Testosterone deficiency in men is a major health issue in our society and one that has far-reaching effects. Testosterone affects many aspects of our overall health and a prolonged deficiency in this important hormone could lead to severe complications. In this article, we’re going to address the causes and symptoms of low testosterone in men, and what can be done about it.
The Signs of Low Testosterone in Men
Before low testosterone is treated, it has to be identified first. Thankfully, there are many clear signs that you may be suffering from a testosterone imbalance.
One of the first signs of low testosterone is a lower sex drive and erectile dysfunction. This is why many men start to lose some of their libidos as they age. But anyone with a drop in testosterone will immediately feel a decrease in sex drive since testosterone plays an essential role in sexual function.
Another reason why testosterone has such an effect on erectile function is that it stimulates receptors in the brain to increase the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide will then trigger a series of reactions at a chemical level that will make an erection possible.
Another thing you should look for is if you suddenly have a lower semen volume. Testosterone plays a central role in semen production and a significant drop could be a sign of lower testosterone production.
Hair loss and fatigue are two other symptoms associated with low testosterone in men. This is why men tend to have thinning hair or start balding as they age, though genetics also play a factor. If you’re suddenly feeling like you have low motivation or are constantly fatigued despite having enough sleep, this could also be a sign of low testosterone.
Other things you should look out for include loss of bone and muscle mass as well as excess fat. Not only does low testosterone promote fat production, but fat itself will increase your estrogen levels, which will make matters even worse. Testosterone is also key to muscle production and retention, and bone health, which is again why so many men start losing muscle mass or start experiencing bone issues as they age.
The Right Kind of Exercise for Low Testosterone
One of the best ways to increase your testosterone is exercise. But not all forms of exercise will have the same effect. Resistance training, in particular, can have a dramatic effect on your testosterone level.
Another great thing about strength training and building muscle mass is that it will boost your metabolism and help you shed weight as a result. The less overall fat you have, especially in the belly area, the lesser the chance of having low testosterone.
And instead of low-intensity cardio training, you should consider opting for high-intensity interval training, or HIIT instead. This form of exercise focuses on short bursts of intense exercise followed by small breaks. It will not only help you burn fat while you perform it but well after by boosting your metabolism too.
Diet Can Also Affect Testosterone
Your eating habits and choices can also have a direct effect on testosterone production. Reducing the number of refined sugars and carbs that you eat and increasing your consumption of protein will ensure that you maintain your muscle mass and avoid adding more empty calories and fat to your body.
There are also plenty of foods and supplements that could help you increase your testosterone naturally. Egg yolks, foods that are high in zinc like oysters, and low-fat fish like tuna have all been shown to increase testosterone. Supplements like fenugreek seed extract are also a great way to boost testosterone. One study, in particular, showed that a group of men aged between 43 and 70 were able to increase their testosterone levels by using the supplement. Vitamonk released a story about the benefits of fenugreek extract as well as additional research on its benefits; you can get more information about it from their blog.
Conclusion
Testosterone deficiency is something that should be addressed as soon as possible. If you think you might have some of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately and see what course of action would be the best to address the situation.