Testosterone is a male sex hormone produced in the male testicles. With his help, the boy turns into a man. Testosterone is responsible for both physical and sexual strength of a man and is involved in the production of active spermatozoa.
What Determines the Level of Testosterone in a Man’s Body?
Testosterone levels, which are decreased with aging (naturally), are influenced by many factors during life. They are negatively affected by smoking, alcohol consumption, constant stress, and decreased physical activity. Many diseases can provoke a decrease in testosterone. The most common ones include diabetes; infectious diseases; uncontrolled use of certain medications; testicular injuries and tumors; inflammatory, tumor or vascular changes in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus; some genetic disorders.
What Processes in the Male Body Are Regulated by Testosterone?
Many people mistakenly believe that testosterone is only needed for an erection. But it’s a lot harder than it looks. This hormone controls many processes in the body. The mood, behavior of the man, development of genitals, increase in muscular weight depend on its quantity. All these processes are interconnected. Usually, when a man does not have problems in intimate life currently, he does not pay attention to all other symptoms.
One of the main tasks of testosterone is to provide male strength for active sexual life and conception. Low testosterone is one of the causes of male infertility, as most spermatozoa in this condition are inactive. Therefore, when a couple dreams of a child, and they do not succeed, then the man should be medically examined too, even if his erection is fine.
At What Age Does Testosterone Levels Decrease in Men?
It is quite normal that with age, after 40-45, testosterone levels begin to decline. But it also happens that such changes occur at a younger age, before age 30. As a rule, such conditions can be prevented and successfully treated. Currently, there are many drugs, but medical treatment should be prescribed by a doctor. Uncontrolled intake of such drugs can lead to many complications, in particular, the cardiovascular system is under high risk.
A related topic: Does Cialis Help to Boost Testosterone Levels?
What Changes Occur in a Man’s Body When Testosterone is Reduced?
In addition to reduced erections, the symptoms of testosterone deficiency may appear much earlier, but males usually don’t pay attention to them. They are prone to explain the symptoms referring to fatigue or stress.
That’s wrong, because a decrease in testosterone may lead to:
- frequent mood swings
- irritability or a predisposition to depression
- loss of muscle mass and weight
- decreased physical activity and muscular strength
- sleep disorders
- low sex drive
Low testosterone increases the risk of fractures as bone density decreases. Often, young men do not associate these symptoms with decreased T levels, as they are linked to many other diseases. Therefore, doctors advise to take more care of one’s health. Testosterone levels are determined with the help of lab tests, they are mandatory for diagnosis and effective treatment. But they should be done exclusively by a doctor. Such problems can be solved by an endocrinologist, while in complex cases an andrologist can prescribe necessary treatment. But there are things you can do on your own and they will be useful to you. Healthy lifestyle is the key to good overall health.
Alcohol
Large doses of alcohol adversely affect the centers of the brain that control testosterone production. In general, long-term alcohol abuse promotes the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
Mood swings
Constant stress destroys the body. Set yourself up for positive thoughts and actions.
Sport
Motion is life. Regular exercise will help keep your body in shape. Workouts should be regular but not exhausting.
Proper nutrition
The daily diet should contain a balanced amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates.
