Testosterone is the hormone that is responsible for our masculine and manly traits. It plays a number of critical roles in bodily processes and human development. However, one of the unfortunate yet inescapable realities of aging is that we tend to lose our production of this pivotal hormone. Losing testosterone production is something that every male faces. In many cases, we just deal with it, which can be fine especially if you’re not continually working to build muscle. Other times, men take step to counteract this decline. There are a few different steps you can take to do so. But first, let’s cover the low testosterone side effects to determine whether it should be a consideration for you.
Why Testosterone Matters
Testosterone is a chemical messenger that is vital for the development of male sexual and physical characteristics. Produced in the testes, it helps support our confidence, social skills and athletic performance. Additionally, it is critical to sexual desire and prowess. Testosterone drives us through adolescence and pushes us toward our physical peak, which generally takes place between the ages of 18 and 30 or so. Afterwards, as T levels begin to naturally teeter off, we start experiencing low testosterone side effects. These can be difficult to contend with, but you are not powerless against this innate hormonal shift.
Low Testosterone Side Effects
Dropping testo levels manifest in a number of different ways. Here are some of the common challenges that men with dropping testosterone face:
Muscle Deterioration. When you are enjoying higher testosterone levels, your body is basically always in an anabolic state. You are constantly building lean muscle mass, especially if you’re working out regularly. This makes it much easier to grow and maintain strong muscle. However, when testo levels decline, you go into a catabolic state, wherein you’re actually losing muscle tissue as part of the metabolic process.
Weight Gain. While you lose muscle, you gain fat. Bummer, right? Our metabolic efficiency declines with less testosterone and less lean muscle mass. Scientists believe that low testosterone triggers an increase in the activity of lipoprotein lipase. This enzyme serves to convert lipids into visceral fat cells, which specifically tend to manifest around the gut. As such, one of the prominent low testosterone side effects is the development of a “dad bod.” It’s no coincidence.
Decreasing Cognitive Function. While testosterone drops, so too does our capacity for memory, as well as our general mood. This owes to the acute effect that the hormone has on receptors within our brain.
Declining Sexual Performance. This probably comes as no surprise. Its impact on our spark in the bedroom is among testosterone’s most prominent and well documented benefits. Firstly, low T levels reduce our sexual drive, which can have a very negative effect on relationship quality and intimacy. Secondly, loss of this hormone negatively effects sexual performance, including the ability to gain and sustain an erection, as well as stamina in bed.
Weaker Bones. Testosterone contributes to bone tissue development. Therefore it inherently makes sense that one of the low testosterone side effects is a reduction in bone density and an increase in breakdown. This increases risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
What To Do About Low Testosterone Side Effects
The good news is that you needn’t give in to the effects of low testosterone. There are plenty of natural testostorone booster supplements out there that don’t carry many (if any) side effects. Find one you like and stick with it!
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