Low Testosterone Level
As you get older, many people, including your doctor, will tell you it’s natural to feel less energetic, lose some muscle mass, and gain a little weight. But what if you’re feeling these symptoms and you’re only in your 20’s? Low testosterone levels may be the problem.
Having low testosterone levels contribute to the feelings of getting older. Aching joints, diminished aerobic functions, loss of libido, and a loss of height are all classic symptoms of aging. But these aging conditions may actually be associated with low testosterone levels.
Low testosterone levels negatively affect both men and women. However, since testosterone is the primary hormone in men, men will be more affected with low testosterone levels.
Low testosterone levels can be the result of many factors. Damage to the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and testes are possible causes. Wear and tear on these glands come with age and physical trauma. Poor diet and lifestyle choices are another major factor. Eating unhealthily, smoking, and getting too little exercise are major contributors to low testosterone levels. Excessive consumption of alcohol in particular is a major contributor to low testosterone levels.
Although some factors are within your control, many are not. Low testosterone levels come with age. Men and women over the age of 45 should periodically have testosterone levels checked to see if they need to increase low testosterone levels.
Low Testosterone Levels in Men
Men over the age of 45 are more prone to low testosterone levels than anyone else. At this age, male menopause may set in. Male menopause is also known as andropause.
As said earlier, hormone producing glands begin to suffer wear and tear as men get older. This leads to less testosterone production. Sex binding hormone globulin (SHBG) also increases as men age. SHBG pulls free testosterone from the bloodstream. This means that less testosterone is available for cell use. After the age of 30, men lose amounts of testosterone at about 1% per year.
Andropause is not always the cause of low testosterone levels. Damage to glands, starvation, cancer, chronic illness, head injury, and prescribed drugs can all lower testosterone. Men suffering prostate cancer are given drugs specifically to lower the amount of testosterone since the hormone aids the growth of cancer cells. Some men may have low amounts for no apparent reason.