The Side Effects of Low Testosterone: Causes, Effects, and How to Increase Levels Naturally

Oct 22

Side effects of low testosterone - Testosterone Therapy

Low testosterone is a condition that is becoming increasingly common in males. That can have a negative impact on the individual's physical and mental health. In this blog post, I will discuss the causes of low testosterone, the effects of low testosterone, and how to increase levels naturally. I will also explore whether or not testosterone replacement therapy might be the right option for you.

What is testosterone, and what does it do for our body?

Testosterone is a hormone that is responsible for the development of male characteristics. It is present in both men and women, but it is produced in larger quantities in men. Testosterone plays a role in muscle growth, bone density, and red blood cell production. It also affects mood, libido, and energy levels.

What are the current guidelines for natural testosterone levels?

American Urological Association (AUA) and the Endocrine Society currently state that " Low testosterone is defined as a serum testosterone level below 300 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter). However, some experts believe the threshold should be 350 ng/dL."

What about the FREE testosterone levels?

The guidelines for free testosterone levels are even lower. The normal range is 50-180 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Low free testosterone levels are defined as below 40 pg/mL. The Endocrine Society has established these guidelines.

How can I check my testosterone levels?

The best way to check your testosterone levels is via a blood test. Your doctor can order this for you. It is essential to fit both your total and free testosterone levels. Free testosterone is the active form of testosterone and is what we are interested in when it comes to building muscle, burning fat, and improving our mood and libido.

What are the causes of low testosterone?

There are many potential causes of low testosterone. Low testosterone can be caused by genetic factors, medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle choices.

Some of the more common causes of low testosterone include:

Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition affecting males and results in an extra X chromosome. Klinefelter syndrome can lead to low testosterone levels and problems with fertility, breast development, and skeletal development.
Type II diabetes is a medical condition that can lead to low testosterone levels. That is because high blood sugar levels can damage the cells in the testes that produce testosterone.
Certain medications can lead to low testosterone levels. These include corticosteroids, anabolic steroids, and opioid painkillers.
Lifestyle choices such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and low levels of physical activity can all lead to low testosterone levels.
Being overweight and having increased body fat levels can also lead to low testosterone levels. Fat cells produce an enzyme called aromatase that converts testosterone into estrogen.
Lack of sleep can lead to low testosterone levels. That is because, during sleep, the body produces growth hormone, which helps to stimulate testosterone production.

What are the common side effects of testosterone deficiency?

Symptoms of low testosterone level - Male hypogonadism

The most common side effects of low testosterone levels are:

Low libido
Erectile dysfunction
Fatigue
Low energy levels
Mood swings
Difficulty concentrating
Hair loss
Muscle weakness

How to improve testosterone levels naturally?

You can improve your testosterone levels by making the right lifestyle choices and supplementing.

When it comes to lifestyle choices, the best ways to improve testosterone levels are:

Exercise - Strength training and HIIT are particularly effective in boosting testosterone levels.
Sleep - getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night will positively impact your testosterone level.
Stress management - high-stress levels can lead to high cortisol levels, reducing testosterone production. You can try breathing techniques, yoga, or perhaps opting to work with a life coach might be the best solution for you.
A healthy diet - a diet rich in protein, high-quality, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals can help to support optimal testosterone levels.

The following supplements can have a modest impact on improving your testosterone level:

Zinc - zinc is an essential mineral for testosterone production.

You can find zinc in oysters, lamb, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate, but sometimes it is easier to supplement with 15-30gm of zinc which is the recommended dosage.

Vitamin D - vitamin D is a hormone that plays a role in many different processes in the body, including testosterone production.

The best way to get your vitamin D is from sun exposure, but you can also find it in fatty fish such as salmon and eggs. Most people would benefit from adding 2000-3000 IU daily.

Magnesium - Magnesium is another mineral that is essential for testosterone production.

You can find magnesium in leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Recommended dosage when supplementing with magnesium is 200-400mg daily.

Omega-three fatty acids - omega-three fatty acids are healthy fats with anti-inflammatory properties.

They can be found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines. You can also find them in flaxseed oil, chia seeds, and hemp seeds. The recommended dosage is 1000mg daily, with the ratio of EPA to DHA being two to one.

Boron - boron is a trace mineral that plays a role in many different processes in the body, including testosterone production.

You can find boron in raisins, almonds, and carrots. The recommended dosage is three to five mg daily.

Fenugreek - fenugreek is an herb with purported testosterone-boosting properties.

You can find fenugreek in supplements and in Indian cuisine. The recommended dosage is 500mg daily.

When might testosterone treatment (TRT) be a valid option?

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a medical treatment for low testosterone levels. It is only recommended for men who have symptoms of low testosterone and Low T levels that are confirmed by blood tests.

I would advise against starting TRT unless you are in one of the following situations:

On the lower end of the recommended spectrum and experiencing at least 2-3 of the side effects mentioned above
Make a living from being in the best possible shape all year round
Are you at an age where the benefits of building and preserving muscle tissue might outweigh the potential side effects
Are clinically diagnosed with low testosterone levels and also experiencing the common side effects of low testosterone

Does testosterone therapy lead to prostate cancer?

The jury is still out on this one. Some studies suggest there might be an increased risk, and other studies seem to refute this claim. I advise you to speak with your doctor if you are considering TRT, as they will be able to best advise you on the risks involved.

The American Urological Association does recognize the lack of evidence to link prostate cancer to testosterone therapy. However, they still recommend that men who are considering TRT should be closely monitored by their doctor.

You can read more about this topic on the Prostate Cancer Foundation website!

What other options exist to improve testosterone levels besides lifestyle changes and testosterone replacement therapy?

If the testosterone signal loop has been compromised, some supplements can improve luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) release from the pituitary gland.

These supplements are not as effective as natural testosterone replacement therapy, but they can be helpful for some men.

Some of these include:

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
Clomiphene citrate
Anastrozole

If you are considering any of these options, I would advise you to speak with your doctor first, as they will be able to best advise you on the risks and benefits.

Clomiphene side effects can include:

hot flashes
headaches
nausea
vomiting
visual changes
breast tenderness or enlargement
shortness of breath

Anastrozole side effects can include:

joint pain,
hot flashes, and
headaches.

Both Clomiphene and Anastrozole, when abused, can lead to bone marrow suppression!

Are testosterone boosters effective at reducing testosterone deficiency?

Testosterone boosters can slightly alter your testosterone levels, but they are nowhere near as effective as natural testosterone replacement therapy. However, when you are a natural trainee, any minor increase can improve how you feel, look and perform!

The most sold testosterone boosters usually have some combination of the ingredients listed below:

Tribulus Terrestris
D-Aspartic Acid
Fenugreek
Ginseng
Zinc
Magnesium
Vitamin D

What are the benefits of having above-average levels of testosterone?

Higher testosterone levels will help you build muscle mass more efficiently, improving your confidence and decreasing anxiety. Low testosterone levels are linked with an increased risk of death and higher rates of depression.

Some other benefits of having above-average testosterone levels include:

improved brain function
stronger bones
reduced fat mass
increased muscle mass
improved heart health
improved sexual function and libido

Conclusion

Male hypogonadism is a medical condition that can lead to various physical and mental side effects. Low testosterone levels can be caused by multiple factors, including age, weight, and lifestyle choices. If you think you might be suffering from low testosterone levels, it's essential to speak with your doctor so they can run the appropriate tests. In some cases, testosterone replacement therapy might be the best course of action. However, several lifestyle changes and natural supplements can also help increase your testosterone levels. If you are suffering from low testosterone levels, know that you are not alone and that options are available to improve your situation.

If you have any questions or would like to share your experience with low testosterone levels, please leave a comment below!

Thank you for reading. I hope this article was helpful.

Please feel free to share it if you find it useful! And be sure to check out my other articles on hormones and health. Stay tuned for more content coming soon! Thanks for reading!