Are Low Testosterone Levels Dragging You Down ?

Symptoms of low testosterone levels affect tens of millions of men around the world, but these symptoms are very often neglected or overlooked. They can be pretty vague and can be mistakenly ascribed to being depressed, tired or getting older. Even though libido and sexual performance are most affected by low testosterone levels, there are lots of other reasons why you should examine your testosterone levels besides the obvious ones.

Symptoms of having low testosterone levels:

• Decreased libido and sex drive, potential erectile dysfunction.
• Feeling tired and low energy levels.
• Reduced muscle mass.
• Increased fat levels.
• Osteoporosis – reduced mineral density in the bones.
• Body hair loss.
• Signs of depression.
• Lack of focus and concentration.

Causes:

1. Primary cause: Testicular failure, which is not that common but if detected, needs to be treated properly.
2. Secondary causes can be more common. They come in the form of prescribed medications which can cause low testosterone levels as a side effect.
3. Normogonadotropic hypogonadism which is becoming increasingly common. Extra body fat and being overweight are the main causes for this disease.

Is your stomach bigger than your chest?

Obese and overweight men are twice as likely to experience symptoms of low testosterone as those having a normal weight. Fat around your stomach and internal organs, otherwise known as visceral fat increases the process of aromatization which increases the production of estrogen. Increased estrogen levels can cause gynecomastia (man boobs) and lower testosterone levels. Increased visceral fat can also cause inflammation and resistance to the hormone leptin, which is in charge of hunger regulation.

Both factors lower the LH (Leutinizing) hormone, which in turn reduces testosterone levels. Low testosterone then increases the activity of lipoprotein lipase which allows fat to be deposited inside fat cells. That will ultimately lead to a bigger stomach then chest, which will lower testosterone, even more, leading to an even bigger stomach, which lowers testosterone… you can easily spot the vicious cycle here, right?

What are the benefits of raising your testosterone levels?

• Improves insulin sensitivity and decreases insulin resistance.
• Reduces visceral fat, also known as a beer gut.
• Increases lean body mass and improves body composition.
• Improve biomarkers of cardiovascular illness
• Improves well-being and mood.
• Increases energy levels.
• Decreases fatigue.
• Causes weight loss, both in a direct manner and as a side effect of other benefits of increased testosterone.

Treatment

If you have already tried to increase your testosterone levels naturally and still experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, then you should go to your doctor to be examined if you have low testosterone. The treatment is in the form of testosterone injections (TRT – Testosterone Replacement Therapy) which are meant to increase testosterone production artificially.