The Effects of Low T

We may see men with low testosterone levels exhibiting symptoms such as increased abdominal fat, interrupted sleep, fatigue, decreased libido, loss of cognitive function, diminished muscle mass, mood swings and low mood, and depression. Although these are often considered normal side effects of aging, they can be more sinister. Mortality rates are 88% higher in men with low testosterone than those who tested at normal levels. Testosterone levels peak in a man’s 20’s. After that, they naturally slowly decline. We do have to be careful, because low testosterone is often considered “normal” by the time men reach their early 40’s. Often low testosterone is misdiagnosed, because anticipated values are lower than functionally optimal.

How does low testosterone happen? Environmental endocrine disruptors, like BPA and phthalates in plastics, are extremely difficult to avoid. Chronic stress, which 46% of men experience, can throw off the production of hormones. Along the same vein, overtraining athletes can disturb adrenal function. Malnutrition and overeating can also contribute to low testosterone. Obesity, however, starts the vicious cycle of metabolic syndrome associated with low testosterone.

Obesity and low testosterone are terrible team. While obesity decreases the production of testosterone, low testosterone levels increase fat around the abdomen. Abdominal fat goes hand-in-hand with metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors that are associated with heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It is thought that testosterone supplementation in hypogonadal men may benefit body composition by decreasing abdominal fat and increasing muscle mass as well as improve insulin sensitivity and decrease risk of cardiovascular disease.

Unfortunately, testosterone supplementation may not be as directly useful against metabolic syndrome as initially thought. A 2012 article in Current Diabetes Review showed that testosterone therapy showed minimal changed in body composition in men. However, the improved mood, higher level of energy, and decreased fatigue experienced with testosterone treatment may indirectly reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome by motivating men to exercise more and consume a healthier diet!