Low testosterone, the new scourge effecting men

Do you feel run down? Unmotivated? Do you feel like the days drag on and you can't find the engergy to do the things that you know you ought to be doing? Whether its going to the gym, finding that special someone, performing your best at your place of work. The possibilites are many in todays world of disractions and time killers. But what you might be considering as the cause to your recent or perhaps long lasting slump is low testosterone. As men and as human in general, having a healthy level of testosterone is vital to ones everyday life experience.

Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, can have a number of symptoms. Some common indicators include:

1. Low sex drive: Testosterone plays a crucial role in libido, and low levels can result in decreased interest in sexual activity.
2. Erectile dysfunction: Low testosterone can make it difficult for a man to achieve and maintain an erection.
3. Decreased muscle mass and strength: Testosterone helps to build and maintain muscle mass, so low levels can lead to decreased strength and muscle mass.
4. Increased body fat: Low testosterone can lead to an increase in body fat, especially in the abdominal area.
5. Fatigue and low energy: Testosterone is essential for energy levels, and low levels can cause a general feeling of fatigue and low energy.
6. Depression and mood changes: Low testosterone has been linked to depression and changes in mood, such as irritability and decreased motivation.
7. Reduced bone density: Testosterone is important for bone health, and low levels can result in decreased bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis.

In young men who exercise regularly, low testosterone levels can still present similarly to the symptoms described earlier, but there are some additional indicators they should be aware of:

1. Decreased athletic performance: Testosterone is essential for muscle building and maintenance, so low levels can result in decreased athletic performance, including slower muscle recovery after exercise.
2. Changes in body composition: Low testosterone levels can cause a reduction in muscle mass and an increase in body fat, which can negatively impact athletic performance.
3. Decreased endurance: Testosterone is important for energy levels, so low levels can result in decreased endurance and fatigue during exercise.
4. Impaired healing and recovery: Testosterone plays a role in tissue repair, so low levels can result in impaired healing and recovery after injury.

Exercise is generally beneficial for overall health and can help to maintain healthy testosterone levels. However, excessive or intensive exercise, particularly endurance training, can have a negative impact on testosterone levels. This is because intense exercise can increase the level of cortisol, a hormone that has been shown to suppress testosterone production. Additionally, endurance exercise can result in calorie and nutrient deficiencies, which can also impact testosterone levels.

Lifting weights, on the other hand, has been shown to have a positive impact on testosterone levels. Resistance training, especially high-intensity weight lifting, has been shown to increase testosterone levels, likely due to the increased demand for energy and increased muscle mass.

It's important to find a balanced exercise routine that incorporates a mix of endurance and resistance training. Over-training, or training with too much intensity, frequency, or volume, can lead to decreased testosterone levels and other negative health consequences. It's always best to consult with a doctor or a qualified fitness professional to develop an exercise routine that is safe and effective for your individual needs and goals.