Low Testosterone Levels: Causes You Didn’t Know About
Testosterone is the hormone that makes you a man and is responsible for your sex drive, muscle mass, and energy levels. When your testosterone levels are low, you may experience fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and reduced sex drive.
While many people believe that low testosterone only affects older men, age is only one factor that influences your risk of low T. There are several things you can do and avoid that can impact your testosterone levels.
Read on as we dig deeper into the causes of lowering testosterone levels and how you can increase it.
What Can Cause a Drop in Testosterone Levels?
Many factors can lead to a drop in testosterone levels. Here are some of the most common causes of low T:
Poor Diet
A diet high in unhealthy fats and simple carbohydrates can lower T levels. This is because these foods can lead to higher levels of inflammation in the body, reducing testosterone production.
In addition, a diet lacking certain nutrients, such as zinc and vitamin D, can also lead to lower T levels. Eating a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and protein can help ensure that your testosterone levels remain high.
Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the most common causes of lower testosterone levels. There are a few different ways that alcohol can impact testosterone levels.
- It can lead to an increase in estradiol levels. Estradiol is a form of estrogen, and high estrogen levels can lead to lower testosterone levels
- Alcohol consumption can lead to an increase in SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin). SHBG binds to testosterone and makes it unavailable for use by the body.
- It can also lead to an increase in prolactin levels. Prolactin is a hormone that helps with milk production and suppresses testosterone production.
Lack of Exercise
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the most common causes of lower testosterone levels. Inactivity can lead to a decrease in muscle mass, which in turn can reduce testosterone production.
Exercise is essential for overall health, but it is also necessary for maintaining healthy testosterone levels.
Obesity
Obesity is a significant risk factor for low testosterone levels. Fat cells produce a hormone called estrogen, which can decrease testosterone production.
In a recent study published by Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism, researchers controlled factors such as age, race, and smoking status. They found that obesity was associated with significantly lower testosterone levels. Men who were obese had an average testosterone level lower than men of normal weight.
Stress
Stress can lead to several health problems, including low testosterone levels. Lower levels of testosterone are linked with higher levels of stress. This is because of the hormone involved in the body’s stress response.
When the body is under stress, it releases cortisol, suppressing testosterone production. This can lead to several problems, including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced muscle mass.
Lack of Sleep
Lack of sleep is one of the most common causes of lower testosterone levels. Studies have shown that men who sleep less than six hours per night have significantly lower testosterone levels than men who sleep more than seven hours per night.
When you don’t get enough sleep, your body doesn’t have time to repair itself properly. This means that your body’s cells and tissues don’t work as well as they should, leading to lower testosterone production.
Age
As a man ages, his testosterone levels gradually decline. This is due to several factors, including changes in how the body produces hormones and a decrease in testicular function.
Lower testosterone levels can cause reduced muscle mass, decreased bone density, and sexual dysfunction. Testosterone replacement therapy may be recommended to help alleviate these symptoms.
How Does Testosterone Affect Weight Gain?
Testosterone is not only the hormone responsible for making men, well, men. It’s also a key player in helping both sexes burn fat. Low testosterone levels have been linked with obesity and weight gain; conversely, increasing testosterone can reduce body fat mass.
Furthermore, testosterone boosts metabolism by helping the body use carbohydrates and fats for energy production. It helps to preserve muscle tissue, which burns more calories than fat tissue.
How to Increase Testosterone Levels?
While most people associate testosterone with male characteristics such as deep voices and facial hair, the hormone does much more. Testosterone is essential for bone and muscle health and affects sex drive, energy levels, and mood.
Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is one of the best ways to increase testosterone levels. Testosterone is a hormone that helps to build muscle, and a healthy diet will ensure that your body has all the nutrients it needs to produce this hormone.
Certain foods can help to increase testosterone levels. These include eggs, fatty fish, dairy products, and certain meats. In addition, some supplements can also be helpful.
Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep can help increase testosterone levels and improve other health markers. Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine that will help you wind down and prepare for sleep. This could involve taking a warm bath, reading a book, or doing light stretching. Finally, make sure to create a sleep environment that is dark, quiet, and cool, allowing your body to relax and get the most out of your sleep.
Testosterone Therapy
Testosterone therapy is a treatment that can help improve testosterone levels in men with low testosterone. This therapy can be used in injections, gels, patches, or pills. It is essential to talk to your doctor before starting testosterone therapy, as there are potential risks and side effects associated with this treatment.
Improve Your Quality of Life Now
Low testosterone can cause several issues, including low energy levels, sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and weight gain. You must talk to your doctor if you think you may have low testosterone. There are treatments available that can help improve your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
If you are searching for an online TRT clinic that accepts insurance, look no further than RISE Men’s Health. We assist you in regaining your optimal health by replenishing hormones that naturally decline as you age. Contact us for more details!