Testosterone is the hormone produced in the testicles for men and ovaries and adrenal glands for women. Understandably, most people only associate testosterone with the development of male growth and masculine characteristics. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
You are about to find out other benefits of optimal testosterone levels – some of which you might never have guessed. However, it’s worth noting that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is not an instant fix. Although testosterone therapy effects begin to appear quickly, you should continue with the treatment for at least six months to reap the full benefits.
Reduces Total Body Fat
Testosterone plays a significant role in regulating insulin, glucose, and fat metabolism. That means as your T levels go down, so does your body’s ability to regulate insulin, glucose, and fat metabolism.
Consequently, body fat begins accumulating – which creates negative feedback since increased adipose tissue leads to conversion of testosterone to estrogen. That loop might explain why obese men have below-normal testosterone levels and high levels of estrogen.
However, research shows that testosterone therapy can break the negative feedback loop and, in turn, lead to fat loss and higher levels of testosterone.
Increases Lean Muscle Size and Strength
Testosterone promotes muscle-building by increasing muscle protein synthesis. As we have mentioned earlier, optimal testosterone levels decrease body fat, and instead, the body fat is replaced by muscle. You know what comes with an increase in muscle mass – body strength.
Improves Erectile Function and Libido
Testosterone being a sex hormone, it doesn’t come as a surprise that optimal testosterone levels might improve your sex life. It’s also not surprising that a significant decrease in interest in sex and erectile dysfunction are among the telltale signs of low T levels. However, erectile dysfunction could indicate other conditions.
Research shows that TRT can boost your libido. However, that might not be the case for men who don’t have hypogonadism.
Reducing the Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s
There are several studies that link low T with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In one study, men from various social centers, all of them beyond 55 years and with no signs of dementia. 47 of those men has mild cognitive impairment ad had low T levels. After a year, 10 of the 47 men developed signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
In another study, was demonstrated that testosterone regulates the development of Alzheimer’s disease-like neuropathology. That is compelling evidence that testosterone treatment among the aged may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Improves Heart Health
There is still a discrepancy regarding the relationship between testosterone and heart health. Earlier studies show that men with higher T levels have an increased risk of heart disease.
However, more recent studies are of a contrary opinion, suggesting that men with below-normal testosterone are more susceptible to heart problems. Although research is still ongoing to iron out the split findings, most doctors are in support of optimal testosterone levels preventing cardiovascular disease.
While at it, it’s essential to understand that a healthier cardiovascular system is a result of health benefits accrued with optimal T levels – not the hormone itself.
Help Tackle Depression
Depression is a major global concern, which means that thousands of scientists are constantly looking for ways to fight the black dog. If you have been trying to overcome depression without success, it could be you have low testosterone (T) levels.
Researchers have discovered a correlation between low T levels and depression. Although it’s still unclear whether low T causes depression or depression leads to low testosterone, some studies show improvement in mood among patients with depression after TRT.
There are still discrepancies between studies, but that doesn’t entirely dismiss the role optimal testosterone levels play in fighting depression.
Improve in Bone Mineral Density
Another explanation for increased body strength is the fact that testosterone plays a significant role in bone mineral density. According to research, your bone density goes up with testosterone treatment if the dose is high enough. But it’s still unclear whether testosterone can help with reducing fracture risk.
As you’ve seen, testosterone is more than a sex hormone. Consider talking to your doctor if you’d like t jump on the TRT bandwagon. Another benefit of talking to your doctor is that together, you can explore the side effects you might experience following testosterone therapy.
