Testosterone deficiency is a common hormonal imbalance that affects the lives of many men in America. That’s the overarching takeaway from several studies, including one published by Urology Times, a trusted resource for urologists and allied health professionals. It revealed that 10% to 40% of men in the U.S. have below-average testosterone levels or an outright testosterone deficiency. When someone has a testosterone deficiency, their testes, adrenal, and hypothalamic glands are not secreting enough testosterone into the bloodstream for the body to function correctly. To appreciate why this is a problem, we need to know more about the hormone testosterone and what it does in the male body.
What Men Should Know About Testosterone?
Testosterone is an androgen, which means it plays an enormous role in developing and maintaining male characteristics. Beyond that, testosterone supports and regulates libido, sperm production, red blood cell production, muscle mass and bone density, and fat distribution. When the male body does not produce enough testosterone, it can disrupt many of these naturally occurring bodily functions and trigger an onslaught of unpleasant symptoms. Some of the symptoms typical of below-average testosterone levels or an outright testosterone deficiency include the following:
- Chronic fatigue
- Depression
- Diminished muscle mass and strength
- High cortisol and blood pressure levels
- Gynecomastia
- Increased belly fat
- Infertility
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Irritability
- Low libido and erectile dysfunction
- Low sperm count or the inability to produce sperm
- Thinning hair
Who Is Most at Risk of Developing a Testosterone Deficiency?
Healthy testosterone levels in men are in the range of 10 to 35 nmol/L or 300 to 1,000 ng/dL. Generally speaking, middle-aged men are at the highest risk of developing a testosterone deficiency since their bodies naturally secrete and release less testosterone hormones into their blood once they enter their 30s or 40s. According to several studies, including one not too long ago published by the Mayo Clinic, blood testosterone levels in men typically decline by 1% per year after age 30 or 40.
Along with aging, men with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and certain types of cancer, have an above-average chance of being diagnosed with hypogonadism or low testosterone. The same is true for men taking certain prescription-based medications, like statins, antidepressants, chemotherapeutics, opioids, antifungals, and antihypertensives.
How to Invest in Long-Term Wellness: Alternatives to Testosterone Replacement Therapy to Boost Low Testosterone
A growing body of evidence suggests that investing in long-term wellness can help normalize low blood testosterone levels in men. For example, a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that getting a minimum of 7 to 9 hours of deep, restorative sleep each night can boost testosterone levels in men by 10% to 15%. Consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet can also help. Multiple studies show that consuming a diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals, like zinc and vitamin D, is an effective and natural way to boost and maintain healthy testosterone levels.
Regular exercise, especially resistance and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), can also help. The same holds for minimizing alcohol consumption, staying hydrated, and quitting smoking. Collectively, these healthy lifestyle habits can ramp up testosterone production by as much as 30%. While healthy lifestyle habits can be a viable alternative to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for some men, it might not be for others.
What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
TRT is ideal for men with extremely low testosterone levels, and it involves the use of prescription drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help stimulate the testes and the adrenal and hypothalamic glands to secrete more testosterone into the blood. Some of these drugs include the following:
- Testopel
- Testim
- Fortesta
- Depo-Testosterone
- Aveed
- Androgel
- Testoderm
- Androderm
Most men who follow a TRT regimen see subtle results within a few weeks. However, more significant results can take several months. While effective, there are side effects associated with following a TRT regimen to boost low testosterone levels. Some of the more notable of these include acne and oily skin, edema of the ankles or feet, gynecomastia, and changes in mood or behavior. It is also worth noting that TRT therapy costs can be extremely high, even with health insurance.
How Much Does Testosterone Therapy Cost?
Depending on the medication, dosage, and duration of treatment, TRT can reach or even surpass $3,200 annually. To learn more about this medicinal approach to combating low testosterone and whether or not it is the best choice for you, consider speaking with a licensed endocrinologist today.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any hormone-related therapy or making significant changes to your health regimen. Individual results may vary, and testosterone replacement therapy carries potential risks and costs that should be discussed with a qualified medical professional.