Low testosterone leads to many unpleasant side effects that affect a man’s behavior, outlook on life, and sexual satisfaction. However, low testosterone levels can lead to even more unsavory conditions – major health complications.
When it comes to hormone deficiencies, there are still a lot of unanswered questions. Most researchers will acknowledge there is a direct correlation between low T levels and various health problems. However, there is still some uncertainty about which condition causes which outcome. Do low levels of testosterone cause these illnesses or do the illnesses cause low testosterone?
Regardless of whether the egg or chicken came first, it is widely known there is a correlation between low hormone levels and significant health issues. By addressing one, men can begin to bring the other under control.
Let’s take a look at the five health conditions most commonly associated with low testosterone.
Anemia
Patients who experience a decreased red blood cell production suffer from a condition known as anemia.
Anemia can be caused by a variety of instigators. While the symptoms of anemia will depend on what is causing it, there are some indicators that are universal – fatigue, loss of energy, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty sleeping.
Interestingly, these same side effects are associated with low testosterone. This is just one more indicator of the correlation that exists between the two health issues.
Cardiovascular Issues
Among other things, testosterone helps facilitate healthy red blood cell development. When testosterone levels dip, the health of our circulatory system suffers too.
Doctors have identified a correlation between low testosterone and heart disease instigators like plaque buildup and decreased vascular muscle tone.
In fact, one study found men with heart disease will die sooner if their testosterone levels are lower than normal.
Diabetes
Unfortunately, diabetes is another health condition that is interwoven with low testosterone. Low testosterone levels increases the risk and severity of diabetes. Meanwhile, those with diabetes have a higher likelihood of suffering from low testosterone.
Men who suffer from both low testosterone and diabetes exist in a pro-inflammatory state that contributes to insulin resistance.
However, testosterone therapy can help the situation. A study found that men with both diabetes and low testosterone increased their insulin sensitivity after just six months of hormone replacement therapy.
Increased Body Fat & Obesity
A recent study found that obese males have up to 50% less testosterone than their physically fit counterparts. While study participants who exercised and lost weight saw testosterone levels rise, those who gained weight saw an even more significant drop.
Once testosterone levels start to dip, it becomes even more difficult to shed those unwanted pounds. Low T brings a decrease in energy and muscle strength. These depleted physical aspects make if a challenge to lose weight.
Fortunately, testosterone levels did return to normal for those men who were able to lose weight and shed their obese status.
Aging
Growing older is a fact of life. There is nothing we can do to reverse the clock and turn back time. While some things will happen no matter what you do, there are other health progressions that can be unnecessarily accelerated.
Everyone is at risk for various health concerns that plague the older demographics. However, men with low testosterone greatly increase the chance of conditions like heart disease, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders, and prostate cancer.
Low testosterone is a worrisome condition. It brings with it a fair amount of unpleasant side effects. However, the long-term health ramifications of low testosterone are quite alarming. If left unchecked, these conditions will only exacerbate a man’s already delicate health situation.
Risk of Heart Attack
Patients using testosterone should seek medical attention immediately if symptoms of a heart attack or stroke are present, such as:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Weakness in one part or one side of the body
- Slurred speech