Low Testosterone Equates to Poor Health

Low Testosterone and Bad Health

Recent health findings are providing growing support for the theory that low testosterone equates to poor health. From increased risk of osteoporosis to decreased muscle mass, insufficient amounts of testosterone is the body has proven to be detrimental to one’s health.

Testosterone: Not Just for Libido

Testosterone is the most important metabolic hormone for men and many do not realize that it affects much more than just libido. Findings reported in the Wall Street Journal in December 2009 reveal that men with low testosterone tend to be tired and grumpy, have less energy, less strength, in addition to less interest in sex than they used to have. They also have a high risk of memory problems, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and are more likely to have cardiovascular disease.

Hypogonadism Leads to Osteoporosis

Usually you think of osteoporosis as being a women’s disease however, Harvard Health Publications reported in 2009 that low testosterone (also called hypogonadism) in males can lead to weakening bones. There has been an increase just recently in the studies done on new testosterone replacement therapies as researchers are now looking for ways to combat the skeletal issues caused by low testosterone in men.

Recently, older men over the age of 65 have been the focus of scrutiny when it comes to the effects that low testosterone has on overall health. Older men who have low testosterone levels often suffer from anemia, impaired thinking, difficulty walking even just a short distance, less interest in sex, and reduced vitality.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

A large study has just commenced in November of 2009 to determine the extent that testosterone replacement therapy can reverse or even prevent some of these negative health outcomes. Once the trial gets underway, it will involve a total of 800 men age 65 and older with low testosterone levels. It will include five separate studies that focus on anemia, decreased physical function, low vitality, impaired cognition or reduced sexual function.

With an ever increasing 65 and older population, interest in this topic is growing rapidly. Perhaps this eminent research will lead to new developments in testosterone therapy and teach us how it can be utilized to prevent a myriad of negative effects that low testosterone has on the human body.