Low Levels of Testosterone in Increasingly More Men

6.04.2010 | By: T. B.

How do low levels of testosterone affect men's health? Are they consequently worse in bed?

Today’s lifestyle is very stressful and the stress reduces the testosterone level in blood. (Photoxpress)

Testosterone improves the physical and psychological parts of life. It also affects sex life and thus raises the quality of life. Increasingly more young men in their 40s develop the symptoms typical of old age. Namely, increasingly more young men have low levels of testosterone.

What are the lowest levels of testosterone?

When talking about low levels of testosterone, it has to be said that there are no generally accepted charts prescribing the lowest levels of testosterone and what’s still normal. In general, the normal level of testosterone in an adult man is 300 to 1000 nanograms per decilitre. Otherwise, be careful of the following symptoms that show a decline in testosterone: erectile dysfunction , depression, mood swings, concentration and memory problems, high levels of cholesterol (high cholesterol or high pressure cause poorer blood flow to the testicles and consequently poor release of testosterone).

Many problems of a middle-aged man can be linked to low levels of testosterone. (Photoxpress)

What causes low levels of testosterone?

A decrease in levels of testosterone is also caused by a kick in the groin, sports injuries, mumps, hypophyseal tumor and chronic diseases. Levels of testosterone also decrease with age. This period is called andropause. Today’s lifestyle plays an important role. There are more and more people suffering from obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Nowadays, drug and alcohol abuse also have a significant effect on psychological, hormonal and chemical changes to the body. Stress is constantly present and all its dimensions are yet unknown, but it definitely has an effect on testosterone levels. These levels are also affected by certain autoimmune diseases, including AIDS.

The effect of testosterone on osteoporosis

Until recently, testosterone deficiency was a hidden factor that caused the development of osteoporosis. Today, it’s a known fact that osteoporosis also develops because of testosterone deficiency. Apart from osteoporosis, testosterone also has an effect on bone and muscle mass.

The effect of testosterone on mortality

Low levels of testosterone can put your health, and even your life, at risk. A study that lasted ten years showed that men with low testosterone levels are 2.5 times more likely to die than men with high testosterone levels. Testosterone levels decline with age.

Hormone replacement therapy

Similar to women in menopause, men can undergo hormone replacement therapy to compensate for the testosterone loss. However, you can’t just play with hormones. If you notice any signs that could indicate low levels of testosterone, you have to see your doctor. Therapies shouldn’t be mixed or substituted by taking steroids for sports purposes. Testosterone is the body’s natural steroid and a doctor only prescribes it in the doses sufficient for the body, and no more.
Hormone replacement therapy can have an effect on a man’s fertility because it reduces the number of sperm cells.

Testosterone as the elixir of youth

Testosterone isn’t the way to achieve eternal youth and vitality, neither eternal life, as many people imagine or want. Forcing your body with testosterone doesn’t bring such benefits, but damage. Therefore, hormone replacement therapy with testosterone is appropriate only if your body really lacks this hormone.