1. Healthy Heart and Blood
A healthy heart pumps blood to the rest of the body. This provides muscles and organs with the oxygen needed for peak performance. Low testosterone levels are linked to a variety of cardiovascular risks. According to a recent study, testosterone replacement therapy can widen coronary arteries. This may be helpful for men with angina, chest pain, and pressure when your heart doesn’t get enough blood. Testosterone also can cause red blood cell counts to rise, which is a good thing if you have anemia.
2. Stronger Bones
Strong bones help support your muscles and internal organs, which boosts athletic performance. As men age and testosterone levels drop, so does bone density. This raises the risk of weak bones and osteoporosis. A published study indicates that older men can increase their bone density with testosterone replacement therapy. This is especially true of men who had very low testosterone levels before beginning therapy.
3. Less Fat, More Muscle
A leaner body mass helps control weight and increases energy. There is some evidence that testosterone treatment can decrease fat and increase muscle size and strength. This effect is greater if you combine treatment with strength training and exercise. A study of 108 men over age 65 showed that testosterone treatment significantly decreased fat, especially in the arms and legs. Those same men had an increase in lean mass, mostly in the bodies trunk. The men were treated with testosterone for 36 months.
4. Better Libido
Testosterone levels naturally rise in response to sexual arousal and activity. Testosterone levels fall off during long periods of abstinence. More testosterone boosts sexual desire, continuing the cycle. Testosterone has been shown to have a positive effect on a man’s sexual drive and performance.
5. Improves Mood
Testosterone’s role in the body is more involved than simply getting you aroused. The hormone also plays a role in your state of mind, including how well your brain works. That’s why low testosterone has been linked with symptoms such as mood swings, increased stress, and depression. Cells in the brain have testosterone receptors that significantly affect mental health. Men with low testosterone can experience fatigue and commonly have mood swings. It’s also one of the major causes of depression. Testosterone Replacement can improve mood and the sense of well-being.
It’s good to know the benefits of testosterone replacement extend beyond libido. The article states that stronger bones, and a healthy heart are just some of the many benefits from having optimal testosterone levels. If someone were to suspect they had low testosterone levels, how would they get that checked? And what constitutes a “low” level? I’m worried I might fall into that category.
Thanks for your comment. We run a simple lab test at the clinic to determine your testosterone level. Depending on your age and the level that comes back we tailor a plan that specifically addresses your deficiency. Our goal is to return your testosterone levels back to the normal levels that will promote the optimal health benefits that you mentioned. If for some reason you are symptomatic for low testosterone levels but your blood test indicates that you have normal levels then we have several other treatments that address the same type of symptoms associated with Low T. I recommend stopping in for a quick consult or calling to speak with one of our nurse practitioners who can get more specific with your individual situation. In my opinion, it is always good to know where your levels are. Research indicates that the normal male begins losing natural testosterone around the age of thirty and that decline continues throughout the rest of their life.
Can a woman have low testosterone? Because I have ALL the symptoms of low testosterone but I’m a woman!!
Both women and men can have similar symptoms when they have a sub-optimal testosterone level including the ones listed in the previous post. Although these symptoms are the most common ones experienced with a low testosterone level, they may also be symptoms of other deficiencies and imbalances as well. Feel free to stop by our clinic for an evaluation including lab work to learn more about how we can help your specific situation.
I am 16 years and I have low testosterone what would I do to increase my testosterone
We aren’t able to provide testosterone replacement therapy to someone of your age…but a healthy diet and regular exercise will help your body maximize what it is already making.
I feel many of the symptoms of low testosterone levels but I also have high cholesterol and am currently taking medication for it. However, I’ve heard that statins can lead to low testosterone levels too. What would you recommend I do? I want to maintain my cholesterol levels in check, but I also feel like the meds are affecting my T levels.
James,
Thank you for your comment. You are correct regarding the possible effects that statin drugs can have on testosterone levels. Each one of our new testosterone patients gets lab work done in the clinic that measures both testosterone and cholesterol levels, among several other important biomarkers. We typically get results back within 24 hours. At that point we can assess your testosterone level to determine if and how much testosterone replacement you would need to return to normal levels to effectively deal with your symptoms. Our Nurse Practitioner would be happy to discuss this in more detail with you either in person or over the telephone (901) 417-6551 or via email at info@prohealthmemphis.com. We hope to see you in the clinic soon.