by Sam Knew, MSW
For years our biggest concern when it came to testosterone was related to tales of roid rage. After school specials warned us on the dangers of beefed-up gym bunnies going into uncontrollable fits, throwing people through walls, and of course, there was the additional fear of acne and a diminishing penis. But these days there seems to be more talk about the dangers of low testosterone, or “Low-T.” Testosterone is a steroid hormone. It’s the principal male sex hormone and it’s also responsible for healthy mental and physical development. Testosterone, along with a few other vital components, can make the difference between how lucky you feel, look and get.
As so many of us do, we try so hard to turn back the clock, but as we all come to learn “time is the one thing that does not forgive.” And it seems our bodies, at least internally, keep pretty good track of time. As we age, our production of testosterone decreases and our metabolism begins to slow down. That slowed metabolism encourages the production of fat cells in our body, producing aromatase, “which is responsible for converting testosterone into estrogen,” according to the Science Daily. Estrogen in small amounts actually has some benefits. However, with our already decreasing testosterone levels and continuing increasing estrogen levels, the results can be less than flattering.
Elevated estrogen levels are also correlated with heart attack, stroke, blood clot, diabetes, thyroid problems and even types of cancers, such as prostate and male breast cancer.
But, as I’ve stated many times, it really is all about the sex. The combination of Low-T, increased estrogen levels and an increase in body fat can have a detrimental effect on one’s sex drive. It’s known as “hypogonadism,” a decreased libido. Fortunately, the condition is treatable, and there are a variety of options.
Changes in your diet and exercise may do just the trick. By decreasing the chances of fat cells transforming your already dimensioning testosterone hormones into estrogen you can derail the cycle. “This is especially true of fat around the abdomen, because belly fat absorbs testosterone more efficiently than any other fat cells in the body. To raise libido, the challenge is not so much to reduce weight as to reduce waist size” according to one MSN report. For those of us who are a little less disciplined, there are some medical options. Testosterone replacement therapies and anti-estrogen therapy are common medical treatments. Low testosterone treatments can be prescribed. One option is as an intramuscular injection, taken as needed (usually biweekly). There is also a patch or gel, which is placed on the skin. Each form of treatment has its risks and benefits.
And with benefits like a healthier heart, gut and sex life, you’ll feel better. Really … you’ll actually feel better. Testosterone levels may also influence the level of serotonin (a chemical that influences a variety of brain cells). Increased serotonin levels could stimulate feelings of motivation or self-confidence – and what’s sexier than that?
Sam Knew, MSW is an educator and a local counselor. He can be reached at samknewmsw@gmail.com