It’s estimated that 13 million men in the United States alone suffer from low testosterone, and that number is expected to rise as the older male population continues to grow. While some testosterone loss due to old age is an unchangeable fact of life, there are steps that men can take to prevent low testosterone or mitigate its effects. Changes to your lifestyle are the easiest way to accomplish this, but for the best results, you may want to consider medical alternatives as well.
Lifestyle Changes
There are several lifestyle changes you can make to help boost your testosterone or keep your levels from dipping. While these have been shown to be effective, keep in mind that they won’t be a cure-all. Some testosterone loss is natural with aging and isn't completely preventable.
Exercise is a great first step at preventing low testosterone for a couple reasons. For one, physical activity naturally stimulates the body’s production of the hormone for up to two hours after a workout. If you exercise consistently you’ll begin to see the benefits of this easy boost. Secondly, because low testosterone is prevalent among individuals who are obese, exercise can help you shed unwanted pounds that may be keeping your testosterone levels low.
Healthy dietary changes can help you lose weight, but they’re also good for another reason; excess sugar consumption has been linked to low testosterone levels, so reducing your intake may provide an extra boost. Eating a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables will provide your body with numerous health benefits beyond testosterone production.
Medical Treatments
Some men turn to testosterone replacement therapy to keep their low levels at bay. This involves regular injections of the hormone and must be prescribed by a doctor. Men who receive testosterone replacement therapy can expect improved sexual performance, a decreased risk of diseases like diabetes and obesity, and increased life expectancy.
It is important to keep in mind that this treatment is not without risks. Some of the most common include acne, gynecomastia, and sleep apnea. Recent studies have indicated a link between testosterone replacement therapy and an increased risk of prostate cancer. While there is some evidence to support this claim, this is still a point of contention among researchers.
