The sex steroid testosterone affects body and mind across the human lifespan. Most testosterone production occurs in the male testes and the female ovaries. The adrenal glands of both genders produces small amounts of testosterone as well. Lifestyle, disease and age can decrease testosterone levels. Such alterations can be treated with prescription medications, nutritional supplements and behavioral changes. Yet people with deficiencies should determine the underlying causes before starting replacement therapy.
Obesity
A lifestyle characterized by overeating and inactivity can alter the body's natural processes. Such behavior increases body weight and adversely affects testosterone production as well. A study by H. Makimura and associates offered in the July 30, 2010 edition of "Clinical Endocrinology" assessed testosterone in overweight men relative to normal-weight men. Having excess weight reduced circulating testosterone levels and decreased growth hormone production. These changes were also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Alcoholism
Short-term intake of alcoholic beverages increases testosterone levels. Yet, over time, these changes decrease due to tolerance effects. And, at some point, chronic ethanol use begins to decrease testosterone production. An experiment by K. R. Muthusami and co-workers described in the October 2005 issue of "Fertility and Sterility" tested the impact of repeated alcohol intake on various reproductive measures in otherwise healthy men. Relative to control subjects, chronic drinkers had lower testosterone and greater estrogen. Take together, these effects made the alcoholic men less fertile.
Diabetes
The incidence of diabetes, and a related condition known as metabolic syndrome, is dramatically increasing throughout the world. This disease has a negative impact on the organs and tissues of the body. An analysis by G. Corona and colleagues presented in the August 30, 2010 edition of the "Journal of Sexual Medicine" looked at hormone levels in men with diabetic symptoms. The authors also assessed the effect of testosterone replacement. The results showed that testosterone level and metabolic syndrome are directly related. Men with diabetic symptoms had significantly less testosterone than healthy controls. Increasing testosterone with supplements reduced blood sugar, cholesterol level and body weight.
Aging
Older adults, in general, have lower levels of most hormones irrespective of health status. A review by R. Arianayagam and co-workers published in the July 2009 issue of "Australian Family Physician" indicated that testosterone decreases 1 percent with each additional year after age 40. In addition, about half of all testosterone is bound to specific proteins which increase as people get older. These two changes lead to a large reduction in circulating testosterone with advancing age. Having less free testosterone places patients at risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke.
References
- "Clinical Endocrinology"; Relationship between Reduced Testosterone, Stimulated Growth Hormone Secretion and Increased Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Obese Men; H. Makimura et al.; July 30, 2010
- "Fertility and Sterility"; Effect of Chronic Alcoholism on Male Fertility Hormones and Semen Quality; K. R. Muthusami et al.; October 2005
- "Journal of Sexual Medicine"; Testosterone and Metabolic Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis Study; G. Corona et al.; Aug. 30, 2010
- "Australian Family Physician": Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Man
