How Anemia Can Affect You
Not only can low testosterone produce numerous unpleasant side effects, diminished hormone levels also coincide with serious health concerns.
Anemia is one of the most common health risks associated with low testosterone.
What is Anemia?
Anemia is a health condition that causes a disruption in the formation of healthy blood cells. It can decrease the number of healthy blood cells as well as reduce the cells’ ability to properly bind to oxygen.
What are the Most Common Symptoms of Anemia?
There are over 400 different strands of anemia and several different factors that can lead to the condition. However, one of the most notable is the lack of hormones necessary for healthy red blood cell production.
Regardless of the cause of anemia, there are several symptoms that are universal to all types of anemia. They include:
- Lack of energy
- Persistent fatigue
- Accelerated heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Lack of concentration
- Dizziness
- Pale skin
- Muscle cramps (especially in the lower extremities)
- Difficulty sleeping
The Long-Term Effects of Anemia
Because our red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from our lungs to other organs, a shortage is very dangerous. Varying degrees of anemia can have a wide range of health consequences.
If left unchecked, anemia commonly causes various circulatory problems – including an enlarged heart and even heart failure.
In addition to the major issues associated with anemia, the health condition affects other aspects of life too. A lack of energy, dizziness and difficulty breathing will severely impact the amount of physical activity a man can partake in. If a man’s exercise routine is compromised, he will suffer even more health issues – like decreased muscle mass, obesity and diabetes.
Headaches, persistent fatigue, difficulty sleeping and lack of concentration will impact a man’s mood and outlook on life. Therefore, it can be said that anemia contributes to depression and other emotional side-effects.
Low T and Anemia
Anemia is the most common blood condition in the USA. Even the healthiest men are susceptible to anemia. After the age of 65, the risk increases for all men. However, those with low testosterone levels are in even greater danger. In fact, those with low testosterone levels are nearly five times more likely to be anemic than their hormone-balanced counterparts.
While hormone replacement therapy isn’t necessarily a cure for anemia, replenishing testosterone levels early on can help reduce the risk.