Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, and an anabolic steroid. In men, testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues, such as testes and prostate, as well as, promoting secondary sexual characteristics, such as increased muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body hair and facial hair. In addition, testosterone is involved in health and well-being, and the prevention of osteoporosis. Insufficient levels of testosterone in men may lead to abnormalities, including frailty and bone loss.
Testosterone levels in men usually peak around the age of 19 years. After the age of 30 years, these levels begin to naturally decrease in all men. However, for some men, these levels become abnormally low. According to one study, almost 40% of men older than 45 years have abnormally low levels of testosterone. These abnormally low levels can cause symptoms. According to the American Urological Association, about 2 out of 10 men older than 60 years have low testosterone. That increases slightly to 3 out of 10 men in their 70s and 80s.
Symptoms of abnormally low testosterone can be bothersome. Some symptoms can have an impact on your quality of life.
These symptoms can include:
- Decreased body hair
- Decreased muscle mass
- Low sex drive. Testosterone plays a key role in libido (sex drive) in men. Some men may experience a decline in sex drive as they age. However, someone with low testosterone will likely experience a more drastic drop in their desire to have sex.
- Growth of breast tissue (enlarged breasts)
- Erectile dysfunction, or problems developing or maintaining an erection. While testosterone stimulates a man’s sex drive, it also aids in achieving and maintaining an erection. Testosterone alone doesn’t cause an erection, but it stimulates receptors in the brain to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a molecule that helps trigger a series of chemical reactions necessary for an erection to occur. When testosterone levels are too low, a man may have difficulty achieving an erection prior to sex or having spontaneous erections (for example, during sleep).
- Other changes in erections, such as fewer spontaneous erections
- Low semen volume. Testosterone plays a role in the production of semen, which is the milky fluid that aids in the motility of sperm. Men with low testosterone will often notice a decrease in the volume of their semen during ejaculation.
- Infertility
- Rapid hair loss
- Increased body fat
- Sleep disturbances
- Persistent fatigue
- Brain fog
- Depression
- Mood changes
It is, however, possible to increase and boost testosterone naturally;
Lose Weight
If you’re overweight, you should consider shedding the excess pounds as it may increase your testosterone levels, according to research presented at the Endocrine Society’s 2012 meeting. Overweight men are more likely to have low testosterone levels, to begin with, so this is an important way to increase your body’s testosterone production when you need it most.
Reduce Stress
When you’re under a lot of stress, your body releases high levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This hormone actually
blocks the effects of testosterone
Limit or totally eliminate sugar from diet
Testosterone levels decrease after you eat sugar, which is likely because the sugar leads to a high insulin level.
Go for cholesterol
Testosterone is derived from cholesterol, so it is only logical that if your diet is lacking in cholesterol, you’re also more than likely to have issues with this hormone.
