While most people immediately think of sexual dysfunction caused by too little testosterone in the male body, there are plenty of other reasons to consider different methods for boosting your testosterone levels.
For men, testosterone production is closely linked to their sexual identities but also to physical and mental health. When your testosterone levels are in balance, everything about the male body feels like it functions more effectively. This includes everything from bone growth to sex drive to muscle mass and strength. This article explores the many health benefits associated with optimal testosterone levels in men.
What is Testosterone and Why is it Important for Men (and Women)?
Testosterone is a hormone that is naturally produced within the body. While it is most commonly associated with male characteristics as it promotes muscle development, strong bones, strength, facial and body hair, and libido, it is also essential for women as it plays important roles in bone strength, sexual behavior, and ovarian function. Whether male or female, though, balance is critical when it comes to testosterone. Too much testosterone can cause problems, as can too little.
In men, the problem with too much testosterone often occurs during puberty as levels of testosterone naturally reduce over time. Common symptoms of too much testosterone include:
- Acne
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Stunted growth in adolescents
- Mood swings
- Impaired judgment
Some of the more serious side effects of too much testosterone include prostate enlargement that makes urination difficult, liver disease, increased risk of heart attack, increased risk of blood clots, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, weight gain, and fluid retention.
Too little testosterone, on the other hand, has its own share of problems. Especially for men. It is also common among men over the age of 45, with nearly one-third of men over 45 experiencing lower levels of testosterone, according to Harvard Medical School. Common symptoms of diminished testosterone in men include the following.
- Reduced muscle mass.
- Hair loss and reduction of facial and body hair.
- Increased breast size.
- Diminished libido, sexual dysfunction, and low sperm count.
- Bone density loss.
- Obesity.
- Depression.
- Fatigue.
- Mental fogginess.
In other words, the average man doesn’t want to live with the side effects of too much or too little testosterone. Since most men experience some loss of testosterone through the aging process, it is important to find methods to restore this balance through various testosterone boosters and supplements, diet and lifestyle changes, and, when necessary, medical intervention.
Boosting Testosterone and the Benefits it Affords
One of the most notable benefits of boosting testosterone levels for men is the restoration of vitality, vigor, and sexual health (not to mention interest). You should note that there is no quick fix to the problems associated with low testosterone. Results will take time to experience. But some of the major benefits you can enjoy once you begin getting your testosterone levels into balance may include the following.
- Ability to build muscles more quickly. The loss of muscle mass is a difficult pill for many men to swallow. Fortunately, you can boost your efforts to restore muscle mass with changes to your diet, including increased protein intake, weight training exercises, and resistance training. The more frequently you exercise, the better it is for your efforts to build muscle, combat obesity, and improve mental health and clarity.
- Reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Men who have higher levels of testosterone are at a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Additional benefits include improved memory, better spatial abilities, and better overall cognitive function.
- Improved sexual health. While this is near and dear to the hearts of many men (and the women who love them), greater sexual interest, arousal, and function is an important benefit for balanced testosterone levels in the body. However, low testosterone is not the only potential cause of these things. If restoring balance here does not work, perhaps you should consult your physician about other possible medical causes or to determine if it could be a side effect of the medications you’re taking.
- Increased bone density. Since bone density loss is so closely associated with an increased risk of fractures as you age, restoring bone density is not something you want to overlook in importance. In addition to various testosterone boosters, you might consider vitamin D and calcium supplements to help combat bone loss related to low testosterone.
You should always consult a physician before beginning efforts to boost testosterone, at the very least to determine if you have low testosterone, to begin with. Otherwise, you could experience the negative effects of high testosterone. The goal should always be about finding a balance that works for you and helps you achieve your overall health and wellness goals. The other thing you need to do is to be patient when seeking to boost testosterone and give your body time to experience the benefits it offers.
