Testosterone is the most important hormone for men. If your testosterone level is too low, it can have unpleasant consequences. What exactly are the causes of insufficient testosterone in your body? How do you recognize this and what can you do about it?
What is testosterone?
We answered the question earlier this week what exactly is testosterone. In short, it is a hormone produced by both men and women. Men get a lot more out of it and it is also a more important hormone for men. For example, it is important for typical problems in men such as sperm production, penis growth, beard growth and much more.
Natural decline with advancing age
The level of testosterone in the body is different for everyone. Also, the content decreases, simply by grow old. Conversely, it increases during puberty and between the ages of 35 and 40 it begins to decline slowly. This increases by a small percentage per year and by the age of 70 a man has on average about 65% of the testosterone level he was in his early 20s.
Even more causes
In men over 50, testosterone deficiency may simply be the result of aging. As mentioned, testosterone simply decreases over the years. One more than the other. Furthermore, the most common causes are:
Diabetes
Men with diabetes have a higher risk of testosterone deficiency. Research shows that half of men with diabetes have low testosterone levels. That’s while testosterone actually helps absorb more blood sugar. Men with diabetes and lack of testosterone therefore need more insulin to maintain blood sugar levels.
Obesity
Obesity or overweight and low testosterone levels are often linked. Fat cells produce female hormones (estrogen). This leads to lower testosterone levels, because female hormones have a strong inhibitory effect on testosterone production.
Unhealthy lifestyle metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a combination of being overweight and high levels of cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. Unfortunately, this condition is becoming more and more common. It is closely related to an unhealthy lifestyle: eating too much and too much fattoo much alcohol and too little exercise.
Metabolic syndrome and low testosterone are closely related and mutually reinforcing: with low testosterone a metabolic syndrome is more likely to develop. Conversely, metabolic syndrome increases a drop in testosterone levels.
Combat Testosterone Deficiency
Testosterone deficiency is easy to determine, for example by examining the blood. And there is a lot to do. Are you overweight and live badly? Then it is wise to change your lifestyle. Lose weight through less and eat healthier and strength training are two things you can do on your own to improve testosterone levels.
Plus, of course, extra testosterone can help. A doctor can prescribe testosterone pills, gels, or injections.
How do you know you have low testosterone in your body?
In addition to natural history, the testosterone level can also decrease due to other factors. How much this bothers you varies per person; one does not notice a lower testosterone level, the other has erection problems and chronic fatigue.
Decreased muscle mass, weight gain, erection problems, less sexual desire, forgetfulness and lack of energy: these are the most common symptoms of low testosterone in men. Do you recognize many of these symptoms? Then consult your doctor. It is possible that the testosterone level is too low, but the symptoms mentioned above can obviously have another cause as well.
