The culprit causing male hormone decline

Testosterone is a sex hormone. Everyone’s body naturally produces testosterone, but men have higher levels of this hormone. This hormone plays a role in maintaining and developing male reproductive organs and reproductive functions, muscle mass, hair, deep voice, bone health, and red blood cell count.

Low testosterone, also known as male hypogonadism, occurs when the testicles do not produce enough testosterone. According to the American Urological Association, blood testosterone levels in adult men below 300 ng/dl are low.

Hormones decline as the body ages, with an average decrease of about 1% per year after age 30. However, there are many causes of testosterone decline in men that are not related to aging or disease.

Weight: Decreased testosterone levels are proportional to weight. Overweight, obesity, and high body mass index (BMI) put stress on the body, affecting testosterone production and the natural distribution of testosterone. Conversely, too low a BMI and malnutrition can also lead to low testosterone levels.

Physical activity: Exercises like weight lifting and HITT high-intensity interval training have been shown to increase testosterone levels immediately. Men who are lazy and do not exercise regularly have lower levels of this hormone. However, cardiovascular exercise doesn’t have the same effect, and endurance activities like long-distance running and cycling can lower testosterone levels.

Diet: A balanced, nutritious menu helps keep the body in an optimal state of function, including testosterone production, while maintaining a healthy weight. Excessive calorie intake can lead to obesity, which then has a knock-on effect on health.

Smoking, alcohol abuse: Smoking hinders the production of nitric oxide – a substance that plays an important role in regulating blood circulation to organs, including the penis. Under the influence of tobacco, the amount of blood moving to this area is reduced, leading to erectile dysfunction.

Alcohol abuse also reduces testosterone production, inhibits the central nervous system, causing decreased sexual desire, thereby causing sexual dysfunction in men, which can lead to testicular atrophy.

Sleep: Men’s testosterone levels are usually highest in the morning, after the body recharges during sleep. This process will be disrupted if sleep is lacking or sleep is hindered by conditions such as sleep apnea. The normal sleep cycle is disrupted, affecting the body’s testosterone production rhythm.

Stress: High levels of the stress hormone cortisol are linked to lower levels of testosterone.

Exposure to toxic substances: There are more than 800 endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) used in plastics and other everyday products. Exposure to these EDCs may reduce sex hormone levels.

Testosterone plummeting below normal levels can cause a variety of symptoms in men such as:

Low sexual desire: Testosterone plays an important role in creating sexual desire in men. Male hormone decline causes loss of interest in sex.

Erectile dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection results from problems with blood vessels and nerves. However, low testosterone levels and its impact on sexual desire can affect erections, worsening symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

Low semen volume: Testosterone plays a role in the production of semen in the testicles. People with low testosterone may notice reduced semen volume during ejaculation.

Hair loss: Although baldness has a genetic factor, men with low testosterone may also experience hair loss on the body and face.

Tired: Men with low testosterone are often tired and have reduced energy levels.

Loss of muscle, gain of fat: Studies have shown that testosterone affects muscle mass. Low testosterone levels sometimes cause gynecomastia in men due to an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen.

Reduced bone mass: Testosterone helps produce and strengthen bones. Men with low testosterone, especially older men, have lower bone mass and are more susceptible to bone fractures.

Mood changes: Research shows that men with low testosterone are said to be more likely to face depression, irritability or lack of concentration.

Anemia: People with low androgens also have lower hemoglobin levels and are at higher risk of having or developing anemia.

If the cause of this condition is due to the above lifestyle factors, the doctor will guide the patient to adjust habits and activities to improve the condition. Specifically, eat a balanced and nutritious diet, avoid alcohol and stimulants, exercise appropriately, get enough sleep, limit stress, and avoid exposure to toxic substances. If it doesn’t work, your doctor may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) by injection, oral route, patch, or topical gel.