5 causes for low testosterone and how to avoid it
A combination of genetic and physiological factors, as well as environmental influences, can lead to a decrease in testosterone. Let's consider the most common ones.
Natural aging. The highest testosterone levels in the stronger sex are observed in adolescence. This is due to the fact that during this period the body produces exactly the amount of the hormone that is necessary for normal development and puberty. After this period, unfortunately, the volume of testosterone in the blood decreases steadily. Throughout his life, a man can observe a steady decline. Moreover, by the age of 50, as a rule, the level of this substance in the blood approaches a minimum. Previously, many experts believed that this decline was due to the increased number of diseases that men suffer from in older age. However, research shows that this is not the case. The exact cause of this change is known as male andropause, or late-onset hypogonadism. But this phenomenon has not yet been fully studied. While scientists believe that the decline in testosterone levels in aging men may be due to numerous factors, the decline in Leydig cells has the greatest impact on this process. These cells, which are responsible for the production of testosterone, decrease over the course of our lives. This, in turn, significantly reduces the production of the main male hormone.
Genetic features. If a man suffers from low testosterone levels, it is possible that he should blame his parents for this problem. Research shows that the quality of our genes determines how much testosterone is produced. So, some men are more prone to create large volumes of this hormone compared to others.
Food. Scientists have linked poor nutrition, low in vitamins and minerals, to low testosterone levels. This is due to the fact that vitamins A and D, zinc and magnesium are required for the production of the male hormone.
High physical activity. While exercise is considered one of the best ways to increase testosterone levels, overuse can backfire. Moreover, excessive exercise aimed at increasing the level of endurance can lead to the development of hypogonadism, a condition in which the function of the testicles is impaired, which contributes to a decrease in the level of testosterone in the blood.
Overweight. Being overweight can also cause a decrease in the production of the male hormone. Clinical studies show that obese men have lower testosterone levels than "normal" weight people. Increasing body fat can increase insulin production, which in turn negatively affects testicular function.
Sleep. The male body generates a significant portion of testosterone during sleep. Most often during the deep sleep stage. Therefore, sleep deprivation and sleep interruption can cause a decrease in testosterone production.
Steroid abuse. Testosterone is a unique steroid commonly used by professional athletes in bodybuilding. In some cases, it is used to create other synthetic versions of steroids. Due to its ability to accelerate the growth of muscle fibers, it is used by some weightlifters as a drug to increase muscle volume and strength. However, despite its effectiveness, it interferes with the natural process of male hormone generation. The body recognizes an increase in testosterone levels after steroid injections, as a result of which it completely reduces or stops natural production. The process of restoring the natural production of the male hormone after a course of steroids can take several months. However, in some cases, the restoration of the body's natural function does not occur.
Diseases. Certain health problems can affect testosterone production in both the short and long term. The most common ones are: diseases that cause inflammatory processes; HIV; renal failure.
Alcohol abuse. Drinking alcoholic beverages periodically increases testosterone production. However, alcohol abuse can also have the opposite effect. If an excessive volume enters the body, alcohol can be transported by the circulatory system to the testicles, leading to a decrease in testosterone levels.