Low Testosterone Level and Your Health

Low testosterone level influences the general state of the male health. At the same time, they reveal the connection between the low testosterone level and certain diseases. Diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, obesity and high blood pressure are all associated with testosterone deficiency. The link between the low testosterone level and other diseases is of interest and we should consider it.

“Low Testosterone Level Indicates Poor Health?”

low testosterone level: My Canadian Pharmacy guide
In recent years, scientists have noticed a common link between low a testosterone level and diseases. Canadian Health&Care Mall survey of 2100 men over 45 years showed that the probability of having a low testosterone level is the following:

  • Three times higher in a case of obesity;
  • twice higher in case of diabetes;
  • twice higher in a case of high blood pressure.

Experts do not suggest that a low testosterone level causes these diseases. In fact, it may be vice versa. That is, men with health problems or generally with poor health may subsequently develop a low testosterone level. Investigation of the relationship between a low testosterone level and some other diseases is continuing.

Diabetes and a Low Testosterone Level

diabetesThe link between diabetes and a low testosterone level is well known. Men with diabetes are more likely to have a low testosterone level. And men with a low testosterone level are more likely to develop diabetes in the future. Decrease of testosterone in adipose tissue is leading to lower body insulin sensitivity, and this is a major factor in the development of diabetes. Men with low testosterone tend to have resistance to insulin: they need to produce more insulin to keep blood sugar at a normal level.

In the research a random sample of men with diabetes showed that half of them had low levels of testosterone. Scientists are not sure that diabetes causes a low level of testosterone, or vice versa. We need more researchnig, but a short-term study shows that substitution testestero- therapy may improve blood sugar level and reduce the obesity in case of men with a low testosterone level.

Obesity and a Low Testosterone Level

Obesity and a low testosterone level are closely linked. Obese men are more likely to have a low testosterone level. Men with a very low testosterone level are also more likely to become obese.

Fat cells convert testosterone into the female hormone estrogen, decreasing the level of testosterone. Besides, obesity reduces the level of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that carries testosterone in the blood. Less SHBG means less testosterone.

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Losing weight through exercises can increase a testosterone level. Testosterone supplements for men with a low testosterone level can slightly reduce obesity.

Metabolic Syndrome and a Low Testosterone Level

Metabolic syndrome is the name of the disease, which includes the abnormal cholesterol level, high blood pressure, obesity and high blood sugar. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Studies show that men with a low testosterone level are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome. In short-term researches testosterone replacement improved blood sugar levels and obesity for men with a low testosterone level. Further benefits and risks are still unknown.

Testosterone and Heart Diseases

Testosterone has a mixed effect on the arteries. Many experts believe that testosterone contributes to higher rates of heart disease and hypertension, which usually affects men at a young age. According to this logic, a high level of testosterone can be bad for the heart.

But testosterone deficiency is associated with insulin resistance, obesity and diabetes. Each of these problems increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Men with diabetes and a low testosterone also have a higher level of atherosclerosis.

A certain amount of testosterone may be necessary for the health of the arteries, because testosterone is converted to estrogen, which protects arteries of damage. So far, studies have not shown that substitutional testesterone-therapy protects the heart and prevents heart attacks.

Low Testosterone Level and Other Illnesses

  • Depression. In a study of nearly 4,000 men over 70 years old, the higher number of men with a low testosterone level had depression. This association remained even after adjusting to age, general health, obesity and other factors;
  • Erectile dysfunction. Erection problems are one of the most common symptoms of a low testosterone level. Most ED is caused by atherosclerosis. Men with risk factors for atherosclerosis – diabetes, metabolic syndrome or obesity – often also have a low level of testosterone. Men may cope with the problems buying Pharmacy Mall erectile dysfunction drugs online;
  • High blood pressure. Effect of testosterone on blood pressure is complex. Men with high blood pressure have nearly twice lower testosterone level than men with a normal blood pressure. On the other hand, too much testosterone can increase blood pressure. Testosterone acts in various ways on the blood vessels, so it may produce different effects.
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What are the Symptoms of a Low Testosterone Level?

depressionThe male symptoms of the reduced testosterone depend on the stage of life when the decline takes place.

If the testosterone level of a fetus is not sufficient, it may affect his genital development. There is a risk for poor development of the penis and scrotum or ambiguous genitalia, which are neither male nor female. We must remembered that human sex is determined by the type of chromosomes, not by appearance.

If a low testosterone level is observed before or during puberty, it can lead to disruption of the development of secondary sexual characteristics and lack of puberty. Symptoms may include:

  • poor growth of muscles;
  • lack of voice changes;
  • weak growth of body hair;
  • breast enlargement;
  • the inability of the penis and testes to increase.

In adulthood, a low testosterone level can affect:

  • sex drive;
  • fertility;
  • erectile function;
  • hair growth;
  • body mass;
  • fat amount;
  • physical activity;
  • total energy level;
  • strength and endurance;
  • desire and enthusiasm.

Symptoms of a low testosterone level are not life threatening, but they can significantly complicate man’s life:

  • Decreased energy. Testosterone helps increase the energy level with normal. But when the level of testosterone decreases, your energy level is also decreased. You can feel the constant daily fatigue, tasks which you have previously performed in a short time require more time and effort now, recuperation after exercises takes more time. It may go so far that you will have to stop training;
  • Amyotrophy. Muscle is a metabolically active tissue, which means, it burns calories even when you are just sitting, doing nothing. Testosterone is one of the major hormones to build muscles. When testosterone is low, your muscle mass may decrease and strength may be at risk. As a result, you can experience weight gain. This excess weight accumulates mostly in the form of visceral fat in the abdominal area and this can aggravate your tiredness;
  • Erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction, also known as “impotence”, is a condition where you are unable to maintain an erection long time for a sexual intercourse with a partner. It is a sign of a low testosterone level. You can also experience a lower sex drive and infertility.
  • The development of the mammary glands. Estrogen is the female dominant hormone that is available in small quantities in men. When the amount of estrogen becomes elevated and the testosterone level decline, there may be a side effect called “gynecomastia”. This is development of male breasts. This symptom is also partly caused by a decrease in muscle mass;
  • Reduced bone mass. Osteoporosis is a condition that commonly typical for women. With age bones lose density and become weak and brittle. If you have a low testosterone level, you will also become susceptible to a decrease in bone density and osteoporosis;
  • Mood. When the testosterone level is low, you may also suffer from emotional symptoms. You may have depression, irritability, things that you used to love are indifferent for you now.
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How the Low Testosterone is Diagnosed?

Doctor greating patient

  • Many symptoms that lead to the diagnosis of a low testosterone level, are nonspecific. During the physical research your doctor will examine you. If he finds the symptoms of a low testosterone level, he may prescribe a blood test to measure the testosterone level;
  • Testosterone level may vary depending on the time of day, more often it is measured in the early morning. The diagnosis also depends upon the age. Based on the clinical situation, the further testing determines whether the low testosterone level is linked with primary or secondary hypogonadism. For this purpose, additional tests may be assigned;
  • Testosterone therapy can help increase sex drive, erectile function, mood, energy and vitality, hair growth on the body, the density of muscle and bone mass, protect against heart diseases and cancer.

How to Increase Testosterone Level?

nutsIt’s possible to increase testosteron level by simple tips:

  • normalization of sleep;
  • testosterone food (seafood, fish, fruit, vegetables, berries, herbs, nuts are the best testosterone boosters);
  • physical activity;
  • bad habits elimination (smoking, alcohol consumption);
  • testosterone pills.

Tip: the question of the testosterone level increasing should have a complex approach, in this case the effectiveness of treatment and prevention of androgen deficiency will be significantly higher.