have a hard time producing new bone tissue in its place.
If you suspect that you have low testosterone, you're encouraged to schedule a visit with a physician. There are hormone injections and other testosterone treatments that can help boost T levels and improve your overall quality of life.
Writer and health and wellness enthusiast.