Low testosterone can cause fatigue, decreased sex drive and loss of muscle and bone mass. Here are 5 typical causes of low testosterone in men – and what you can do about it.
Have you ever wondered what causes low testosterone? Unfortunately, it is quite common for men's testosterone levels to decline gradually from the age of 30.
A normal testosterone level for men should be between 200 and 1200 nanograms per decilitre (ng/dL). If it falls below 200 ng/dL, this indicates low testosterone.
However, there are also reasons other than age that contribute to decreased testosterone levels. Here, we will explore five of the most common causes.
Being overweight can commonly cause lower testosterone levels. Carrying excess weight can lead to a drop in testosterone levels, while the amount of the female sex hormone oestrogen may increase.
As a result, obese men may experience a reduced sex drive and sexual function. Additionally, low testosterone can affect energy levels.
READ MORE: 11 Signs of Low Testosterone
Fat cells convert testosterone into oestrogen, which can lower testosterone levels. In addition, obesity can reduce the level of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that carries testosterone in the blood.
Less SHBG means less free testosterone. For example, a study of men over the age of 40 shows that for every increased point on the BMI scale, testosterone levels decrease by 2%.
Losing weight through exercise can increase testosterone levels.
Being overweight also goes hand in hand with a sedentary lifestyle, which can be linked to lower testosterone levels.
READ MORE: How to Get Rid of a Beer Belly
In a scientific study, researchers looked at 30 sedentary young men who participated in a 12-week exercise programme. They found that T levels increased during the exercise programme. The study is reported in Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology.
Another study of 1210 young Danish men showed a link between a sedentary lifestyle and testicular function (sperm count and reproductive hormones).
Data on sedentary behaviour (screen time) and physical activity was collected from a questionnaire. The men underwent a physical examination, gave semen samples and provided blood samples.
The study showed that those who watched a lot of TV had lower sperm counts.
Men who watched TV for more than 5 hours a day had a sperm concentration of 37 million/ml compared to 52 million/ml in those who did not watch TV.
In addition, an increase in follicle stimulating hormone and a decrease in testosterone were observed in men who watched a lot of TV.
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Sleep problems can also increase the risk of low testosterone. One example of this is sleep apnoea.
Sleep apnoea can lead to increased obesity and worsen the condition of hypogonadism, or reduced testosterone production.
Men who don't get enough sleep, have interrupted sleep, or suffer from sleep apnoea tend to have reduced testosterone levels, according to a study published in National Library of Medicine.
Studies also show a link between T levels and stress.
High levels of the stress hormone cortisol play a crucial role in blocking the effects of testosterone.
For example, low levels of serum testosterone have been reported in people under mental stress, physical stress and actual stress (such as surgery).
READ MORE: 6 Natural Ways to Increase Testosterone
High alcohol consumption can lower testosterone levels and reduce fertility.
Heavy drinking means more than 15 units of alcohol per week.
A 2017 study looked at 16,395 healthy men and found that heavy drinking can negatively affect sperm.
Would you like to support your testosterone levels? Besides adjusting your lifestyle and diet, the right supplements can also contribute to maintaining normal blood testosterone levels.
Here's how you can look after your testosterone levels throughout the year:
Daily intake of zinc helps maintain normal testosterone levels in the blood. Magnesium and vitamin B6 help reduce tiredness and fatigue. Magnesium also contributes to normal energy metabolism, normal muscle function, and normal psychological function. Finally, Panax ginseng can help to maintain healthy sexual relations.
All these active ingredients are included in the dietary supplement 4HIM TestoBalance, which you can now try at an introductory price!
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