Low Testosterone in Men

Aging often brings hidden challenges, and for men, declining testosterone levels can quietly erode physical vitality, emotional resilience, and mental sharpness. Yet, this common issue doesn’t have to define your health journey.

It’s estimated that 1 in 4 men over the age of 30 experience low testosterone levels, affecting approximately 13 million men in the United States. Despite its prevalence, many cases remain undiagnosed, leaving men unaware of the potential risks to their health and quality of life. Low levels of testosterone are associated with increased risk of chronic disease and all-cause mortality.

Testosterone levels naturally decline in men as they age, often beginning in their 30’s. This decline, commonly known as andropause, mirrors menopause in women, although the symptoms and progression differ.

Health Risks Associated with Low Testosterone in Men

Addressing low testosterone levels requires a combination of medical intervention and healthy lifestyle changes, including testosterone therapy, tailored to each individual’s needs. Effective treatment can restore vitality, alleviate symptoms, and reduce associated health risks.

• Diabetes

  Low testosterone increases insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a key factor in the progression and diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that men with testosterone deficiency are at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Men who are treated with testosterone therapy and restore levels to optimal have a significantly lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

• Metabolic Syndrome

  Low total and free testosterone are associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome independent of age or current obesity. Men with low serum testosterone are more likely to accumulate abdominal fat and visceral fat—both markers of disease risk.

• Heart Attack

  There is a strong correlation between testosterone deficiency and poor cardiovascular outcomes. Testosterone plays a strong role in myocardial and vascular cell behavior. When levels are low, significant response elements are impaired. Research has shown that in men with all classes of heart failure, low testosterone was a common factor and predicted higher mortality rates.

• High Blood Pressure

  In 2021, researchers uncovered further evidence that low testosterone was a “promising risk marker for prevalent hypertension.” Older studies point to this outcome as well linking testosterone deficiency to increase cardiovascular risks and markers of cardiovascular disease. Articles published in peer-reviewed journals have also pointed to the number of men diagnosed with COVID compared to women.

Treatment Options for Low Testosterone in Men

• Testosterone Gels / Creams

  Creams and gels are preferred by some patients for their ease of application and are a well-known delivery method. However, it is important to know that the risk of transference is high—higher than any other delivery method.

• Testosterone Injections

  Injections are preferred by some patients because they may be administered at home and deliver a quick boost of testosterone after administration. However, injections also lead to great highs and lows during the treatment cycle, leaving patients facing uncomfortable symptoms between doses.

• Testosterone Pellets

  Pellet therapy is a method of delivery that dates back to the 1930’s and offers both convenience and effective treatment. A tiny pellet, about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted under the skin and is slowly metabolized over 3 to 6 months, delivering a dose of testosterone that is vastly similar to the natural dosing cycle of the human body. There is no risk of transference, no worry about remembering to slather on a cream or take a pill, and the therapy is administered in even doses throughout the treatment cycle, avoiding significant highs and lows.
  
  Regardless of the hormone therapy delivery method, men who are seeking to achieve optimal levels of testosterone should pair pharmaceutical grade supplements, a nutrient-rich diet, and routine exercise into their lifestyle.

• Nutraceuticals

  Your practitioner can help guide you on the best nutraceuticals to support hormone optimization. For example, vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc have been linked to promoting healthy testosterone levels. Supplementing a combination of nutrients is essential to promote increased uptake of testosterone as well as support natural improvements in hormone levels.

• Nutrition

  Research has shown that a higher-fat and low sugar diet can support healthy testosterone levels. A balanced meal might contain fatty fish, like salmon with dark leafy greens, including spinach and kale. Dark leafy greens have been associated with improvements in testosterone health. Avocados, eggs, and berries top the list of foods that support optimal testosterone levels.

• Exercise

  Physical activity of any kind is beneficial to better health, but it is well-known that resistance training or weight-bearing exercises promote both long- and short-term boosts in testosterone. Experts recommend an afternoon pump session for the most effective boost in testosterone.