The Effects of Low Testosterone Levels in Men

It is normal and typical for testosterone levels to decrease in men as they grow older. After the age of forty, a decrease of approximately .3% annually is common. Testosterone levels between 250 and 800 nanograms per deciliter of blood are considered to be within the normal range. Men often experience fluctuations in their own level of testosterone seasonally or even daily. Exercise levels have also been shown to cause measurable changes. Approximately 20% of men above age sixty have levels that consistently fall below this normal range.

Certain studies suggest that men aged fifty or older with lower than normal testosterone are 33% more likely to die than their counterparts with normal levels. The studies took into consideration age, lifestyle, and their overall physical fitness level.

Metabolic syndrome was among the primary risk factors associated with low testosterone levels in men participating in these studies. Metabolic syndrome is a collection of ailments, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, poor cholesterol levels and fat concentrated around the abdomen area. All of these factors increase the likelihood that these men will, at some point, suffer from heart disease and diabetes.

While the studies do not prove with absolute certainty that low testosterone causes these problems, it did indicate that there is a likely association between low levels and decreased lifespan. A drop in testosterone has also been linked to decreases in muscle mass, libido and energy and increases in body fat and generalized irritability.

It is important to note, however, that medical professionals do not want these findings to suggest that men suffering from low testosterone levels should immediate engage in testosterone replacement therapy. This therapy can potentially cause an entirely different set of health problems for men.