Aging has long been associated with drops in testosterone levels. After the age of 30, men experience a steady decline in testosterone production by an average of 1 percent each year. But aging is only one factor that affects hormone levels. Research has also linked increases in body fat to decreases in testosterone levels.
Evidence
A study published in the March 2010 “Diabetes Care,” the journal of the American Diabetes Association, found that testosterone concentrations were negatively related to body mass index, or BMI, which is an indirect measurement of body fat based on weight in relation to height. As BMI increased, testosterone levels declined. In fact, 29 percent of overweight and 40 percent of obese men in the study had subnormal testosterone levels.
Development
The reason for the decline in testosterone level is at least partly linked to sex hormone-binding globulin, according to findings published in the March/April 2009 “International Journal of Impotence Research.” Also known simply as SHBG, sex hormone-binding globulin is a glycoprotein that binds to testosterone and carries this hormone through the bloodstream. As weight increases to the point of obesity, your body begins to produce less and less SHBG. With less SHBG in the bloodstream, the binding and subsequent transport of testosterone declines, negatively affecting the serum concentration of free testosterone.
Symptoms
Symptoms of subnormal testosterone levels can vary. Some men experience erectile dysfunction and infertility, while others lose muscle mass and develop breast tissue. You may also notice an increase in fatigue, a decrease in libido and changes in concentration levels. It’s even possible to experience hot flashes as testosterone levels dip.
Treatment
As with any medical condition, treatment is individualized to meet your particular needs. If the decline in testosterone level is related to body fat, your doctor will likely recommend weight loss. Combining a well-balanced, calorie-controlled diet with regular physical activity can help many men lose the excess weight, which may then improve your testosterone levels. If weight loss fails to improve your hormonal imbalance, medical intervention may then be necessary. Medical treatment usually consists of some form of hormone replacement therapy. Testosterone can be administered by way of injection, patch, gel or even gum. In some situations, it may be prescribed in the form of a pill, which isn’t often recommended due to its potential effect on the liver, cholesterol levels and heart. Talk to your doctor to determine the best form of treatment for you.
References
- Science Daily; Male Obesity Linked to Low Testosterone Levels, Study Shows
- “International Journal of Impotence Research”; Obesity, Low Testosterone Levels and Erectile Dysfunction; M. Diaz-Arjonilla, et al.; March/April 2009
- “Diabetes Care”; Testosterone Concentrations in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Obese Men; Sandeep Dhindsa, et al.; March 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Hypogonadism; December 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Male Menopause: Myth or Reality?; July 2011
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