As men grow older, they become prone to a wide array of health problems, including issues that concern their sexual health. If you are nearing the age of 50 years, your doctor may already have told you about getting your erectile and reproductive parts checked more often to detect and cure any problems as soon as possible.
One of the most prevalent sexual health problems in older men is low testosterone. What is testosterone, and why is it not good to have low levels of it in the body? What happens if your body does not have enough or too much of it?
The Functions of Testosterone
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone that is produced in a man’s body. It facilitates the development and maintenance of different male physical characteristics, such as muscle mass, bone density, fat distribution, and facial hair. It is also in charge of regulating a man’s libido or sexual desire.
The production of testosterone in a man’s body starts during puberty, and it exponentially increases as the years go by. On average, approximately six milligrams of testosterone are produced by the body on a daily basis.
A decrease in testosterone production comes naturally with age. Once you reach 40 years, your T levels will begin a 1% decline every year. However, sometimes, testosterone production may be halted or experience a decline even if you are in your 20s due to certain illnesses and health complications.
The Benefits of Normal Testosterone Levels
With a normal testosterone level, you can expect to have the following health benefits:
- Healthy testicles
The testicles are an important part of the male reproductive system. They secrete testosterone and other hormones and produce sperm cells.
- Good quality sperm
Sperm health is essential in reproduction. A sperm is considered healthy if it has high motility and a fully developed structure.
- High libido
For fun and enjoyable sex, having a high libido or sex drive is vital. It can help you get erections and achieve orgasms easier.
- Well-functioning penis
A lot of men have a hard time getting an erection or maintaining an erection during sexual intercourse, a sexual health problem that is known as erectile dysfunction.
- Hair growth
An adult male with normal testosterone levels can grow facial hair, body hair, and pubic hair without any problems.
- Fully developed bones and muscles
In order for your bones and muscles to grow strong and sturdy, you should not only have enough essential nutrients in your body but also produce sufficient testosterone.
The Effects of Low Testosterone
If your testosterone levels decline, you are in danger of various physical, emotional, and sexual effects, such as:
- Muscle loss
Your muscles will waste away, reducing your strength and making you too weak for different physical activities.
- Increased body fat
Your body will store excess fat, causing unwanted weight gain, and increasing your risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Weak bones
You may easily sprain or fracture your bones after doing only low-intensity activities.
- Depression
Your brain function is impaired, and your feelings of depression, sadness, anxiety, and stress are heightened.
- Loss of sexual desire
You will not be as excited about sex as before, resulting to a conflict with your partner or an inactive sex life.
- Infertility
You will only be able to produce sperm that is healthy enough to fertilize a woman’s egg if you have enough testosterone in your body.
Different Treatment Solutions Available for Low Testosterone
Men with low T levels have to talk to their doctor about what possible treatment methods are available for them. Typically, medical experts prescribe testosterone therapy, which can reverse the negative effects of decreased testosterone levels in the body. They can recommend that you use testosterone supplements, such as skin patch, mouth patch, injections, implants, gels, and testosterone pills.
The Negative Side Effects of Testosterone
Undergoing testosterone therapy is only recommended if you are suffering from low testosterone levels. If you already have normal T, you should not even think about increasing your T levels even more. Or, if you have low T and are taking testosterone treatment, you should stick to your doctor’s prescribed dosage and not attempt to go higher. Doing any of these will only bring about negative side effects that can:
Increase your risk of a heart attack
Several studies have found that testosterone therapy can raise the odds for a heart attack, especially in men under 65 years old dealing with pre-existing heart problems.
Impair your body’s natural ability to produce testosterone
The moment you begin your testosterone therapy, your body immediately shuts down its ability to naturally produce testosterone. And, once you stop your testosterone therapy, getting your body back to producing testosterone again may be difficult.
Cause an addictive effect
Like alcohol and cigarettes, testosterone therapy can be addictive. In fact, many men who went through this treatment had a very difficult time once their therapy ended. They encountered several problems, such as restlessness, mood swings, irritability, and insomnia, and made them crave for more testosterone.
Make you likely to develop polycythemia
Polycythemia is a disease characterized by an increase in the volume percentage of red blood cells in the blood. It can be triggered by high testosterone levels due to testosterone therapy, and result to thicker blood, putting you at greater risk of a stroke or a heart attack.
Cause body hair loss
Many studies have proven that there is a link between testosterone and body hair. There was one study that found that participants who were suffering from baldness or hair loss had high levels of testosterone. There were also some research studies that showed having low T levels resulted to baldness or hair loss as well.
Mess up your mood
Your brain needs just the right amount of testosterone to keep your mental and emotional states in good condition. If your testosterone is high, your brain gets messed up, and you become moody, anxious, depressed, or irritable.
