Low Testosterone in Men
I couldn’t get sound sleep anymore, had insomnia, and had night sweats. I didn’t know what andropause was at the time. All of my joints ached. I lost my stamina. I had trained all my life, had been something of an athlete, and suddenly I just had no strength…have you seen the movie “Grumpy Old Men”?
I feel great. In fact, I’m 57 years old. I can do as many push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups as when I was a senior in high school.
Importance of Testosterone for Male Health
There’s a reason why you’re seeing all the TV commercials and ads about “Low T” – it’s because healthy testosterone levels and testosterone replacement are so important to a man’s overall health and well-being.
Testosterone is one of the androgen hormones produced by the testes. It is the principle male hormone and is responsible for the development of the male sex characteristics. Testosterone is also the hormone of desire. Men produce testosterone primarily from the testes and also from the adrenal glands, while women produce smaller amounts of testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands.
Testosterone has a well-documented role in cardiovascular health and bone density. Research shows that testosterone has been associated with lowering the risk of a heart attack and high blood pressure. Optimal testosterone levels positively affect muscle tone, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, the immune system, weight, moods, bone health, skin, libido, sperm production, sleep, as well as heart, liver and brain health.
Andropause
Andropause is what is the term used to describe the slow decline of male hormones or ‘male menopause’. Low testosterone is very common in andropause. Thankfully, just as with women in menopause, bioidentical hormones for men is the answer many men are seeking. As with any biological change that occurs gradually rather than abruptly, the age-related decline in testosterone often goes unnoticed until a critical point is reached usually in your forties or fifties.
Suddenly, seemingly out of the blue, you may begin feeling depressed, fatigued, irritable, or uninterested in the things that used to give you pleasure. Your self-confidence and zest for life seem to have diminished. Have you noticed that you have been developing a “spare tire” around your middle and that your muscles have lost their strength or tone? You may have lost interest in sex, have difficulty making decisions, or experience any number of other problems related to declining levels of testosterone.
Low Testosterone Symptoms