Testosterone is a hormone that your sex organs mainly produce - for women, it is made in the adrenal glands and ovaries; for men, it is made in the testicles. 

When talking about testosterone, it is important to first understand androgens. Androgens are a group of sex hormones, with testosterone being the primary androgen in both men and women. Furthermore, testosterone specifically stimulates the development of male characteristics - think about things like hair growth on the face and body, vocal cord lengthening, and sperm development. 

In Dr. Brannon’s podcast, he explains how testosterone has over 500 functions. Not only does it contribute to the development of characteristics within the body, it also protects the brain, causes neuroplasticity, and supports the survival of healthy cells. 

The Effects of Low Testosterone

When your hormone levels are low, that deficiency affects many parts of your body.

• You feel tired, drained, and sapped of energy.
• You are susceptible to depression and despair.
• You are at higher risk for heart attacks, blood clots, and strokes.
• You are more prone to diseases such as diabetes, dementia, and Alzheimer’s.
• You are more likely to get breast cancer, prostate cancer, and other types of cancer.
• Your sex drive and sexual endurance will wane.

Furthermore, low testosterone levels can affect your libido, sleep cycles, physical characteristics, and cause trouble with emotional regulation. The optimal testosterone levels for men, which typically decrease with age, are between 800 and 1200 ng/dL. Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, who wrote Testosterone for Life, describes low testosterone as the loss of one’s Mojo. Oftentimes, the symptoms can be difficult to measure, describe, and pinpoint.

There are many symptoms related to testosterone deficiency. One or more of these symptoms may be experienced: 

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Loss of energy
• Poor focus
• Poor concentration Depression
• Osteoporosis
• Decrease in sexual interest 
• Restless leg syndrome 
• Higher LDL cholesterol 
• Arthritis
• Alzheimer’s
• Weight gain (despite exercising) 
• Loss of memory
• Overall loss of muscle mass and tone 
• Decreased nocturnal erections 
• Inability to maintain a hard erection 
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Loss of confidence

Dr. Molly Shores conducted a study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism on testosterone treatment and mortality in men with low testosterone levels. She concluded that among an observational cohort of men with low testosterone, testosterone treatment was associated with decreased mortality compared to no testosterone treatment. 

Low testosterone levels might be common, but they are certainly not normal. Sure, our bodies are destined to age; however, we weren’t meant to experience all of these ailments listed above. We were meant to live full and active lives without being hindered by the side effects of something such as testosterone deficiency. The good news is that BHRT can help and is effective regardless of your age! Natural testosterone protects your overall health, which is what we aim for at Optimal Bio. 

Contact Optimal Bio Today for Help

Optimal Bio provides Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for men and women. We provide hormonal imbalance testing and solutions to some of the most common medical issues associated with aging and current environmental factors. We are committed to finding your perfect hormonal balance, custom-tailored to your body, so you can have the energy, health, and vitality you desire. Contact us today or visit us at one of our 7 office locations: Cary, Southern Pines, Wilmington, Charlotte, Charleston, Charlottesville, or Greenville.