The Damaging Effects of Low Testosterone
Now more than ever, men are turning to TRT and loving life again.
Since the 1980’s studies have been showing a decline in men’s testosterone levels and it has been determined that it’s not a part of natural aging. Testosterone changes are largely explained by changes in health status, particularly obesity, and depression, but are more likely to be the multifaceted result of modern, industrialized life.
More and more professions involve a desk and a computer meaning that manual labour isn’t as common as it once was. The introduction of working machinery also means that men don’t have to be as strong anymore.
Pollution could also be a factor. Chemicals that are commonly found in medicine and pesticides inhibit testosterone. These chemicals are seeping into our water and contributing to fertility problems in fish. It’s not too far of a leap to think that there’s a link.
Male menopause or ‘Andropause’ is a term used by the media misleading the general public into believing that male menopause is completely normal. It suggests the symptoms are the result of a sudden drop in testosterone in middle age, similar to what occurs in female menopause.
Yes, it’s true that men start to see a decline in their testosterone levels as they age, but this process is relatively steady at roughly 2% per year between 30- 40 years old. This process sees adiposity shift to the midsection and possible gynecomastia, along with a decrease in strength, muscle mass, and bone density.
This can be de-motivating, to say the least with regards to your physical fitness and training. Working out and lifting weights can begin to show little or no results with the lack of testosterone and increase in body fat. Fatigue mid-session and the motivation to go and train at all can be affected.
So what can be done?
There are many different causes of low testosterone including lack of sleep, poor diet, stress, anxiety, lack of exercise, and psychological factors such as relationship issues.
Many cases are a direct result of a condition known as hypogonadism, a condition that an estimated 6 million men in the US alone suffer from each year.
Primary hypogonadism is caused by a problem with the testicles themselves due to injury, undescended testicles at birth, or in some cases mumps orchitis.
Secondary hypogonadism is attributed to a problem in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland not sending the correct signals to the testes to make testosterone. Obesity and certain medications can also play a part.
However low testosterone happens it can be detrimental to a man’s mental health, physical health, and lifestyle. Depression, fatigue, low sex drive, irritability, and lack of motivation are all symptoms that can occur and these symptoms can make life miserable.
Does this sound like you?
If so then there are ways to get help. Your first port of call should be your doctor. Explain how you’re feeling and talk through your symptoms. Usually, a doctor will try to ascertain whether your symptoms can be helped by lifestyle changes by looking at things like your weight, sleep pattern, and stress levels.
If they are satisfied that such changes won’t solve the problem then the next step is blood work. Testosterone levels and other markers in the blood will give an indication as to whether your levels fall within the normal ranges, but multiple tests will more than likely be needed as there are so many variables involved.
If you are diagnosed with low T then the process of TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) can begin. Therapy comes in multiple forms but the two most popular are injection or a body gel.
Treatment will need to be carefully monitored through regular blood tests checked by your doctor for testosterone levels and other biological changes. This is by no means an overnight fix with a pill and it should be stated that once you start TRT then it is a lifelong decision.
That being said, the benefits of TRT are plentiful:
Increased sexual desire
Stronger erections
Lower LDL (bad) cholesterol
Increased muscle mass/strength
Increased bone density
Decreased body fat
Elevated mood
Increased energy
Better sleep
With research being carried out year after year on this subject it’s becoming alarmingly clear that low testosterone is a global phenomenon and it’s an issue that needs addressing. Education and a level of awareness will undoubtedly combat this silent affliction.
Men no longer have to fight through depression, fatigue, and a general low state anymore, help is available. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step to a better life, not only for you but for the loved ones around you.
Millions of men take TRT around the world and have rediscovered their joy and passion for life. More energy, mental sharpness, increased libido, and more confidence mean that life is so much better for them.
Most men don’t actually realize that they have been unwell and depleted for so long until they begin treatment, and that’s an incredibly sad fact.
Don’t suffer in silence, speak to a healthcare professional and get your life back.
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