Low testosterone, causing sexual dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, obesity, hair loss and depression, may affect 30% of guys who are overweight compared to around 6% of those who are a healthy weight. And around 35% of men with diabetes have low testosterone levels compared to 12.6% of those without diabetes. Age is also a factor. About half of 80-year-old men contend with low-T.
That's not a surprise to researchers from the University of Western Australia. Their study, in the Annals of Internal Medicine, says older men can do a lot to influence how much testosterone deficiency they experience by making healthy lifestyle choices. Getting more than 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly; controlling high blood pressure; maintaining a healthy weight; and never smoking were all found to help maintain a healthy testosterone level.
As for taking medications to counter the drop? Talk to your doctor about time-released testosterone, so you don't suffer permanent shutdown of your internal production of the hormone. And the biggest risk is blood clots, so ask about adding a daily low-dose aspirin to the regimen.
Women also need testosterone for healthy functioning, and a decline over time may lead to a decreased sex drive, depression and muscle weakness. Unfortunately, not a lot of study has been done on countering its impact on women. We do know smart lifestyle choices help, as can bioidentical estrogen patches (some estrogen is metabolized into testosterone). As for medications, consult your doctor about risks, such as clotting, and ask about taking low-dose aspirin, too.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2023 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
