Testosterone. A hormone that has immense power over the male body.
Declining testosterone levels (andropause) men begin to feel to a greater extent around the age of 45. However, due to poor lifestyle, excessive stress and various health problems, it can be even earlier.
The changes that can then occur are numerous. From hair loss, skin aging, body changes, libido and potency problems to impaired concentration, mood disorders and various diseases. Let‘s look at all these symptoms in detail.
Hair loss and signs of ageing
The first symptoms men notice when testosterone declines are thinning hair, the appearance of high corners or bald spots, and overall slower growth of hair, beard, and other body hair. The conversion of testosterone to its simpler form called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) negatively affects hair follicles and is one of the causes of balding in older age.
Changes in andropause also affect the skin itself, which becomes drier, thinner and more prone to wrinkles. There may also be increased brittleness of the nails.
Changes in the body
As men age, muscle performance decreases and muscle mass diminishes. Testosterone deficiency will exacerbate these problems as muscle regeneration and new muscle mass formation begins to slow down and sometimes muscle loss can occur.
If men don't change their diet and overall lifestyle at this point, there is a good chance that they will start to gain weight because muscle tissue is the only tissue in the body that actively burns calories.
In addition, the more men get fat and gain fat, the more testosterone will be lost, because fat cells convert testosterone into the female hormone estrogen, which causes a decrease in testosterone circulation and even more fat storage. Also, due to the predominance of estrogen over testosterone, the breast glands begin to enlarge, this is so-called gynecomastia.
With the decrease in muscle mass, there is also a risk of osteoporosis, i.e. thinning of the bones. Muscle, back or joint pain can also occur.
Impaired fertility
Testosterone very significantly affects the production of seminal fluids, which help with sperm motility. Thus, the more testosterone a man has, the more sperm and fluid is produced, and conversely, the less, the lower the semen output and also the lower the sperm motility during ejaculation. As a result, fertility is declining.
Sex life
Testosterone also very significantly affects the desire for and enjoyment of sex. This is true for both men and women. In men, it also affects the choice of life partner and the total number of sexual partners. The latter usually increases proportionally with the amount of testosterone in the body.
Thus, a decrease in testosterone is usually always reflected in the sex life of an individual. In most cases, there is a decrease in libido and sometimes a change in achieving climax. But it is a very individual matter.
Erectile dysfunction can also occur when testosterone levels are low. Testosterone alone does not cause an erection, but it stimulates receptors in the brain that produce nitric oxide, which helps to trigger an erection. When testosterone levels drop significantly, less stimulation occurs and erection problems occur.
However, erectile dysfunction can be caused by other factors, so it is very important not to delay solving the problem and to undergo blood tests to find out what is really behind the problem.
Fatigue and lack of sleep
If a man does not do much activity at home and after work he prefers to lie on the couch in front of the TV, then it may not be caused only by exhaustion from work or laziness, but just low levels of the aforementioned hormone.
This is also the case with insomnia, which is all the more dangerous because prolonged sleep deprivation and fatigue can promote other health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, concentration problems and psychological disorders. That's why it's important to see a doctor early and address the situation.
Lack of concentration and psychological difficulties
Testosterone has a significant effect on the central nervous system and cognitive function. Thus, when it decreases, memory, the ability to concentrate, absorb information, analyze it, orient better in space, etc., can be impaired. Men thus cease to thrive in all aspects. Some people also develop hurt reactions, depressive states or other psychological problems.
The threat of diabetes and heart attacks
A drop in testosterone also has a negative effect on blood sugar levels, which tend to rise, as does the sensitivity of tissues to insulin, which can fall. This can easily increase a man's risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Another adverse consequence of low testosterone levels is the deposition of fat in the abdomen and around the internal organs, which significantly increases the risk for heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases.
How to increase testosterone naturally
The main way to increase testosterone levels is to change your lifestyle, modify your diet and correct any aspects leading to low testosterone.
One of the easiest ways to significantly increase natural testosterone production, and thus promote better sperm production, is to supply the body with essential vitamins and minerals from food, especially from fruits and vegetables. Dietary supplements containing mainly vitamin D, C, H, B6, selenium, magnesium, zinc also offer a solution.
A suitable option may also be to supply testosterone artificially, i.e. by means of drug therapy or dietary supplements.
- Limit stress and learn to cope better with stressful situations.
- Get enough sleep.
- Get regular exercise. However, it is not good to overdo it with sports, as too much stress can be harmful to the hormone.
- Indulge in frequent sex.
- Limit alcohol, especially beer, which increases estrogen levels.
- Reduce excess weight.
- Engage in hobbies or leisure activities that give them a sense of fulfilment.