Men’s Health: Optimize Your Hormones

As the primary hormone for men, testosterone levels are integral to overall health. If you have low testosterone, or you have symptoms that could be related to low testosterone, blood work and a consultation with one of our physicians are a great starting point to learn more about your condition.

Low testosterone can be managed, and even improved, with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), supplements, diet, and exercise. Through an integrated approach, most men with low testosterone can lower the health risks associated with low testosterone. They can also enjoy the health benefits of returning to an optimized hormone balance.

What are the Health Risks Associated with Low Testosterone?

Testosterone is the hormone that is designed to support male reproductive, biological, and physiological systems. It is responsible for sperm and red blood cell production, the developments that occur in puberty, and the growth of bone and muscle mass. Essentially, testosterone is what generates and sustains the change from boy to man.

Low testosterone in a fully grown man affects the sustaining aspect of male health. The health risks of insufficient levels include:

·      Reduced sex drive, sexual dysfunction, and low sperm count

·      Depression, low energy, fatigue, moodiness, and difficulty concentrating

·      Decreased bone density and muscle mass, increased fat

·      Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance

·      Higher rate of death from all causes

One problem of low testosterone that contributes to these issues is that it results in higher estrogen levels. All men need some estrogen, just as all women need some testosterone. But these hormone levels must remain in balance with the individual’s sex-based physiology.

Men with high estrogen levels have a higher risk for degenerative diseases like atherosclerosis, stroke, and prostate disease. They also have a higher risk of overall mortality. In addition to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), some men may benefit from supplements or prescription medications that actively reduce estrogen levels in their bloodstream.

What Causes Low Testosterone in Men?

Although some men experience low testosterone due to a testicular disorder, most men who seek testing and treatment for symptoms have an adult onset reason. Men who have kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea, or a substance use disorder commonly experience low testosterone. For many men who are otherwise healthy, low testosterone is simply a symptom of getting older.

One category of men who are often surprised at their bloodwork showing low testosterone is athletes. After an intense workout, athletes can experience testosterone dips that are below a healthy baseline level. Intense workouts increase cortisol – which is the stress hormone – production. For the average person, cortisol is leveled out by leptin, a fat cell-produced hormone which communicates that the body is not about to starve to death. In athletes who have very low body fat, there is not enough leptin released to counteract the cortisol release. The body responds by focusing on survival, rather than reproduction, and reduces testosterone production.

This result is typically a sign that the athlete is training too hard and not resting or eating adequately in between workouts. Athletes who work with a physician to adjust their training schedule, diet, sleep habits, and overall lifestyle can often restore their levels with limited or minimal interventions.

How Can Men Restore Testosterone Levels?

A healthy and balanced lifestyle is the first step to achieving optimized hormone levels. Men who are physically active, eat a protein-anchored diet, get plenty of sleep, and avoid substance abuse can usually maintain healthy hormone levels into advanced age.

Older men who have a healthy lifestyle and are still dealing with the effects of low testosterone may benefit from a combination of supplements and TRT. Men with the diseases or risk factors previously mentioned might need to work with one of our physicians long-term to identify and implement the right blend of medications and lifestyle changes. Coaching and support are vital elements to reaching and sustaining health goals.

Male athletes are encouraged to schedule a consultation with our office before making any changes to their training, sleep, and diet so that we can establish baselines with bloodwork and formulate a plan from there.

Pharmaceuticals to treat low testosterone include TRT and estrogen-lowering prescriptions. There are also beneficial supplements that work to fight the existing symptoms of low testosterone. Curcumin, for example, is the yellow chemical we find in turmeric. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce pain and improve cardiovascular health. Potential benefits of curcumin supplements include:

·      Reduced body fat

·      Healthy cholesterol levels

·      Alleviating or delaying cognitive decline

·      Reducing plaque in arteries

·      Reducing the risk of diabetes

·      Blocking aromatase, which is an enzyme that increases estrogen levels

Moderate antioxidant use is also beneficial for fighting the cell damage associated with low testosterone. Men should try to get their antioxidants from healthy fruits and vegetables in their diet. Some supplement formulas that are made from real fruits and vegetables make antioxidant consumption more convenient.

A few cups of coffee per day and a daily baby aspirin also have positive effects that can offset some of the risks of low testosterone. Although the exact cause is unknown, studies show that men who drink three cups of coffee per day experienced lower incidence of diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, stroke, depression, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. Aspirin is associated with a reduction in heart attacks, stroke, and colon cancer.

Regular exercise, paired with adequate sleep and a healthy diet, can improve insulin sensitivity and vascular health. Men should limit the number of intense workouts to avoid testosterone drops, but sprints, weight training, and sports are all great ways to maintain a healthy body weight and lower the risk of disease. It’s important to eat a diet that is high in protein, low (or no) sugar, includes a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables, and incorporates grains and fats with minimal processing.

Consult with Your Physician Prior to Making Changes

Always start with a visit to your doctor before making major exercise, lifestyle, diet, or medication changes. Your doctor can order bloodwork, review medicine interactions, and explore other aspects of your symptoms that may need to be addressed before prescribing TRT.

Whether you are concerned about low testosterone, have been diagnosed, or you are experiencing symptoms, our qualified team of physicians, coaches, and clinicians are here to support you. We treat men with low testosterone in our Villanova medical office using an integrated approach that addresses root causes and sustainable treatments. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about your specific risks and options for optimizing your hormones.