Testosterone is known as the male hormone, and it is not for less since it fulfills important functions in the health of men. A decrease in its level is associated with various conditions such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. Discover more details on this subject and how to avoid that the passage of time necessarily means that you must suffer a testosterone deficiency.
Testosterone is a very important hormone for men’s health, in fact, it is known as the male hormone: it is produced by men in the testicles and helps them maintain both muscle mass and strength, as well as the density of your bones. It also helps with the distribution of fat in certain places, stimulates the production of red blood cells and sperm, and increases sexual desire.
With all these features, you will surely wonder how you will not notice when your levels are below normal? It is even considered the cause of the so-called andropause , a condition whose existence is still doubted by some specialists but which, according to others, would be the equivalent of menopause in women. Andropause is characterized precisely by a drop in testosterone level and can cause physical and psychological symptoms, such as changes in mood, decreased energy level and lack of interest in sex.
And while many professionals consider that these hormonal changes are typical of age, there is a position that affirms that old age is not to blame but the physical state that each one maintains as the years go by. Thus, it can be influenced by maintaining a good general state of health since it could delay or prevent testosterone levels from falling, regardless of the man’s age.
The truth is that when testosterone levels decrease, they have been linked to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and the so-called metabolic syndrome (which increases the risk of heart attacks), some of which appear together with gray hair or as you lose your hair. Hypogonadism can have specific causes, especially in young men that require treatment.
To give you an idea, according to a study that was released a few years ago, which analyzed more than 2,100 men over 45 years of age, low testosterone levels were 2.4 times lower in obese men; 2.1 times lower in diabetics and 1.8 times lower in men with high blood pressure (hypertension).
Other health problems related to low testosterone levels are depression and erectile dysfunction , which can also be related to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, all linked to this hormone.
The important thing is that this relationship is not proof that low testosterone levels are responsible for these health conditions, since in most cases, they can be controlled and even avoided by leading a healthy lifestyle.
Faced with this situation, the point remains whether or not it is convenient to follow hormone therapy with testosterone . Some specialists see testosterone therapy as a possible solution, but others believe that this treatment can worsen other conditions such as diabetes and has risks that may be worse than the benefits it provides. Among those risks is the probability of developing sleep apnea and accelerating the development of prostate cancer .
While research in this field continues, the best thing you can do is visit your doctor regularly to have the necessary check-ups and lead a healthy lifestyle that includes a diet abundant in vegetables and fruits, accompanied by an exercise routine. , the ones you enjoy the most, so you can do them regularly. If a blood test proves that your testosterone level is low, opting for a hormone treatment is a very personal decision that you must make together with your doctor, after he has informed you very well about the benefits and disadvantages of a treatment. of this type.
And remember, if it’s below normal levels and it’s hypogonadism, it may be a different situation that requires treatment than if it’s within low normal levels. This is an important difference that you should discuss with your doctor.
