Lifestyle strategies to help prevent natural age-related decline in testosterone
Men’s testosterone levels gradually decline with age, which some find to be uncomfortable. On the other hand, testosterone levels may be raised or maintained by implementing healthy lifestyle choices.
What is the function of testosterone?
The hormone testosterone is mostly generated in the testes. It has a significant impact on sex desire, bone density, muscular mass, and other aspects of male growth and traits. It’s also critical for mood and cognitive function regulation.
Throughout life, testosterone levels fluctuate: they are low prior to puberty, spike throughout puberty, and then, with rare exceptions, progressively decline by around 1% year.
What may lower testosterone levels?
Men’s testosterone production is regulated by signals sent from the brain to the pituitary gland. The testes get signals from the pituitary gland, which is located near the base of the brain, telling them to create testosterone. A “feedback loop” meticulously tracks this hormone’s blood level levels.
Deteriorating testosterone levels can be caused by anything that interferes with this system. The most frequent cause of testosterone declines is aging, although there are additional hereditary and acquired factors as well. Among them are:
fat
chronic conditions such diabetes, lung disease, cirrhosis, renal disease, and severe illnesses like heart attacks, brain damage, or surgery
Some drugs, such opioids and glucocorticoids (steroids), can cause sleep apnea tumors and congenital conditions like Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome.
What signs of low testosterone are present?
Low testosterone in many guys is never accompanied by symptoms. When low testosterone does manifest symptoms, they might have a variety of outcomes. Certain symptoms, such weariness, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings, are universal. Others are more focused, like these:
Physical changes, such as decreased muscular mass, increased body fat, and thinning hair, decreased sex drive, erectile problems, and infertility.
Consult your doctor if you have any of these symptoms and inquire about the possibility of low testosterone. To determine the level, he or she might request a blood test. Blood testosterone levels might vary, therefore it’s crucial to do the test early in the morning, preferably before 10 a.m. Generally speaking, 300 ng/dL or more is considered a normal total testosterone level.
How to help keep your testosterone levels stable naturally
The age-related natural decrease in testosterone can be slowed down by adopting certain lifestyle choices. Before contemplating medication, doctors frequently advise men with low testosterone to try drastic lifestyle changes.
