If you’re a man and older than mid-30, there’s little doubt that you’ve heard the term “Low-T.” Television, radio, and billboards all target your demographic because you are the men who are beginning to see the effects of Low-T in your daily lives.
You’re not alone
Studies have shown that as many as 1 in 4 men have Low-T, and 11 percent had low levels of free Testosterone. About 5.6 percent of the men in this study suffered from symptomatic androgen deficiency. In men over 70, the number jumps to 18%.
By 2025, researchers predict 6.5 million Americans (aged 30 to 79 ) will suffer from symptomatic androgen deficiency. This number will represent a nearly 40% increase since 2000!
Defining Low-T
Low Testosterone is diagnosed by a simple blood test. While it can vary based on age, health, diet, etc. the “average” T-Level for men is 679 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter).
Low-T is defined as 300ng/dL of total Testosterone and less than five ng/dL of free Testosterone. Free Testosterone is the amount of hormone not bound to other proteins.
What is Androgen Deficiency?
If Low Testosterone is accompanied by low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis or fracture, and two or more of the following: sleep disturbance, depressed mood, lethargy, or diminished physical performance, it can be considered an androgen deficiency.
Clinicians have developed simple screening to help identify men with androgen deficiency. Called the ADAM Test (Androgen Deficiency in Ageing Male) – it is a list of 10 “Yes or No” questions that discuss changes in a man’s life and lifestyle. If the answers to more than three questions are “yes,” it is an indication to the doctor that the patient may have an androgen deficiency. The doctor then may prescribe Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) as a way to treat the symptoms (learn more about TRT here.)
Symptoms of Low-T
| According to the Association of American Family Physicians, there are several symptoms commonly associated with Low-T. Low-T can impact a man physically, mentally, and psychologically, and it also can impact his sexual health and performance.
Symptoms of Low-T may include:
Physical Symptoms
Mental/Phycological Symptoms
Sexual Symptoms
|
A man with Low-T may experience one or several of these symptoms. Because these symptoms can also be a sign of other conditions as well, it is important to have a certified clinical professional conduct your evaluation to determine if Low-T is the root cause of your symptoms.
Causes of Low-T
In general, men’s T-Levels reach their peak when mean reach adulthood (in their early 20’s for most men.) At that point, the body’s production of Testosterone tends to taper off, and by the time a man reaches his 40’s he may be down as much as 2% per year from where he was at his peak.
For today’s men who plan to live full and vital lives well into their 60’s and 70’s, this can be a significant challenge.
Additional outside factors may also play a role in diminished testosterone levels. These include:
- Injury or infection
- Chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer
- Medications, especially hormones used to treat prostate cancer and corticosteroid drugs
- Chronic illness
- Stress
- Alcoholism or other substance abuse disorders and addictions
- Obesity
- Delayed puberty
- Testicular damage (caused by trauma, alcoholism, or disease)
- Hypothalamic disease
- Pituitary disease
- Noncancerous pituitary tumor
There are even genetic diseases which can impact your T-Levels, including:
- Klinefelter syndrome
- Kallmann syndrome
- Myotonic dystrophy
It seems like the deck can really be stacked against today’s man who plans to live a full and vibrant life well into his 60’s and 70’s. But there are options.
Lifestyle Changes to Improve T-Levels
Changes to your lifestyle and your diet can help increase your body’s ability to raise and maintain testosterone levels.
Proper Diet and Nutrition to Support Testosterone Levels
Making sure you get enough foods that are rich in zinc and vitamin D may help to keep your Testosterone at a normal level. Foods that highlight these two nutrients include:
- Tuna
- Low-N Milk with Vitamin D
- Egg Yolks (Rocky was right!)
- Fortified Cereals
- Oysters
- Beef
- Beans (Chickpeas, Lentils)
- Garlic
Exercise Can also Help to Boost your T-Levels Naturally
Increasing weight resistant exercise has been shown to affect T-Levels in men. These results are typically better in younger men, but still can be helpful as you get older. Cardiovascular exercise has proven to help reduce body fat and weight, which in turn can also increase your body’s natural production of Testosterone.
While these options are helpful for supporting and improving T-Levels in the average man, they are often not enough for men suffering from Low-T, and they may require additional medical treatments.
Medical Treatments for Low-T
Fortunately, the study of men’s health has made great advances in recent years, and there are options for men who are experiencing the symptoms of Low-T. Changes in lifestyle and diet can help to some degree, but for many men, combining these lifestyle changes with Testosterone replacement Therapy (TRT) is the ticket to getting their T-Levels back to peak performance.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone Replacement Therapy helps to supplement both your diet and exercise regimens by brining your Testosterone levels up to where you can perform at your best. There are several ways to receive TRT, including skin patches, injections, gels and creams, and subdermal pellets (implanted under your skin).
There are benefits to each, and you should consult a qualified clinical professional before undergoing any type of TRT.
Low-T Solutions for Texans
Low-T can impact anyone, and despite our manly reputation, there are plenty of men in Texas who are silently suffering from the symptoms of Low Testosterone. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Texas Men’s Health Group is here to help you get that swing back in your step and get you feeling in tip-top shape.
Whether you’re looking to improve your workouts, be a more active father or grandfather, or are jumping back into the dating pool, Texas Men’s Health Group can help you look better and feel your best. For more information on how you can get an initial consultation, please call 214-499-9158 today.
We follow all state and federal guidelines and use a clinically approved protocol that puts safety first and provides our clients with a direct telemedicine consultation in the convenience and privacy of their own homes.