Over the last decade, testosterone has become something of a buzzword on the internet. Wherever you look, you are bound to find talks of low T-levels with men wondering if a dip in their 30s and 40s is normal. It’s a topic that has gone way past the hushed discussions in a doctor’s office and is now a mainstay of most men’s health debates.
But here’s the thing: Yes, this hormone is important for your body, but it is also a hormone that is wildly misunderstood. It is neither a thing of magic as some claim it to be, nor is it something you should ignore completely. So keeping that in mind, let’s dig into what testosterone actually does and how you can support healthy T-levels in your body.
What does testosterone actually do?
Testosterone is a hormone that juggles multiple roles in our bodies. Let’s start with its most important work: our sexual health. This hormone directly influences our libido and erectile function. If the testosterone levels are low, there are chances that you may experience less interest in sexual activities and face some erectile difficulties.
Another area in which testosterone operates is building and maintaining our muscle mass. Our bones, too, rely on testosterone to stay strong – something that becomes especially important as you grow older. Similar to sexual health, low T-levels can make it harder for you to build muscles. Not only that, but you may also see your recovery worsening even with adequate rest.
Testosterone also affects your energy levels, motivation, and sense of vitality. Men with healthy levels are typically likely to feel more energetic. Low levels, on the other hand, will leave you feeling sluggish and unmotivated.
Outside of these functions, testosterone also supports our cardiovascular function and mood regulation. When it comes to the latter, however, do note that mood issues are multifaceted in nature. If you feel down, it is better not to blame it on testosterone without proper research.
When should you be concerned about your testosterone levels?
You may have heard that our testosterone levels decline with age. That is indeed true, and starting from age 30, most men experience a decrease of about 1-2% per year. By the time you reach your 50s, your levels may be much lower than they were in your 20s.
But please remember that this decline doesn’t spell doom for your body. Many men maintain perfectly healthy lives even with lower testosterone levels. Not only that, but the range of what’s considered normal is massive. What matters more than anything is how you feel and function each day, not the number you see on a lab report.
The bigger problem happens when people begin to blame testosterone for everyday health problems. Feeling tired? Must be low T. Can’t build muscle like you used to? Low T. The reality is that these issues depend on factors like your lifestyle, stress levels, sleep patterns, nutrition, and other health conditions. Things that have nothing to do with testosterone. So what you shouldn’t do is diagnose yourself based on tiredness or just having a few off weeks. Life can be stressful at times, and your health can be affected in the process. This alone can make you feel terrible without any hormonal involvement.
Genuine testosterone deficiency is real, yes. But it is a condition that affects only a small percentage of men. If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms that significantly affect your quality of life, it is time to consider a professional evaluation. The symptoms can range from chronic fatigue, complete loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, significant mood changes, muscle weakness, and loss of bone density.
Why lifestyle matters more than you think
Before you consider going for hormone replacement, it’s better to first examine the lifestyle factors that impact our testosterone production:
Sleep Quality: Poor sleep can absolutely destroy testosterone production. It’s bad enough that men who consistently get less than 6 hours per night can experience testosterone drops of 10-15%. As such, getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep every day may be one of the best ways to treat your T-levels.
Exercise and Body Weight: Regular resistance training and maintaining a healthy body weight can do wonders for your testosterone levels. If you carry excess body fat, particularly around the midsection, your testosterone production may be suppressed. So, get to work shedding that off.
Stress Management: Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which also suppresses testosterone production in the body. To that end, you need to find effective ways to manage stress to bring your hormones back to balance.
Nutrition: There’s no magic diet to boost your T-levels. But eating foods with adequate protein, healthy fats, and sufficient calories is sure to support your hormone production. But while you’re at it, avoid all the extreme forms of dieting, as they can tank testosterone levels quickly.
When should you seek professional help?
If you’ve successfully worked on your lifestyle but still have persistent symptoms affecting your quality of life, then it’s time to seek professional help. A qualified doctor can assess whether you have clinically low testosterone or if other factors are at play. If you do find yourself with a testosterone deficiency, fret not. TRT therapy in London and other cities in the UK has become increasingly accessible and is one of the best ways to treat the problem. When properly done and monitored, these replacement therapies can be life-changing for someone with a genuine case of deficiency. However, it’s healthier not to rely solely on TRT. When you think of it as a tool to combine with a healthy lifestyle, you’re good to go.
The bigger picture on men’s health
The key to having healthy discussions on men’s health is maintaining a sense of perspective. Testosterone, after all, is just one piece of a much larger health puzzle that includes many more pieces. Focusing on one aspect while ignoring everything else will never lead to an improvement in your health.
So, if you’re concerned about testosterone levels, start with the basics first. Prioritise your sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, and manage stress. Seek assistance from someone who understands men’s health if you still find yourself struggling. Throughout the process, don’t forget that the goal is not to have the testosterone of a 20-year-old when you’re 45. The goal is to feel energetic, maintain good relationships, and live your best life. When you make that your perspective, all will be well.
