Men experience a gradual, yet steady decline in testosterone with age. The Mayo Clinic estimates that men lose approximately 1 percent of their testosterone each year after the age of 30. This means that a man in his 70s could have only 50 percent of his original testosterone level. The ongoing loss of this male sex hormone is sometimes referred to as male menopause or andropause. And, like female menopause, it can bring with it a number of undesirable symptoms, including fatigue.
Hormonal Changes
A study conducted by the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara gives some indication that androgens play an important role in the allocation of energetic resources. This male sex hormone is a vital component in the body's immune response. As testosterone levels decline, the body compensates by redistributing its energy resources to the immune system and thereby taking a toll on your energy level.
Sleep Disruptions
Another potential relationship between testosterone and fatigue is sleep disruptions. It isn't uncommon for a drop in testosterone to cause sleep disruptions in men. As androgen levels steadily decline, you may begin to experience periodic episodes of insomnia, advises the Mayo Clinic. This difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep could be the cause of your fatigue.
Testosterone Therapy
The loss of energy, coupled with other symptoms associated with declining testosterone levels, may encourage some men to seek out hormone replacement therapy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, supplemental testosterone not only can increase energy levels, but also improve mood, libido and concentration as well as lessen the feelings of depression.
Side Effects
Like any medication, testosterone replacement isn't without its risks. The Mayo Clinic warns that supplementing testosterone may lead to sleep apnea, acne, breast tissue and benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is an enlargement of the prostate. It may also elevate your risk of heart disease as a result of an increased production of red blood cells. This androgen is also known to stimulate the growth and metastasis of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as prostate cancer.
Recommendation
If you're concerned with your testosterone levels as well as energy levels, talk to your doctor before trying to supplement testosterone. Medical professionals can often recommend appropriate forms of treatment to lessen the impact associated with the decline of testosterone.
