Testosterone is the sex hormone that controls muscle mass, sex drive, and the production of sperm and red blood cells. While it is present in both genders, it has a greater impact on men. Upon reaching puberty, testosterone drives the growth of body hair and sex organs in men while also deepening their voice. Without it, men would face various health risks. Keep reading to learn the risks of low testosterone!

What Are The Signs of Low Testosterone?

There are various telltale signs that indicate a lack of testosterone, the most obvious of which would be the reduction of sexual function. This includes the loss of libido, infertility, and difficulty maintaining an erection. Other signs include reduced body hair and muscle mass, difficulty controlling mood, and chronic fatigue. Additionally, low testosterone levels can be identified through a blood test.

Low Testosterone Risks?

• Osteoporosis. This condition causes bones to become brittle and weak. This increases the likelihood of fractures as a result of mild bodily stresses such as bending over or coughing. 

• Diabetes. Men with high testosterone levels usually experience increased blood sugar consumption by body tissue to regulate insulin. Low testosterone levels do the opposite and instead increase insulin resistance. This increases the amount of sugar in the body.

• Obesity. Low testosterone levels have been linked to impaired body energy and reduced glucose control, which in turn result in increased body fat deposits in the waist area for men. 

• Metabolic syndrome. Reduced testosterone levels decrease metabolic function in the body, which in turn results in the increased risk of strokes, and shows in the form of abnormal cholesterol levels, obesity, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure.

• Cardiovascular risk.  Muscle cells and blood vessels are closely linked to testosterone levels, the reduction of which usually leads to arterial hardening and eventually a heart attack in individuals exhibiting symptoms. 

• Depression. Negative changes in the body and enhanced health risks all contribute to irritable behavior, such as mood swings and anxiety. This strengthens the development of depression. Physical symptoms of depression include back pain and headaches. 

What Are The Causes of Low Testosterone?

For men, testosterone levels naturally decrease at an average of 2% every year. By the age of 45, over 30% of men will experience lowered testosterone levels as the pituitary gland sends fewer signals to the testes to make testosterone. This results in decreased sexual function and greater exposure to health problems as aforementioned.

Other causes of low testosterone include physical damage to the testes or the pituitary and hypothalamus glands, external infections, genetic diseases, thyroid problems, obstructive sleep apnea, and negative side effects from unrelated medication.

Are Women Affected by Low Testosterone? 

Since women also possess testosterone, albeit at a generally lower level than men, they are also subject to the negative effects of below-average levels of testosterone. Women with low levels of testosterone experience difficulty concentrating, reduced bone strength, sex drive, and increased exposure to depression.

How Do I Increase My Testosterone Levels?

The natural reduction of testosterone levels is ultimately inevitable for everyone. Fortunately, it is possible to increase it and delay the onset of its negative impacts through various means.

To naturally boost testosterone, people are recommended to reduce stress, perform strength and cardiovascular exercises, and pursue a healthy diet with the aim of weight loss. Additionally, people are encouraged to get enough Vitamin D and plenty of uninterrupted sleep. 

For an artificial testosterone boost, testosterone replacement therapy is also a viable option. It is administered through the injection of gels, liquids, implanted testosterone pellets, or topical testosterone.