As men age, they naturally lose testosterone. Testosterone is the male hormone responsible for male sexual development and function. It is what makes a man have a broad chest, deep voice, facial hair, and other masculine features. The testosterone levels are at their peak when a man is in young adulthood and declines as they age. The decline in the levels is risky since it may cause impotence, lack of sexual desire, anxiety, or depression. As a result, it is important to try and restore testosterone levels. In this article, we look at ways in which one can deal with declining testosterone.
Determine the root cause
Common causes of declining testosterone levels in men include delayed puberty, treatments such as chemotherapy, aging, hypothalamic disease, pituitary disease, and damage to the testicles. Genetic conditions such as Kallman syndrome, myotonic dystrophy, and Klinefelter syndrome could also cause your testosterone levels to drop. In women, reduced testosterone levels are not problematic at all. However, high testosterone levels in women could lead to unwanted symptoms such as a deepened voice, infertility, and irregular or absent periods. Some women also grow hair on their faces and chest. Common causes of high testosterone levels in women could be an adrenal tumor, polycystic ovarian tumor, ovarian cancer, or congenital adrenocortical hyperplasia.
Go for a testosterone test
If you are unsure whether your symptoms are due to low testosterone levels or want to know your status, it would be wise to take a testosterone test. A physician will take a sample of your blood to determine the testosterone levels in your body. Since hormone levels are highest in the morning, your doctor will request you to arrive for your appointment between 7 am and 10 am. You might also need to take the test a couple of times. Before taking the test, ensure you let the doctor know what medication you are taking that could interfere with the results.
Take herbal supplements
There are numerous herbal supplements with ingredients that claim to boost testosterone. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough research to support these claims. You might not feel a difference after using these herbal supplements. On the other hand, some of these herbal supplements might cause a further decline in your testosterone levels. Therefore, it would be wise to exercise caution when purchasing these supplements and do ample research on the brand. You could also get referrals and read the product reviews to know whether other customers were happy with the product.
Consider testosterone replacement therapy
The natural testosterone levels in men tend to decline when they hit their 40s. Research reveals that men past 40 years old will experience a one to two percent drop in testosterone every year. An effective way to manage and boost your testosterone level is to get TRT, also known as testosterone or androgen replacement therapy. TRT has several known benefits, such as better sleep, higher libido, weight loss, and increased strength. Ensure you consult with a licensed physician before you start any hormone therapy.
Start strength training
A tell-tale sign of declining testosterone levels is reduced physical strength. You could temporarily boost your testosterone levels by engaging in lifting weights to build muscle and tone your body. However, strength training can only work if you are consistent and get enough rest so your muscles can repair themselves. Cardiovascular exercises are also great for boosting testosterone and weight loss.
Eat nutrient-rich foods
If you are suffering from low testosterone levels, plenty of foods could moderate and even boost the testosterone in your body. Recent studies reveal that foods rich in zinc and vitamin D are ideal for men who want to normalize their testosterone levels. Ensure you incorporate dark, leafy greens, eggs, fatty fish, berries, avocados, pomegranates, and shellfish in your diet. An added advantage of consuming these foods is improved bone and muscle health and better blood cell production.
Get testosterone injections
Another common form of testosterone therapy would be to get testosterone injections. These injections are ideal if your testosterone levels are not too low since you won’t require numerous sessions. Doing ample research before you commit to scheduling an appointment with a doctor would be wise. One wrong move could cause you to develop complications that you could have avoided.
Final remarks
Common effects of low testosterone in men include brain fog and the inability to concentrate on a task for too long. Some men also experience lowered motivation which could tamper with their esteem and self-confidence. Other physical effects of decreased testosterone include increased body fat, muscle mass loss, fatigue, hot flashes, and tender breast tissues. Luckily, there are ways to deal with the low T levels including using TRT.