Health Outcomes of Very Low Testosterone Levels Similarly, castrated human males that have very low sex hormones like testosterone, live on average 14 years longer than their non-castrated counterparts (R,R,R,R). Eunuchs at courts are known for having significantly longer lifespans and less aging-related disease.
Although testosterone can be protective in metabolic syndrome, bone health, and cardiovascular health, studies conducted by specialists have shown that testosterone may also cause an expenditure of energy that actually may shorten the lifespan of men.
Lower testosterone levels are associated with higher risk of death in men.
Testosterone deficiency in the aging male is associated with the loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, decreased cognitive ability, lethargy, osteoporosis, and loss of muscle mass and strength.
Testing for low T
A simple blood test can confirm your testosterone level. The bottom of a man's normal total testosterone range is about 300 ng/dL, and the upper limit is about 800ng/dL, depending on the lab. In general, levels below 300 ng/dL combined with symptoms are indicators of testosterone deficiency.
Treating normal aging with testosterone therapy is not advisable. If you don't have a medical condition that's contributing to your decline in testosterone levels, your doctor might suggest natural ways to boost testosterone, such as losing weight and increasing muscle mass through resistance exercise.
Research has shown a link between decreased levels of testosterone and an increased risk for heart disease. As men age, testosterone levels – and physical activity – naturally decline. This causes declines in artery health and function, which raises the risk for heart problems.
Low testosterone levels in males can lead to erectile dysfunction. They can also affect sleep, mood, the size of the testicles, and more. In both males and females, low testosterone can lead to lower bone mass and reduced sex drive.
Untreated testosterone deficiency will greatly increase your risk for developing heart disease, osteoporosis, and other age-related diseases.
Testosterone levels affect the skin much like estrogen. The higher your testosterone, the firmer and tighter your skin appears. In men, low testosterone (low-T) is associated with wrinkles, muscle loss, thinning hair, and weight gain.
A man's ability to produce testosterone starts to decline at about 40 years of age, and levels continue to drop 1 – 3% a year thereafter. It is important to note that just because the levels are dropping after 40 doesn't necessarily mean that all men are candidates for therapy.
There's no one-time fix for low testosterone. However, consistent hormone replacement therapy helps improve sex drive, ease symptoms of depression and increase energy levels for many people assigned male at birth (AMAB) experiencing low testosterone. Treatment may also boost muscle mass and bone density.
Fatigue is a common effect of low testosterone. You might feel like you just don't have the energy that you're used to. Or you might be incredibly tired. But many other things can sap your energy, too, including normal aging and depression.
Low Testosterone can Occur Because of Aging or an Underlying Condition. While getting older is generally the main cause of low testosterone in many men, low T levels can also be a symptom of other underlying conditions or comorbidities.
It may come as a surprise, but low testosterone can be linked to sudden bouts of anxiety and the 'sense of impending doom', which can escalate to panic attacks .
If low testosterone goes untreated, you will experience negative symptoms, but you will also put your body at risk. Adequate testosterone levels are important not only for daily life and regular bodily processes and functions, but they're also important for protecting the body from age-related diseases.
On average, men's scores increased from 12.1 to 19.8 with Viagra. The men's testosterone levels also rose on Viagra, according to the findings published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
What You Need to Know. There really is a link between Vitamin D and Testosterone. One large-scale study showed a 30% increase in Total T after taking Vitamin D. Some data has even shown that just sunlight can increase Testosterone.
Most doctors agree that a “normal” reading falls anywhere between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). About 40% of men over age 45 will have levels that come in below that range. But a low reading by itself isn't enough to warrant alarm.
Though categorized as a male hormone, women also have testosterone, but in a much lower concentration than men. Research studies show that low testosterone in both men and women can result in physical and emotional symptoms such as depression.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is most common. This involves using man-made hormones. There are several forms that your doctor can prescribe. They include gel, a patch, or an injection.