How does low testosterone affect men’s health?

Testosterone belongs to the group of steroid hormones produced mainly in the testicles (95%) and to a small extent in the adrenal glands (5%). This hormone plays a role in the development of gender and male sexual characteristics, especially during puberty, such as deepening the voice, growing body hair, beard and increasing muscle, while maintaining physiological health and sexual ability. sperm production capacity.

According to MSc.BS.CKII Duong Quang Huy, Department of Reproductive Support, Tam Anh General Hospital – District 8 (IVF Tam Anh District 8), testosterone status can greatly affect the physical and mental health of women. men, depending on the severity and duration.

Reduced physiological health

Testosterone is the main hormone that stimulates sexual desire, so when it is reduced, men feel less interested in “love”. This condition also causes erectile dysfunction, making sexual intercourse difficult and reducing the chance of natural conception. Long term, it can make men lose confidence, affecting their love life.

Testosterone is the main factor that stimulates sertoli cells in the testicles to produce sperm. Decreased testosterone causes this process to be interrupted, with few, weak, abnormal or poorly mobile sperm. In more serious cases, it can cause azoospermia (no sperm in semen), risk of infertility.

Muscle loss, increased body fat

When testosterone is low, the body is no longer able to maintain or build muscle, causing body fat, especially abdominal fat, to increase. Since then, men have an increased risk of chronic diseases, reduced physical health, mobility and increased risk of injury.

Osteoporosis

Low testosterone causes bone formation to decrease, leading to osteoporosis. Bones become thin, brittle, and break easily even with the slightest impact. For men, bone fractures due to osteoporosis often recover more slowly and leave more complications.

Psychological disorders

Patients easily feel tired, depressed, irritable or anxious, have reduced confidence and have difficulty concentrating in work and daily life. This condition can lead to depression.

Increased risk of cardiovascular disease

This hormone affects the circulatory and cardiovascular systems through regulating blood fats, keeping blood vessels healthy and maintaining stable blood pressure. Decreased testosterone levels increase bad cholesterol (LDL) and decrease good cholesterol (HDL), which causes atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and stroke.

Metabolic syndrome

This syndrome includes a group of health problems such as obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. This is the main cause of dangerous diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke.

To maintain healthy testosterone levels, Dr. Quang Huy recommends that men regularly exercise, especially strength exercises. Besides, men maintain a balanced diet, rich in protein, healthy fats and micronutrients (vitamin D, zinc), get enough sleep (6-8 hours a day), reduce stress and fatigue. .

Your doctor may treat you with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for severe cases. If there are suspicious signs such as low sexual desire, difficulty with erection, hair loss, fatigue, muscle loss…, men should see a doctor for evaluation and treatment to prevent complications. danger.