A doctor has spoken about the dangers of low testosterone in men

Testosterone is the main sex hormone that determines the functioning of the male body. Yulia Sidorkina, endocrinologist, nutritionist, doctor of the highest qualification category of INVITRO - Voronezh, told Izvestia on December 7 about the decline in testosterone levels.

"Testosterone ensures the formation of the sexual system according to the male type, the development of secondary sexual characteristics, [such as,] low voice, character of body hair growth, growth of muscle mass, etc. <...> Testosterone is also involved in fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism, affects the emotional sphere, mood background, and social activity of a man," Sidorkina explained.

According to her, after reaching the age of 35 testosterone level starts to decrease annually by about 1%. This is a natural physiological process. However, if the decline becomes more significant and the level of testosterone is below normal, it is already considered a pathology. It is important to note that a decrease in testosterone production can occur at any age and is associated with a number of medical conditions such as congenital genetic abnormalities, elevated prolactin levels in the blood, obesity, especially when combined with obstructive sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and can also be caused by stress and alcoholism.

"There is no question that testosterone affects the formation of male sex characteristics: body type, hairline, and muscle mass. It is believed that men with high testosterone levels have an athletic figure, thick vegetation on the face and body, a lower voice. But solely on the basis of external signs to determine whether a man's testosterone level is normal, it is impossible", - says the doctor.

According to the specialist, a high level of testosterone within the norm may indicate a pronounced sexual temperament, but it is worth paying attention if its level is outside the norm. This may be due to certain congenital metabolic disorders of steroid hormones, adrenal or testicular tumors, or the use of exogenous testosterone or gonadotropins.

Insufficient testosterone in the blood causes various problems in the body, including changes in secondary sex characteristics and reproductive functions, decreased muscle mass and bone density, and cognitive decline. Therefore, this condition needs to be treated. Only a doctor, after a thorough examination, can identify the cause of low testosterone levels and offer appropriate therapy.

To preserve men's health and maintain normal testosterone levels appropriate to age, the doctor advises to engage in physical activity on a regular basis, avoid alcohol and smoking, follow a proper diet, maintain optimal body weight, as well as normalize sleep and wakefulness.

Earlier, on September 18, doctor-endocrinologist of JSC "Medicine" (clinic of Academician Roitberg), Candidate of Medical Sciences Natalia Tananakina told "Izvestia" about how men can increase the level of testosterone. According to her, men who sleep no more than five hours a day risk a 15-30% decrease in testosterone.