Testosterone and the Aging Male—Avere Healthcare Clinic

Testosterone and the Aging Male

Courtesy Avere Healthcare Clinic, Denton County LIVING WELL Magazine

While it’s normal for testosterone levels to drop as men age, low testosterone can have a significant impact on a man’s health. It is the chemical produced in a man’s body that makes him think, look, and behave as a man. Testosterone helps a man maintain bone density, fat distribution, muscle strength and mass, sex drive, and sperm production.

Sounds like a pretty important substance, doesn’t it? Studies show that testosterone levels decline steadily after age 40. By middle age and older, virtually all men experience some decline in testosterone and a percentage of aging men have levels far below those considered normal for their age.

So, is low testosterone part of normal aging, or a medical problem that needs treatment?

What is Low Testosterone?

Low testosterone is when testosterone falls below normal levels. With low testosterone, various physical and emotional changes are possible. These include increased body fat, reduced muscle bulk, weakened muscle strength, and decreased bone density. You may experience hair loss, hot flashes and less energy. Have you noticed a change in your sex drive? Perhaps a reduced sexual desire or erectile dysfunction?  Effects of low testosterone may also cause you to experience emotional changes such as mood swings, decreased motivation, feelings of sadness or depression, and difficulty sleeping. You may have trouble remembering things or difficulty concentrating.

Low testosterone is also associated with several chronic medical conditions, including obesity, diabetes, depression, and possibly cardiovascular disease. Testosterone builds bone, and low testosterone can lead to thinning of the bones. Men with hip fractures tend to have low testosterone.

It’s important to note that some of these signs and symptoms are a normal part of aging.  A simple blood test is the only way to diagnose a low testosterone level. Do you feel as though your testosterone might be a little low? The good news is that low testosterone is easily treated with testosterone replacement therapy, which can help recharge your vitality, sex drive, mood, and overall health and at Avere Healthcare Clinic, we are dedicated to helping men who suffer from low testosterone. Call us today!