Testosterone plays a very important role in a man’s body. It is responsible for fertility, libido, fat distribution, muscle size and strength. Also, it is also responsible for bone mass and red blood cell production. It can also impact energy levels and mood regulation.
When T levels are low, it can lead to disruptive symptoms and even conditions such as infertility and hypogonadism. High levels of T aren’t good either, since can lead to early puberty in boys. For women it can cause menstrual irregularities, acne and facial hair growth.
Testosterone and Aging
It is natural for T levels to decline with age. Levels start decreasing from around the age of 35-40 by 1% per year. By the time a man is 55, he has 20% less testosterone than he did when he was younger. Since 2012, the number of men who have been diagnosed with low T, has increased by 170%!
T levels naturally decline with age, however it is important to test if the imbalances are due to age or a different condition or disease. Ongoing low testosterone levels can cause osteoporosis, diabetes and lung disease. It can also cause infertility, low energy levels, mood swings and testicular shrinkage. Imbalances can be determined with a simple blood test and treatment can be extremely beneficial.
Low T and Treatment
Thankfully for men experiencing low T, there are solutions. A man can comfortably stabilize his testosterone levels and experience a welcome relief in symptoms, thereby living a much fuller life. Treatment for low T include testosterone shots, gels, creams, patches and supplements according to what is best and more convenient to the patient’s needs.
Lifestyle Improvements
Men are still encouraged to live healthier lives in order to increase their testosterone levels naturally. Treatments and TRT don’t cure the cause of low testosterone, they replenish testosterone levels.
While it is of course difficult to get the testosterone you need from foods alone, diet does play an important role in the production of this hormone and health. Eggs are a great food to incorporate because they are high in protein and are a good source of cholesterol which is what the body needs to produce T. The right fats are also important such as fat from avocado, red meat, dairy products, nuts, olive and flax oils. A good intake of vitamins and minerals are also important – vitamin E, B vitamins, magnesium and zinc.
Taking care of your health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. If you suspect you have low T levels or a hormone imbalance, make sure to get it checked out by your doctor. There are also online tests you can take, such as this one (click here).