Do You Have Low T?
Pharmaceutical companies are acknowledging what men in the US have known for years. 13 million US men above the age of 45 are afflicted with Low T or low testosterone.
Low-T Symptoms:
- Loss of bone strength
- Energy Loss
- Mood Swings
- Impaired Sex Drive and Function
Your doctor can perform a simple blood test to diagnose Low-T, and you should make sure this test is done as part of your annual check-ups.
According to a new study conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Barrett-Connor from the University of California at San Diego, men affected by low testosterone were at risk of death 33% more than their counterparts with normal or high testosterone. This study was conducted with a test group of 800 men over a 20 year period.
(Low-T for this test was measured at 250 ng/dL.)
What is Low-T?
Doctors have determined Low-T to be below the testosterone production levels of a 75 year old male. Every male age demographic has been assigned an average testosterone level or t-level, which are measured in nanograms per deciliter or ng/dL.
Testosterone levels and production is determined by communication between your testes and your brain. Too much testosterone and your brain tells your testes to stop! Too little and it tells your testes to start production.
While your testosterone levels can reach an "average" as high as 879 ng/dL between the ages of 35-44, your low side "average" can be as little as 445 ng/dL.
The low t-level average for a 75 year old male is 327 ng/dL.
To be diagnosed with Low-T, your ng/dL level must be 300 or below.
What Doctor's Have to Say about Low T
Preventing Low-T
Living a healthy lifestyle may help prevent Low-T. At the very least, you can try to avoid factors that lead to the development of lowered testosterone.
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Obesity
These are three easy to control conditions that contribute to Low T development.
If you think you might have Low-T, see your physician or licensed medical practioner. Low T has been associated with cardio vascular disease. Proper diet, nutrition and exercise may help you avoid lowered testosterone levels as you age.
