Low testosterone levels are surprisingly common
Low testosterone affects an estimated four to five million men in the United States. Yes, that includes those of you from Salt Lake City, Utah, too! More than 60% of men over 65 years old have low testosterone levels. Even so, low testosterone often goes undiagnosed and older men experience a rapid decline in their health.
Here are 5 telltale signs that your testosterone levels are lower than they should be for optimum health:
- You have decreased stamina/endurance or drive.
- You lack energy and are always tired.
- You have a reduced desire for sex.
- You have noticed a loss of tone in your muscles.
- Weight seems to settle stubbornly in certain areas of your body and remains there despite weight loss.
What is a “normal” testosterone level for men?
One of the difficulties is, healthcare experts have different opinions on what constitutes a low testosterone level. Furthermore, there is a difference between a “normal” testosterone level and an optimal testosterone level. Particularly as men get older, what is considered “normal” is generally well below an optimal testosterone level. So “normal” for one’s age is not necessarily optimal for one’s age.
For example, normal testosterone levels for a 60-year-old man range from 5 to 25. So, most doctors tend to regard 25 as an optimal level for a 60-year-old. But I believe a truly optimal level, at any age, is between 30 to 40. A lab value of 40 in a 60-year-old would traditionally be interpreted by the lab as being too high, when in reality the level of 40 is perfect and is always our goal.
Studies show having an optimal level of testosterone reduces your risk of heart attacks, strokes, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, high blood pressure and other diseases.
Contact us to discuss your options
If you are considering testosterone replacement, contact our clinic to discuss the options. We can help you restore hormone levels with hormone therapy to an optimal point that reduces or eliminates symptoms and improves your quality of life without causing significant side effects.
Footnote:
Recent studies published in The Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism show a strong link between low testosterone and a wide range of negative health conditions such as:
- Depression
- Chronic Fatigue
- Dementia
- Osteoporosis
- Low Libido
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Prostate Cancer
- Abdominal Obesity
- Type 2 Diabetes
The same studies also show a strong positive link between testosterone replacement therapy and increased longevity in men. Among those men treated with testosterone, there were fewer heart attacks, cancer, and reduced mortality.