Testosterone naturally declines as a man ages, but sometimes it can plummet to the point where quality of life is severely impacted. Recognizing the symptoms and knowing when it is time to look into testosterone replacement therapy can be key to improving the aging process. At Tru-Male Medical in Oak Brook, IL, hormone specialist Robert Marshall, MD, helps men to improve their health and vitality through safe and effective testosterone treatments.
Why Testosterone Is Key to Successful Aging
Testosterone plays a critical role in the male body. An androgen hormone produced in the adrenal gland and in the testicles, testosterone affects sex drive, sperm count, energy level, cognitive ability, muscle mass, and a number of other factors that can become compromised during the aging process.
A man whose testosterone is on a steep decline might notice several tell-tale symptoms: Decreased energy, lower sex drive, weight gain, depression or moodiness, and sudden hair loss can all be indications that this vital hormone is dwindling. Ignoring these warning signs can cause a number of physical and emotional problems that can severely impact quality of life.
Boosting Testosterone Levels
Returning testosterone to a normal level can dramatically improve energy, mood, and sex drive, and can help with other unfortunate consequences of aging such as muscle shrinkage and hair loss. Many men who start on a doctor-supervised testosterone treatment plan begin to notice a reversal of the negative symptoms noted earlier within weeks or sometimes even days.
Testosterone supplementation is a proven way to naturally reverse many of the negative outcomes associated with male aging. It can also reduce your risk of developing disorders linked to metabolic syndromes, such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. When supervised by a skilled physician trained in hormone therapy, testosterone replacement therapy is completely safe with a very low risk of adverse side effects.
What Happens When Testosterone Depletion is Ignored
While most testosterone decline is a natural part of aging, particularly low levels can reflect a severe underlying health condition. Type 2 diabetes, COPD, chronic liver or kidney disease, testicular cancer, or a pituitary gland disorder can all lead either directly or indirectly to low testosterone. This is among the reasons why paying attention to symptoms of low testosterone is so critical to overall health.
When Is It Time for Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
Many of the symptoms we have described can be associated with any number of illnesses, which is why it’s so important to work with a doctor who can specifically test your hormone levels to make sure testosterone replacement is right for you. If you feel terrible but your testosterone level is more or less normal for your age, you will know that more tests need to be done by another specialist.
However, if a blood test reveals that your testosterone level is below 300 ng/dL (the normal range is 300 ng/dL to 1,000 ng/dL), then your doctor may decide that replacement therapy is appropriate.
At What Age Does Testosterone Begin to Decline?
Testosterone usually begins its slow but steady decline at age 30, but most men will not begin to notice obvious symptoms until at least age 40. By the time a man is in his 50’s or 60’s, low testosterone can become a debilitating issue that affects many aspects of his life.
Other Factors That Can Deplete Testosterone
There are certain lifestyle factors that can hasten the decline of testosterone. Chronic stress, alcoholism, drug use, and obesity can all wreak havoc on hormone balance. Striving for a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and adequate exercise, can significantly delay the need for testosterone supplementation.
Being Tested for Low Testosterone
A simple blood test is all that is required to determine whether your testosterone level is something you need to be concerned about. Since testosterone levels tend to fluctuate throughout the day, with the highest level occurring in the morning, your doctor will likely suggest scheduling your blood test earlier in the day.
How Testosterone Replacement Therapy Works
After a blood test and careful health evaluation, your doctor will decide which testosterone delivery method will be the most effective for you. Testosterone can be administered as a gel, injection, oral capsule, topical solution, a patch, or as a pellet that is implanted under the skin.
There are several brand names on the market. With all these choices, working with a doctor who specializes in hormone replacement is crucial to ensuring that the right product is prescribed to meet your needs. A doctor will also be able to ensure the appropriate dosage and length of time you will need to engage in therapy in order to achieve optimal results.
Can Testosterone Enhance Youth and Vitality?
While testosterone replacement is not always a magic bullet, and it is not necessarily suitable for every middle-aged man, many men do report a significant improvement in their quality of life once they are in an established testosterone regimen. The American College of Physicians confirms that testosterone therapy improves sexual function in men who have a level below 300 ng/dL.
While many testosterone studies have been related to sexual health, there is also ample evidence that boosting testosterone can improve vitality and energy levels. It is often reported by patient samples that balancing testosterone leads to increased muscle mass with some corresponding fat loss. Since staying fit is essential to positive aging, this is a very beneficial side effect of supplementation.
Testosterone and Heart Health
An emerging area of interest in endocrinology is the positive effect that testosterone has on the heart. Since testosterone helps red blood cell production and widens arteries, it follows that it may have some benefits for the cardiovascular system. A recent study of 83,000 men found that those who boosted their testosterone back to normal levels through supplementation were 36% less likely to have a stroke 24% less likely to experience a heart attack.
Improved Mood
Lower testosterone levels have been associated with depression and fatigue in men over age 50. While a normal and gradual age-related decline in testosterone does not normally lead to depression, sudden sharp declines (such as those stemming from illness or medication) can sometimes have this effect.
Are There Natural Ways to Increase Testosterone?
A healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and ample physical activity will not necessarily increase testosterone, but it will certainly help to mitigate the premature decline of this critical hormone.
There are some anecdotal reports that certain over-the-counter supplements, such as vitamin D, DHEA, L-arginine, and zinc, can help to boost testosterone production. There is not enough evidence at this time to recommend any of these supplements (although the use of vitamin D may be recommended for other reasons). If you do choose to add any vitamins to your regimen, be sure to mention to this to your doctor.
When Low Testosterone Happens in Young Men
Although rare, it is an unfortunate reality that some men will experience symptoms of low testosterone before age 30. This is usually related to genetics and can be indicated by rapid hair loss, erectile dysfunction, and reduced muscle mass. Sometimes an individual with premature testosterone decline might also notice enlarged breasts.
Any of these symptoms are a red flag that hormone testing should be performed. The good news is that low testosterone at any age is relatively simple to diagnose and treat under the watchful eye of a trained specialist.
Finding the Right Hormone Specialist to Treat Declining Testosterone
Low testosterone is a very treatable condition but it requires the support of a skilled doctor who specializes in hormone replacement. Do your homework to make sure you are working with an expert in this field who has the latest knowledge in innovations in men’s health. There are new testosterone replacement therapies coming on the market all the time, but only an expert can determine which one will be right for you.
Ensuring Safe and Effective Results
Testosterone replacement therapy performed on men who have been properly tested for low testosterone is completely safe when treatments are supervised by a specialist. Negative side effects are very rare when treatments are performed as directed.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you have any suspicion that your testosterone level is below normal, contact us today at Tru-Male Medical Men’s Health and Wellness Center in Oak Brook, IL. We will schedule a consultation to help determine if testosterone replacement therapy is right for you.
