Over the last several years, there have been news stories about men’s testosterone (T) levels being lower than 20 years ago. While some of the stories have not been entirely accurate, the facts are sobering enough: testosterone levels in men, on average, are about 20% lower than 20 years ago. And this is true not just in a small sampling of men but has been found in studies across the globe.
Further, while testosterone levels generally decrease as you age, the data indicates that lower levels are consistent across all age categories. In other words, 25-year-olds today have less testosterone than 25-year-olds did 20 years ago, and 65-year-olds today have less testosterone than 65-year-olds did 20 years ago. Since a simple blood test can measure testosterone levels, the data on which these studies are based is unassailable.
Why “Low T” Matters
Testosterone is a hormone that regulates many bodily functions. It is produced by and is present in both men and women, but levels are higher in men. While it is linked in most people’s minds with sexual function, testosterone also influences bone mass density, red blood cell production, hair and collagen growth, muscle growth, strength, and endurance. In terms of sexual function, it affects the sex drive, the production of sperm, and erectile function. It can affect the brain in terms of mood, feelings of confidence, and memory. Symptoms of low T can include being depressed, having low energy, being tired, gaining weight, having low muscle mass, a lowering of your sex drive, and erectile dysfunction.
Consequently, low testosterone levels can significantly impact how you feel and how you perform sexually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. It can affect your romantic relationships as well as your family and work relationships. Low T means that you are not performing at your peak.
Causes of Lower Testosterone Levels
While researchers have not been able to pinpoint the cause of declining testosterone levels with certainty, the fact that this trend is so universal strongly suggests that environmental factors play a crucial role. Another critical factor is behavior.
Our environment has changed significantly in the last several decades regarding the number and persistence of the pollutants we are exposed to. Many of these chemical pollutants can act as endocrine disruptors. Your endocrine system is the network of glands that produce the hormones – including testosterone – that regulate growth, reproduction, metabolism, and so on.
In addition to air and water pollution, we are exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in various ways, including in our food, food and beverage packaging, lotions, soaps, cosmetics, medications, and fabric treatments. Over the years, our bodies absorb these chemicals, which can affect the proper functioning of our endocrine systems.
Another thing that has changed over the last few decades is behavior. People exercise less and sit much more, including in front of their computers or televisions. People also tend to eat more prepared and processed foods, which means we are ingesting endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Even if you have a regular exercise regimen, today, that regimen is often an exception to extended periods of relative inactivity.
How Can I Remedy Low T Levels?
The medical profession considers “normal” testosterone levels to range from 300 to 1000 nanograms per deciliter of blood. Even looking at that number should give you pause: how can someone with less than one-third of the highest “normal” level still be considered “normal”? The answer lies in understanding how the medical profession treats this issue. “Normal,” in this case, does not necessarily indicate “healthy.” Instead, it means that people without any medical problems will have testosterone levels anywhere within that range at any age. In addition, testosterone levels may fluctuate even within a given day. But if a 20-year-old’s testosterone level is in the low 300s, that is significantly below the average for a man his age.
The first way to address low T is to change your lifestyle. If you are overweight, live a sedentary lifestyle, and eat an unhealthy diet, that needs to change. Thankfully, all of these activities can work together to improve your T levels and overall health.
Engaging in muscle-building exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, and weight lifting and engaging in competitive sports is more effective at increasing T levels than activities like jogging. Eat a balanced and healthy diet that includes fresh, organic foods rather than processed or canned foods or foods grown with artificial fertilizers and pesticides. Do not drink water or other beverages stored in plastic bottles. Instead, drink water that has been effectively filtered to reduce pollutants. Get sufficient sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs – including over-the-counter drugs. Fortunately, changing your eating and activity habits should help you shed extra pounds. This, combined with an optimized hormone protocol can improve your quality of life on every level. Take control of your health and well-being. Call REVV Health today.