In the fairly recent past, most of the symptoms associated with Low T have simply been attributed to the normal aging process.  However, according to some epidemiological studies looking at men in other, non-industrialized places around the planet, there is not as significant a drop off of testosterone levels, even in men in their 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

This begs the questions, why are testosterone levels so low in American men?  What factors are contributing to this problem even in younger men?  The rapid decline of testosterone for many men is exacerbated by the fast paced American lifestyle.  The following factors contribute to low testosterone levels.

• Chronic stress (family, jobs, finances)

• Sleep deprivation (insomnia, grave yard shift) 

• High sugar diet (high fructose corn syrup – soda, candy)

• High refined carbohydrate diet (chips, cracker, cookies)

• Alcohol consumption (specifically beer)

• Sedentary lifestyle (office job)

• Pre-diabetic / Diabetic

Ultimately, low testosterone is related to insulin resistance.  Over time, as men age, insulin levels tend to increase, which makes our bodies not respond properly to insulin.  As a result of this disrupted insulin signaling, our pancreas ends up producing more and more insulin.  This rise to insulin over time, results in a decrease in testosterone levels, which can lead to many of the common symptoms men begin to experience in their late 40’s to early 50’s.

One of the main benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy is that it helps to improve overall insulin sensitivity, which will help to allievate many of the symptoms commonly past off as a normal past of the aging process.

In addition, research shows that Testosterone Replacement Therapy has been shown to decrease age-related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s.  The take home message is Testosterone Replacement Therapy is safe and can provide significant benefits.