Testosterone is the male, or androgenic sex hormone responsible for men's deep voice, facial hair, muscle mass, aggression and libido. Produced in sufficient amounts, testosterone benefits mood, energy, bone health and body composition. According to the Life Extension Foundation, testosterone begins to decline in the mid-30s, reaching 20 percent of youthful levels by age 80. Loss of testosterone can have many serious side effects.
Decreased Libido
One of the most common side effects of testosterone loss is decreased libido. Testosterone is essential for obtaining erections and facilitating sexual function. With declining levels of testosterone can come genital atrophy and the inability to achieve an erection.
Diabetes
The Life Extension Foundation reports that 20 to 64 percent of diabetic men have low testosterone levels.Type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome can develop due to insulin resistance. The body becomes less efficient at using insulin, which can hamper healthy blood glucose levels.
Depression
A statistically significant amount of depressed men have low testosterone levels, according to the Life Extension Foundation. They also report improvements in patients treated with testosterone therapy, when conventional treatments prove ineffective.
Heart Disease
Cardiovascular health can be compromised by low testosterone levels. Studies show a decrease in endothelial function and subsequent increase in risk factors for heart disease. The endothelial cells are those that line the blood vessels and arteries and are responsible for maintaining healthy blood pressure. Moreover, Life Extension reports increased mortality among males with low testosterone.
Muscle Loss
Testosterone is the primary hormone responsible for hypertrophy or muscle mass. As testosterone levels decline, muscle mass decreases. Besides contributing to metabolic syndrome (muscle is metabolically active), muscle loss can result in decreased functional strength.
Bone Loss
Much like women, aging men experience bone loss due to hormonal fluctuations. Testosterone plays an important role in maintaining bone mass and avoiding fractures and frailty.
References
- Optimizing Testosterone Levels in Aging Men
- Natural Anabolics - Jerry Brainum, Ironman publishing, 2008
- How Can One Increase Their Testosterone Levels
