Testosterone is a hormone that is essential for the growth of masculine characteristics. While it is produced in larger quantities from the testes, even females produce testosterone in smaller amounts from their ovaries and adrenal glands. However, much in the way that women experience lowering estrogen levels when they go through menopause, men can actually go through a sort of male menopause as their testosterone naturally lowers.
While a man’s testosterone levels rage during puberty and their young adult years, they will gradually begin to lower as you age. Whether you realize it or not, you will feel those lowering testosterone levels because you will stop reaping these benefits.
MORE MUSCLE, LESS FAT
The reason men can build such impressive large muscles throughout their body is due to testosterone. However, not only does it increase the mass of muscle, but it can increase strength as well. For those with low testosterone, they may be able to go to the gym and work out, but they won’t see as big of gains as a man with normal testosterone even if they are doing the same workout.
Furthermore, when muscle mass grows, it makes the body more efficient at burning fat. This means that if you are looking to get your body into shape, you will want to make sure that you have optimal testosterone levels in order to reap the most benefits from exercise.
BETTER MOOD
Low testosterone levels can manifest in a number of negative mood effects including depression, fatigue, and irritability. However, if your testosterone is decreasing naturally, it doesn’t mean you are at risk for depression; this is more common in men who naturally produce less testosterone. However, as you age and your levels lower, you will definitely feel the lack of energy and increased risk of irritable moods.
BETTER LIBIDO
Many men only begin to realize their testosterone levels are dropping when it affects their performance in the bedroom. Having optimal testosterone improves your sex drive and gives you firmer erections. However, raising your testosterone doesn’t always fix erectile dysfunction as it can be caused by medications or other issues as well.
STRONG BONES
While women are more at risk for bone-weakening osteoporosis, men can suffer from it too. Having optimal testosterone levels can help maintain bone density that will help keep your bones strong well into old age. By keeping testosterone levels normalized, the benefits it has for your bones are something you can reap well into old age as it puts you at less risk for fractures or breaks.
INCREASED CONFIDENCE
In the animal kingdom, those with higher testosterone levels always display a higher level of dominance over their lower testosterone level peers, and it is the same for human men as well. Having optimal testosterone levels gives you more energy and just makes you feel better. When you are feeling good, it gives you the confidence you need to succeed in everything from meetings in the boardroom to meetings in the bedroom.
BETTER HEART HEALTH
Testosterone doesn’t have any particular effect on the heart itself, but it does help red blood cell production. However, testosterone is linked to increased heart health in men because of the myriad of other benefits that it has for the body. With more energy and better ability to lose weight and increase muscle mass, it makes for an overall healthier cardiovascular system.
BETTER COGNITIVE FUNCTION
If you are a young man with lower testosterone levels, you won’t notice much of a difference in your cognition. However, as you grow older, lower testosterone levels increase your chance of memory loss, concentration problems, and general fogginess. Not only are normal testosterone levels shown to decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, but it is believed that it helps decrease brain tissue decay in older men that can affect cognitive function.
