Men aren’t talking enough about their hormones. Age, lifestyle, genetics, and other factors all play important roles in men’s health. These factors can also impact how a man’s hormones fluctuate over the years. It’s surprisingly common for drastic hormone dips that occur after age 30 to completely crash your health. Are you a man struggling with mysterious symptoms or low energy? It may be time to consider that hormonal changes are to blame. Here’s a look at common overlooked men’s health issues that can’t be addressed with quick fixes.
The Silent Hormone Problems Too Many Men Are Ignoring
Modern men are walking around feeling tired and depleted. Whether they are stuck at a desk all day or staying true to their fitness goals with regular gym visits, there is a constant sense that something is off. The most common health struggles men face today include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Low libido
- Sleep struggles
Men with these symptoms struggle to feel sharp at work. Low energy and poor sleep can also make it more difficult to work out and stick to fitness goals. Of course, many men struggling with plummeting libidos also struggle in their romantic relationships. One thing that all of these symptoms have in common is that they are likely caused by low testosterone levels. Also known as low T, low testosterone happens the body stops producing enough of a hormone called testosterone that is crucial for male function and development. Studies show that age-related testosterone decline begins around age 35 for most men. In general, testosterone production will decline by 1% to 4% each year starting somewhere during the period between age 35 and age 40.
Why Most Men Don’t Want to Talk About Hormones
“T” talk is taboo for most men. Unfortunately, society has done a poor job of preparing men for the fact that testosterone declines with age. As a result, most men never make the connection between their fatigue, body changes, and sexual performance issues and their declining hormone levels. In addition, many men incorrectly assume that hormone health is a woman’s issue. As a result, they never speak to doctors about their experiences.
There is also some dangerous misinformation out there about low testosterone. Many men believe that low T only affects older men, unhealthy men, or men who don’t work out and take care of themselves. This can cause men belonging to the younger generation or men who are fit and healthy to downplay the risks of low testosterone.
Quick Fixes for Low Testosterone: Can You Correct Low T Fast?
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is an FDA-approved treatment for clinically diagnosed low T. TRT should only be prescribed by a board-certified hormone doctor. While considered safe when prescribed to treat a hormone imbalance, the side effects of testosterone shots make this treatment something you can’t view casually. Side effects can include:
- Swelling caused by fluid tension
- Urinary symptoms caused by prostate swelling
- Smaller testicles
- Decreased sperm count
- Worsening of existing health conditions that include cardiovascular disease, untreated prostate cancer, and a history of elevated red blood cell counts
Of course, the positive TRT side effects can include increased energy, stronger bone density, weight loss, better mood, and restored sexual function. Stigma, embarrassment, and a desire to see results quickly sometimes drive men to seek testosterone supplements or injections online. The reality is that trying a quick fix can be dangerous. When you simply purchase testosterone from an online seller, you can never be sure of what you’re getting. Additionally, sellers aren’t doing their diligence by ordering lab work and collecting your health history. It’s also important to avoid the temptation to misuse testosterone injections simply because you want to enhance your energy levels or gain muscle.
Lifestyle Factors That May Be Crushing Your Hormonal Health
Dipping testosterone is sometimes just a part of aging. However, lifestyle factors can really speed up the decline. For example, we know that chronic stress, poor sleep, and eating a processed diet are all linked with declines in testosterone. Even overtraining can deplete testosterone levels.
If something feels off with your health, it may be time to investigate your testosterone levels. While there’s not always much we can do to avoid the big T dip that occurs with age, there are safe, FDA-approved treatments that can make you feel like yourself again. Of course, getting the full benefits of TRT comes down to working with a board-certified doctor from a reputable hormone clinic.