Declining Testosterone Levels
Aging Usually Leads to Lower Levels of the Male Hormone in Men.
Oct 27, 2007
There is no doubt about it; as men age, their level of testosterone decreases. The effects of testosterone therapy include an increase in muscle mass, sharper memory and mental focus, higher libido, and improved energy levels. For older men this may sound like the fountain of youth but hold on, the benefits of this therapy are not quite this definitive, yet.
Although testosterone therapy has been applied with success for men with abnormally low testosterone levels, recently healthy, aging men have taken the hormone to boost waning testosterone levels. There is currently not enough data available about using the therapy for this purpose. No long-term studies have been conducted to determine benefits versus the risks including infertility and prostate problems.
Testosterone is the male hormone responsible for maintaining muscle mass and strength, fat distribution, bone mass, sperm production, sex drive and potency. For most men, even though testosterone levels naturally decrease, they still remain within normal range. However, 20% of men age 60 and older have below-normal levels. Testosterone deficiencies can lead to:
- Decreased energy
- Reduced muscle mass and strength
- Decreased cognitive function
- Less sexual interest and potency
- Depressed mood
If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, you could have testosterone deficiency. Some medical conditions such as liver disease, hypothyroidism and depression can cause these effects, as can certain medications, including beta-blockers, painkillers and certain drugs for depression or anxiety. In addition, some healthy men encounter these changes as a part of the aging process, possibly because of declining hormones other than testosterone. Speak to your doctor if you experience any of these signs or symptoms.
It is understood that hormone therapy for men with abnormally low levels of testosterone is an accepted treatment, it can restore sexual function and muscle strength, prevent bone loss and protect against heart disease. Some men also report an increase in energy, sex drive and wellbeing. However, some anti-aging extremist believe that hormone therapy provides the same benefits for healthy or aging men with no medical conditions.
There are risk associated with elevated levels of testosterone including sleep apnea, infertility and excess blood production, which could increase the risk of stroke. Some doctors are concerned about the potential risk of cancer from increased levels of testosterone, particularly prostate and breast cancers, since they are hormone-dependent cancers.
There have not been many studies to evaluate the possible benefits and risks of testosterone therapy for healthy aging men, but those that have been done provide conflicting results. There are many unanswered questions, particularly the extent and the duration of the beneficial effects, and the possible long-term risks.
A review of the available information on testosterone therapy was done in 2003 by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). IOM determined that testosterone therapy is only appropriate for those men who produce little or no testosterone. IOM suggest that otherwise-healthy men should not use the treatment in an attempt to prevent aging either physically or psychologically until more studies can be done.
A natural way to maintain healthy testosterone levels is to work out. The key is not to work out for more than an hour. Research suggests that workouts lasting longer than one hour can actually decrease your testosterone levels. In addition to working out, there are some other steps you can take to help restore or minimize testosterone level declines. I will look at them in the next article.
“It's not the load that breaks you down - it's the way you carry it.” – Lou Holtz
References: Mayo Clinic
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