How Does Exercise Help Men Sexually?

How Exercise Improves Men’s Sexual Health

Being active is good for everyone, but there are benefits specific to males.

Author: Laura Williams Bustos, ACSM EP-C
Published: February 21, 2023

This article is a repost which originally appeared on Giddy

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Key Points

‧ Everyone can benefit from exercise.

‧ Men have specific reasons for maintaining fitness as they age.

‧ Exercise may help to prevent erectile dysfunction.

Men, women, children and anyone else can reap the benefits of exercise. From helping prevent weight gain to reducing the risk of major chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, exercise is something for which everyone should make time.

But there are reasons men, specifically, should consider including physical activity in their day-to-day lives. These reasons include sexual health benefits as well as reducing the risk of sex-specific issues such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and prostate cancer.

Men’s exercises

The ins and outs of exercise are similar for all adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines that all healthy adults should aim to accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, every week. In addition, adults should perform at least two days of strength-building exercises, which target major muscle groups.

If you’re not currently exercising, this may sound overwhelming, but it breaks down to about 30 minutes of exercise per day, five days per week. And if strength-building exercises are performed in a circuit format, with little rest between exercises or sets, they can actually double as the recommended moderate-intensity cardio, too.

While there are lots of ways to meet this goal, a sample schedule may include:

  • Monday. A 15-minute morning walk plus a 15-minute evening walk.
  • Tuesday. Thirty minutes of strength training exercises performed as a circuit. For example, perform 10 repetitions each of bodyweight squats, pushups, walking lunges, dumbbell overhead shoulder presses, dumbbell row, triceps chair dips, dumbbell biceps curls and sit-ups. Then repeat the series two more times without rest between exercises or rounds.
  • Wednesday. Thirty minutes of pickup basketball or playing soccer at the park with your kids.
  • Thursday. Thirty minutes of strength training exercises performed as a circuit.
  • Friday. A 15-minute morning walk plus a 15-minute evening walk.

It’s important to remember that exercise preference plays a key role because if you can choose exercises you enjoy and can do confidently, you’re more likely to continue doing them.

For instance, a study published in 2018 by researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University found men were significantly more likely than women to enjoy weightlifting, while they were less likely to enjoy moderate-intensity cardio. So even if the CDC’s guidelines suggest doing “moderate-intensity cardio” for 150 minutes per week, it’s important to find options—like playing sports or strength training—that are most appealing to help you meet those overarching goals.

“Regular exercise decreases the risk of all diseases and mortality from all causes,” said Kirk Parsley, M.D., a sleep expert and retired Navy SEAL based in San Diego as well as a medical team member for LegacyExpeditions.net Triple 7 Expedition. “It also helps men maintain blood flow throughout the body, enhancing muscularity and reducing the severity of male pattern baldness. Blood flow to the skin and genitals also makes sexual dysfunction less likely and improves sensation during sex. Maintaining cognitive function through balanced neurochemistry and blood flow is one of the major benefits of regular exercise and, in many cases, can counteract the risk of inherited genetic diseases.”

Risks and benefits

When started slowly, conscientiously and progressively, an exercise program carries very few risks and offers a slew of potential benefits.

“If a man is completely untrained—has never exercised regularly in his life—and he is over 30-ish, he should be evaluated by a physician for serious cardiovascular risk as well as musculoskeletal stability and movement prior to starting an exercise program,” Parsley explained. “For example, if a man has always been overweight, has never played sports or wasn’t active growing up, he may well have some biomechanical deficits that would make certain exercises more dangerous than would be worth the risk. However, generally speaking, men are no more or less likely to get any specific injury from exercise. The exercise dictates the risk.”

If you haven’t exercised in some time, schedule a quick health screening with your doctor to make sure there aren’t any specific exercises to avoid. Then consider enlisting a trainer for a few sessions to help you perfect your form and start a safe, well-designed program.

Certain exercises pose a higher level of risk because performing them incorrectly (or doing too much too soon) can place undue stress on the joints. If you’re new to exercise, it’s best to ensure you’re doing each movement correctly.

“Dead lifts are risky for low back injuries, running is risky for knee and hip injuries, [and] swimming, boxing or any racket sport has a higher risk of shoulder injuries,” Parsley said.

Even if the risk of an injury is slightly elevated due to the specific movement, the risk can be mitigated by perfecting proper form and gradually increasing workout intensity.

“If you start by exercising at a moderate pace, tempo and intensity, and gradually add short bursts of higher-intensity exercise progressively over months to years, you can do any exercise without unreasonable risk-to-reward benefits,” Parsley said.

And about those rewards? They’re extensive. The National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus information resource highlights the following:

  • Boosts mental health and mood
  • Enhances sexual health
  • Helps keep cognitive health sharp with age
  • Helps manage blood sugar and reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
  • Improves sleep
  • Increases the likelihood of living longer (and living better as you age)
  • May help you quit smoking
  • Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Reduces the risk of falls
  • Reduces the risk of some cancers, including colon, breast, lung and prostate

It’s important to note that while these benefits apply to men and women, a few of them should be of particular interest to men.

“Regular exercise lowers the risk of diabetes and high cholesterol, as well as lowers the risk of high blood pressure, which is elevated, in particular, in this gender,” said Rathna Nuti, M.D., an orthopedic physician at DFW Sports Medicine in North Texas.

Exercise and sexual health

One of the reasons exercise is so beneficial for men lies in how it can benefit sexual health. Arguably, this could be one of the biggest motivating factors for starting and maintaining an exercise program.

Benefits to sexual health are not emphasized as often as some of the other reasons to exercise, such as reducing the risk of heart disease. However, the increased blood flow that helps reduce the risk of heart disease is actually the same reason exercise can improve sexual health.

“Regular exercise impacts men’s sexual health by increasing the circulation of blood flow to various areas of the body, which helps ensure a healthy circulatory system,” Nuti explained. “A strong, smooth blood flow is key for arousal, which helps with erections and increases libido in men. Men who exercise more often are less likely to suffer from sexual dysfunction.”

“Sexual health is hugely impacted by fitness, for endurance, strength, the ability to move in certain ways, hold certain positions and carry your partner’s weight,” Parsley added. “However, high-intensity interval training [HIIT], a certain form of exercise, has been shown to increase testosterone levels, as can weightlifting or competitive sports. Testosterone has an impact on sexual desire, sexual confidence and oftentimes erection quality and duration. Cardiovascular fitness is not only beneficial to sexual performance, but the reverse is true, too. Poor cardiovascular fitness is often associated with greater difficulty getting and maintaining an erection.”

Exercise and ED

As Parsley and Nuti both pointed out, the impact exercise has on blood flow and circulation can positively influence the ability to get and maintain an erection. Believe it or not, studies have investigated the kinds of exercise that make a difference.

A study published in 2018 in the journal Sexual Medicine observed the impact and results of multiple exercise interventions to improve ED and concluded 160 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise performed each week for six months would help decrease erectile problems in men with ED. The study authors recommended 40 minutes of this kind of training four days per week.

If you currently aren’t exercising and the thought of carving out two and a half hours per week from your schedule for exercise seems daunting, remember that something is better than nothing. You can work your way up to the goal of 150 to 160 minutes of exercise each week by starting with 10 to 15 minutes of exercise per day.

Consider all the ways it can benefit your health, including your sexual health, and you’ll soon realize that once the habit is formed, it’s going to be worth the effort and time. The trick is simply finding the form of exercise that you enjoy.

When Do Men Reach Their Sexual Peak?

Kristopher Bunting, MD
January 27, 2023

This article is a repost which originally appeared on healthnews.

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

You may have heard the commonly repeated adage that men reach their sexual peak in their late teens and women reach their sexual peak in their 30s.

Key takeaways:

‧ Men have more sex, more orgasms, and more sex drive in their teens and twenties, but not necessarily more satisfying sex.

‧ Testosterone levels and sexual function decrease with age, but sexual satisfaction can increase.

‧ Sexual wisdom comes from experience. Getting older can lead to better sex.

It turns out that this is not necessarily true. If you think that you are past your sexual prime just because you are getting older, you may find that better sex is still on the horizon.

What is a sexual peak?

What defines a person’s sexual peak? Is it having more orgasms, more sex, or more satisfying sex?

Dr. Alfred Kinsey published Sexual Behavior in the Human Male in 1948, the first scientific study of sexual activity in humans. The claim that men reach their sexual peak in their teens is based on the finding that men had more orgasms in their teen years than in any other age range. However, this includes both sexual intercourse and masturbation and says nothing at all about how often young men have sex or their sexual satisfaction.

When it comes to sexual activity, men tend to have the most sex when they are in their 20s. As men grow older, sexual desire and sex drive decrease while sexual problems increase, leading to less frequent sexual activity. More sex is good, but is it better?

If sexual satisfaction is your benchmark for reaching the male sexual peak, then it may have less to do with hormones, sex drive, and quantity of sex and more to do with the quality of sex. Like a fine wine, sex can improve with age.

When do men have the best sex?

Both men and women tend to be more sexually active in their 20s, but they do not necessarily have a more satisfying sex life. Sex drive is highest in men in their 20s and decreases with age, along with testosterone levels. As sex drive decreases with age, erectile dysfunction and other types of sexual dysfunction increase. In other words, men tend to have less sex and more sexual problems as they age.

However, none of that matters when it comes to sexual satisfaction. Research has found that while sexual function decreases in men—especially after age 50—sexual satisfaction isn’t strictly determined by age. According to the same study, overall sexual satisfaction was highest in men in their 20s but is almost as high in their 40s and 50s. Sexual satisfaction only showed a significant decrease after age 60. One could say that men have several different sexual peaks: first in their 20s, then again in their 40s with a significant peak in their 50s.

Sexual satisfaction

Sexual satisfaction is affected by many different factors, including being in a committed relationship and living with your partner. Research shows that physical and mental health play important roles in determining sexual satisfaction, especially as people age. Overall health and sexual function tend to decline as we grow older, but that doesn’t mean that sex can’t be as good at age 50 as it was at age 30. Evidence suggests that it can be even better.

Research has also found that men have a better sex life than women as they get older. As men age, they are more sexually active, have better quality sex, and are more interested in sex than women of the same age.

Altogether this shows that sexual wisdom plays a significant role in sexual satisfaction. With age comes experience, such as communicating expectations and knowing how to deal with problems that arise during sex. Practice makes perfect; this is as true for sex as it is for playing tennis. Experience—and the lessons learned from experience—can make sex better and more satisfying.

Sex can get better as you get older

Your sexual peak is probably not when you think it is. Younger men have a higher sex drive, more sex, and more orgasms than older men, but that doesn’t mean that the quality of sex or sexual satisfaction is any better for younger men than older men.

Overall health, both physical and mental, plays a more important role in sexual satisfaction than age. Men experience more sexual dysfunction as they get older, but modern medicine has made it possible to keep having sex well into old age. Staying healthy can make your sex life better; this becomes increasingly important as you get older.

In the final analysis, men do not have a single sexual peak. Having a satisfying sex life is possible at just about any age. You may have less sex as you get older, but that sex can be better than ever. If you are under 50, your sexual peak may still lie ahead of you.

Resources:

1. APA PSYCNET. Sexual Behavior in the Human Male.

2. International Journal of Impotence Research. Sexual Functioning in a Population-Based Study of Men Aged 40-69 Years: The Good News.

3. BJU International. Assessment of Male Sexual Function by the Brief Sexual Function Inventory.

4. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International. Health, Sexual Activity, and Sexual Satisfaction.

5. BMJ. Sex, Health, and Years of Sexually Active Life Gained Due to Good Health: Evidence from Two US Population-Based Cross-Sectional Surveys of Ageing.

 

 

Can Low Testosterone Cause Anxiety and Depression?

October 6, 2022 / Men’s Health

Low testosterone levels can mimic symptoms of depression and cause anxiety over time

This article is a repost which originally appeared on Cleveland Clinic healthessentials.

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Our takes:

‧ Low testosterone will manifest itself via several symptoms.

‧ Depression can be a symptom but can also be a contributing factor to developing low T.

‧ Having too high levels of T may result in irritability/becoming easily angered.

If you’re experiencing low sex drive, diminishing energy and overall fatigue, you may feel like it’s just another part of getting older. But if you’re a man or a person assigned male at birth (AMAB) and you’re experiencing a host of physical symptoms, coupled with a consistent depressive mood, you could actually be dealing with hypogonadism (low testosterone) or undiagnosed depression.

But figuring out whether you’re dealing with depression or low testosterone is tricky and requires further examination from a healthcare provider. Urologist Lawrence Hakim, MD, explains more about the connection between low testosterone and your mood, and how these conditions may be related.

How low testosterone impacts your mood

Androgens, including testosterone, are the hormones that give people their “male” and “female” characteristics. They also play a critical role in puberty, the development of your sexual reproductive system and your ability to reproduce.

You can think of all hormones, including androgens, like switches on a circuit board: When the production of these hormones are turned on or off, different things happen. You can experience physical, mental and emotional changes whenever production of these hormones increase, decrease or stop completely. The severity of these changes can vary widely from one hormone to the next, and these changes don’t happen in a vacuum. When the levels of one hormone changes, others may change in response. An increase in one hormone might mean a decrease in others. And when you have these hormonal imbalances, it can cause a variety of conditions to develop.

Testosterone levels tend to decrease normally as you get older, but they can also fluctuate for many reasons. Studies show these changes in testosterone can impact your mood in different ways. And these changes can occur in response to many different factors, including stress, lack of sleep, changes in your diet, aging and increasing or decreasing your physical activity.

If your testosterone levels are too high, for example, you may feel irritable or quick to anger. In comparison, low testosterone can make you feel extremely tired, depressed, weak or low in energy.

“People with hypogonadism, or low testosterone, will often say they have no energy, no desire for sexual activity and that they noticed a decrease in muscle mass,” says Dr. Hakim.

“In fact, hypogonadism is often associated with increased fat mass and reduced muscle mass, which can lead to obesity and other health risks, including cardiovascular disease. Those are all common signs and symptoms that may be associated with low testosterone.”

Signs and symptoms of low testosterone and depression

Low testosterone and depression share a lot of the same symptoms, including:

‧ Irritability.
‧ Mood swings.
‧ Decreased libido.
‧ Fatigue.
‧ Lack of motivation.
‧ Social withdrawal.
‧ Anxiety.
‧ Difficulty focusing.
‧ Interrupted sleep and restlessness.

“When we say people are depressed, what are we describing? We’re often describing someone as having low energy and no desire to partake in activities that normally bring them pleasure — these are common things we see with low testosterone, too,” notes Dr. Hakim. “Sometimes, people are actually misdiagnosed with clinical depression and they might instead have low testosterone or hypogonadism. It is therefore important to rule-out a physical cause of the condition, such as hypogonadism, prior to treatment.”

Various physical symptoms may be associated with either depression or low testosterone. People who have depression might complain of back pain or neck pain, but might not experience other symptoms typically associated with low testosterone that include:

‧ Decrease in muscle mass.
‧ Increase in breast tissue.
‧ Loss of strength.
‧ Sudden weight gain.
‧ Erectile dysfunction

And if you also have depression or even an anxiety disorder, your symptoms may worsen over time if low testosterone levels are leading to a further decline in sexual performance and libido.

“If you come in to see your doctor with any of these symptoms, especially if you have some form of sexual dysfunction, it is important to evaluate your total and free testosterone levels, since hypogonadism may be the underlying cause,” advises Dr. Hakim. “You don’t want to ignore low testosterone. You want to address it as well as look for any other underlying diagnosis that needs to be addressed.”

When to see a doctor

If you’re experiencing physical symptoms like sudden weight gain or decrease in your sex drive or sexual performance and other mental and emotional symptoms, you should talk to a doctor about testing your testosterone levels. There are many effective treatment options to restore your testosterone levels to the normal range, if your testosterone levels are abnormally low. But even if you discover you don’t have low testosterone levels, understanding those test results will often provide some reassurance and help your healthcare provider better understand and manage your symptoms.

“Many of these symptoms, especially as men get older, can be due to other factors such as stress, anxiety, pressure, work, aging, relationship issues and even other medications,” says Dr. Hakim. “Ultimately, a multispecialty approach is important to assure the best outcomes and patient satisfaction.”

Male Fertility: Here’s How Diet And Exercise Can Help Boost Fertility In Men

Mild to moderate exercise helps in releasing feel-good neurochemicals from the brain, improves libido, improves sleep quality, and may enhance fertility and sexual function.

By: Dr. Uma Maheshwari M Updated: Nov 24, 2022 11:11 IST

This article is a repost which originally appeared on DOCTOR NDTV.

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Our takes:

‧ Testosterone levels play a large part in sperm count.

‧ Obesity can decrease testosterone and increase estrogen in males.

‧ Regular exercise can improve testosterone levels and sperm count.

The sperm count, motility, structure, integrity of the DNA contained in the sperm and physicochemical properties of the semen are the determining factors of male fertility. The environment for sperm production must be improved as much as possible in order to maximize a man’s reproductive potential. Sperm count and quality are substantially impacted by factors affecting testosterone levels.

Sperm count can also be impacted by illness, including cancer and its treatment, infections and certain genetic abnormalities.

Obesity reverses the normal ratio of testosterone to estrogen in an estrogen-dominant milieu. Falling/reversal of testosterone to estrogen ratio brings about decreased libido, reproductive potential and sexual dysfunction in men.

However, healthy lifestyle choices like adequate sleep, regular exercise, maintaining optimum weight, and a balanced diet can boost the hormones that regulate sperm production and improve fertility.

Role of exercise in male fertility

Men can benefit from regular exercise by achieving and maintaining a healthy weight as well as improving their cardiovascular health. There are certain limitations, but mild to moderate exercise can help improve semen parameters and increase male reproductive potential. Before beginning an exercise regimen, men with existing health issues must consult their doctor.

Mild to moderate exercise helps in releasing feel-good neurochemicals from the brain, elevates mood, improves libido, enhances metabolism, loses/maintains weight, improves sleep quality, enhances cardiovascular health, and may enhance fertility and sexual function.

The best exercises for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and optimising fertility involve a good mix of resistance and cardiovascular activity.

Exercises that can bother the prostate and strain the reproductive organs should be done in moderation, such as triathlons and competitive cycling. Excessive exercise & extremes of physical strain decrease testosterone. Moreover, methods of safeguarding fertility are also crucial, such as using crotch shields during contact sports, avoiding saunas, or upgrading to a better-quality ergonomic bicycle seat that relieves excess pressure on the male pelvic anatomy.

Exercising in sunlight will also provide the benefit of improving vitamin D levels in the body.

Role of diet in Fertility

Choice of a healthy source of complex carbohydrates, class 1 proteins & polyunsaturated fats are essential in consideration with individual dietary choices and preferences.

The ratio between carbohydrates, proteins, and fat should be maintained. Fiber is an essential part of each meal. It improves satiety.

Foods with low glycemic index should be favoured.

Antioxidant-rich rainbow diet with nuts, fresh fruits, and vegetables with adequate amounts of all essential minerals, vitamins & micronutrients is best for general health and fertility.

The calorie intake should be commensurate with the level of physical activity.

Adequate hydration is integral to a good diet.

Processed food high in fats, carbohydrates, sodium, and sugar, and poor in fiber is detrimental to health. However, enjoying an occasional indulgence will motivate you to follow a healthy diet.

Healthy snacking is to be encouraged. So, it is important to be disciplined in following a healthy diet.

Men should be advised to quit smoking and minimise alcohol intake.

A healthy lifestyle, weight management, adequate cardiovascular activity, and dietary support are crucial to guide the male partner in maximizing his fertility and attaining parenthood. It will take time, commitment, and dedication to making these lifestyle adjustments. These are minor adjustments that need to be adopted and adapted to. These measures will eventually navigate the path to general fitness and enhanced fertility.

Sperm counts are decreasing, study finds. What might it mean for fertility?

Karen Weintraub
USA TODAY

This article is a repost which originally appeared on USA TODAY.

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Key Points

‧ A new study found men are likely to have lower sperm counts than 50 years ago.

‧ The reason? Experts say it’s hard to tell but may be due to environmental exposures, chemicals or changes in weight.

‧ Being healthy overall is important for reproductive health, experts said. Men should talk to their doctor if they’re concerned about their sperm count.

Sperm counts and concentration are down all over the world, according to a new study that updates previous research and raises questions about exposures and men’s health.

From 1973 to 2000, sperm counts dropped by 1.2% per year, “which is a lot,” said Hagai Levine, who helped lead the research. From 2000 to 2018, the decline was 2.6% per year, “which is an amazing pace.”

The United States is part of this larger trend.

“In the U.S., due to availability of good data, we have the highest certainty that there is a strong and sustainable decline, but it’s similar globally,” Levine said.

It’s unclear why sperm counts have been falling.

“We don’t understand why we’re seeing this pattern, so I think it’s hard to be alarmist for an individual,” said Dr. Michael Eisenberg, a urologist focused on male fertility and sexual function at Stanford University and Stanford Health Care in California. He was not involved in the new study.

“But at a policy level, this should be a wake-up call to try and understand,” Eisenberg said.

Experts say falling sperm counts might mean it takes longer to have children. Here’s what to know.

What’s the evidence?

The new study is a meta-analysis, which means it combined findings from more than 250 previous studies. It also updates a previous meta-analysis the team published in 2017, adding data on sperm counts from 2011 to 2018 and regions in South America, Asia and Africa, where data had been incomplete before.

Men in the global south have seen the same significant decline in sperm count and concentration as the team showed in 2017 among men in North America, Europe and Australia, whose sperm counts and concentrations continued to fall, according to the new study.

Sperm count is a imperfect measure of fertility, but there is a threshold below which a low sperm count affects the chances of reproduction. On a population level, the study suggests that median sperm counts have dropped from 104 to 49 million per milliliter over five decades.

That means more men are likely to have sperm counts below the fertility threshold than was the case 50 years ago, said Levine, an epidemiologist and public health physician at the Braun School of Public Health, at Hadassah University Medical Center.

What’s the impact on fertility?

But Amy Sparks, a reproductive physiologist at the University of Iowa, who was not involved in the research, cautioned that sperm counts are falling, but not enough to affect the human population.

The paper is not “suggesting that our sperm concentrations are crashing at a rate that is going to lead us out to every man needing to walk into an infertility center. Heavens to Betsy, no.”

People have raised questions about sperm counts for generations. Sparks said she found a 1974 study of 390 men at the University of Iowa that raised concerns about low sperm counts.

“We can’t ignore that things are changing. Lifestyles have changed. Dietary patterns certainly have changed,” she said. “Through these changes, we are exposing our body to altered conditions. In response to those altered conditions, we’re seeing a decrease in sperm concentration.”

Levine, however, sees the drop in sperm count as a problem for today’s families, not just future ones.

Although most American couples can manage to have the one or two children they want, it may take them longer now than in the past. In Israel, some religious families want 10 or more children. Slower fertility may mean they run out of time before they can have that many, he said.

It’s challenging to study sperm counts and fertility is even harder, said Dr. Bruce Redmon, a professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, who was not involved in the research but studies male reproductive disorders.

It’s not really feasible, he said, to sample sperm in a randomly selected population of men every year for decades. And men who seek help for fertility problems are not reflective of the entire population.

But overall, Redmon said, the new study was a reasonable way to look at the issue.

“It’s probably something we have to continue to take seriously and look at,” he said.

Why are sperm counts falling?

Studies haven’t yet explained why sperm counts are falling, but Levine has a few ideas.

Total sperm capacity is determined during fetal development, so exposures to human-made chemicals, stress and poor diet during pregnancy might all be contributing factors, Levine said.

Environmental exposures of the father before conception may also be related to poor fetal outcomes. In a man’s adult life, his sperm count can also be reduced by exposure to pesticides, lack of physical activity, poor diet, smoking and obesity, he said.

Excess weight changes hormone levels, adding more estrogen to the male body, Sparks said. And extra fat around male reproductive organs could increase heat there, which will decrease sperm production.

Sparks doesn’t think any one thing is causing the drop. It’s happening too fast to blame on reproductive technologies. But the world’s population is carrying more weight, spending more time spent sitting at a computer, eating more processed foods and packing those food in plastic. Any or all of those could be driving the drop in sperm count, she said.

“We need to be motivated to invest in the research to work on this,” she said. “It points to a need.”

What can men do to boost their sperm count?

Men concerned about their fertility should to talk to their doctor, Eisenberg said. It’s important to be evaluated and determine whether there are specific treatments that may help.

Being healthy overall is important for reproductive health. Eisenberg suggests a healthy diet, regular exercise and smoking cessation.

“I always tell men there’s a strong link between fertility and health, so anything that’s good for your heart is good for fertility,” Eisenberg said.

A few other tips:

►Alcohol use: Moderate alcohol use is OK, Eisenberg noted, with studies suggesting that semen quality drops only after about 20 drinks a week.

►Avoid extreme heat: There’s no strong link between what kind of underwear men wear – boxers or briefs. But heat exposure isn’t good, so he advises avoiding hot tubs and saunas while trying to conceive.

►Taking testosterone: He also discourages his patients from using testosterone, which has been tested as a contraceptive, because it reduces sperm production.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Male Hormonal Cycles

5 Things You Need to Know About the Male Hormonal Cycle

Anouare Abdou
November 8, 2022

This article is a repost which originally appeared on AskMen.

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Early testing can help identify low testosterone.

‧ Unknown to many, men also have hormonal cycles.

‧ There is a correlation with optimal health and well being and optimal hormone levels.

‧ Testosterone is a stress resistance hormone.

When you hear the words “hormonal cycle,” the menstrual cycle might come to mind. You may be aware that women ovulate or have periods, for example. But men have cycles too — and it’s important to understand yours.

“Many men have little understanding of their hormonal cycle and are often dismissive of the impact it can have on both body and mind. Although most men know that hormones play a massive role in regulating sex drive and libido, the effects of the male hormonal cycles are often overlooked,” according to Dr Chia Tan, founder of Harley St M.D., a clinic that provides testosterone replacement therapy and a range of men’s health tests and treatments.

“Optimal testosterone and hormone levels help create the best version of ourselves. We feel youthful, energic, vibrant, and capable of making quick cognitive decisions. We recover quickly after exercising, keep belly fat at bay, and have a passionate libido as well as the ability to gain and maintain a strong erection,” says Ross Tomkins, co-founder of a men’s hormonal health clinic called Alphagenix.

From the impact of your lifestyle on your hormones to the effects of low testosterone, here are five things you need to know about the male hormonal cycle.

How Often Does the Male Hormone Cycle Reset?

While the average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, the male hormonal cycle is actually built around the typical workday and resets within a 24-hour time span.

“Testosterone levels are elevated in the morning, reduce slightly in the afternoon, and are lowest late at night,” says Tan. “This basically means men tend to have more energy in the morning and afternoon, the natural time of the day when they would have been out hunting, which is when motivation, assertiveness and strength are needed the most.”

Can You Use Your Hormonal Cycle to Your Advantage?

You can therefore use that knowledge to your advantage. For example, Tomkins suggests working out or doing your most important work tasks first thing in the day to benefit from the surge of testosterone you experience in the morning. Your testosterone levels will start to decrease around lunchtime, so the period of time before that is prime time for being productive.

How Important is Testosterone?

You’ve gathered that testosterone plays a crucial role in your hormonal cycle. Its impact cannot be understated. Common signs of low testosterone levels include reduced sex drive and difficulty getting erections, fatigue, increased body fat, and mood swings, according to Tan.

Testosterone is not only responsible for your sex drive. It plays a big role in how you deal with stress and how efficient your metabolism is. “Testosterone is a stress hormone, it helps us resist stress. Low testosterone therefore often is linked with low mood, low motivation, and low vigor in life. Body fat distribution may change and one may find it harder to maintain lean muscle mass and easier to gain body fat due to a reduction in metabolism,” adds Tan.

Can Men Go Through Early Andropause?

You should also be aware of the fact that men experience the equivalent of menopause — andropause. And it can happen earlier than normal. For instance, Tomkins was diagnosed with low levels of testosterone in his early thirties, which led him to embark on a wellness journey.

Although men will always produce testosterone, they reach peak levels of the hormone in early adulthood. As they age, their testosterone levels decrease. “In some cases, these symptoms can be reported as early as in their late 30s or early 40s, but the majority of men may only start to notice it in their 50s or 60s,” says Tan.

How Does Lifestyle Affect Your Hormones?

Keep in mind that it’s not all luck and genetics. Your habits can have a huge impact on your hormonal cycle. “It’s really important to realize that this cycle is easily disrupted by poor lifestyle choices including poor diet, alcohol, smoking, no exercise and lack of quality sleep,” says Tomkins.

“If you recognize any symptoms I would start by looking at your diet, lifestyle and sleep. If these are all good, consider speaking to a specialist or at least taking a blood test to check biomarkers,” he recommends.

That being said, a blood test might not tell the full story, so trusting yourself and your awareness of your body is key. “Being within the normal range may not be sufficient for optimal well-being. The normal range determined by a laboratory takes no account of symptoms and is derived purely based on a statistical calculation of standard deviation and normal distribution curve,” says Tan.

What Can You Do to Address Low Testosterone?

If you do get diagnosed with low testosterone or embark on a journey to optimize your hormones, there are things you can do in conjunction with lifestyle changes.

Tomkins says that he now feels stronger and fitter than in his twenties after changing his diet and starting Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). TRT is designed to bring back hormone levels to a healthy range by giving the body testosterone until symptoms start to reverse. “Restoring testosterone levels to an optimal level will significantly improve a man’s quality of life,” says Tan.

However, you’ll want to find experienced and knowledgeable doctors who will be able to diagnose you and create a personalized treatment plan. “Good TRT requires regular monitoring and tweaking, as all men are different,” adds Tan. “Everyone has a different height, body mass, and physical activity level, therefore treatment needs to be bespoke and individualized to make sure you get the best out of it.”

Men Should Check Their Testosterone Levels by Age 30, Urologist Says

Men should know their testosterone levels by age 30 to prevent health issues like weight gain and muscle loss, says top urologist

Gabby Landsverk
Oct 11, 2022, 12:31 PM

This article is a repost which originally appeared on INSIDER.

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Early testing can help identify low testosterone.

‧ Low testosterone levels can cause side effects ranging from low libido and mood to muscle loss.

‧ A urologist said more men should get tested so their doctors can see how their hormone levels change over time.

‧ There is some evidence that higher testosterone levels may prevent illness like prostate cancer, not increase the risk.

Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men’s health, and a top urologist says more men should know their levels earlier in life.

Low testosterone can cause loss of energy, muscle, and libido, and can contribute to chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, according to research.

But diagnosing low testosterone can be tricky, because natural testosterone levels can vary.

If you don’t already know your baseline, and you start experiencing these symptoms, you may not be able to trust the results of a testosterone test, said Dr. Ananias C. Diokno, former chief medical officer and chair of urology at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak.

“If you ask men what their testosterone levels are, they’ll scratch their heads. They don’t know and doctors aren’t testing for this. You should know what your level is by the time you hit 30 to 35,” Diokno told Insider.

What we think of as ‘normal’ testosterone, and why it’s not a perfect barometer

Testing for low testosterone is simple, using a blood test.

In healthy men, testosterone levels can range between 260 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) and more than 900 ng/dL, depending on age.

Low testosterone is typically defined as less than 250-300 ng/dL, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

However, since natural testosterone levels can vary widely, Diokno said many men can be misdiagnosed for hormone deficiencies.

For example, a person with testosterone levels of 400 or 500 ng/dL won’t be diagnosed with low testosterone because it’s higher than the defined standard, but if his initial levels were 700 or higher, the drop is significant and may warrant treatment.

“Many practitioners close their minds. Someone may be having symptoms but according to the guidelines, does not have low testosterone. It’s frustrating among men and among doctors who can’t help them,” Diokno said.

One solution is more routine hormone testing so men can establish what a healthy baseline looks like for them, similar to other markers of health like cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar, Diokno said.

Low testosterone can cause low energy, low libido, and loss of muscle

Over time, men’s testosterone levels dwindle as a common side effect of aging. However, younger men can also have low testosterone, causing them to experience similar symptoms to much older men.

Telltale symptoms of low testosterone can be mental, physical, and emotional, including:

‧ Decreased sex drive

‧ Brain fog

‧ Depression and mood changes

‧ Fatigue

‧ Difficulty building or maintaining muscle

“The lower the testosterone, the more symptoms,” Diokno said.

Testosterone therapy may not be as risky as previously believed

For men who have had sudden dips in hormone levels, testosterone therapy can help restore quality of life, energy, and libido, Diokno said.

Previously, testosterone therapy has been carefully regulated, in part because high testosterone has been linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer in some studies.

Diokno said the opposite may be true, according to some observational studies, and healthy testosterone levels may protect prostate health.

Loss of muscle linked to low testosterone can cause other problems, too, including a decreased metabolism that can lead to weight gain and associated health issues.

Available evidence suggests that testosterone therapy, done correctly and with medical supervision, is a safe and effective way to raise hormone levels, and more research is needed to see who could benefit, Diokno said.

“It’s a Pandora’s Box, I think there are many questions that are still unanswered,” he said.

How Men Can Boost Their Fertility For Better Odds Of Conception – Exclusive

By Brynna Standen/Updated: Oct. 7, 2022 12:49 pm EDT

This article is a repost which originally appeared on Health Digest.

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Our Takeaways:

· Only 30% of fertility complications are due to complications in the woman alone.

· There’s a cultural stigma against infertility in men.

· Male fertility can be caused by a number of factors.

While in theory, the idea of trying to get pregnant sounds like a whole lot of fun (wink, wink), for some couples it can start feeling a little more like one of the Sphinx’s riddles — difficult to navigate and laden with pressure and high stakes. In the U.S., one in eight couples have difficulty conceiving (per Fertility Answers). While fertility experts agree that only 30% of these cases can be attributed to a complication in the woman alone, society often seems to be in silent agreement that fertility issues start and end with women.

This unspoken consensus seems to point toward a gender bias within the medical field. A 2006 review published in Medical Anthropology Quarterly found that out of 157 articles published on the topic of fertility, only one was centered around men. Adding to this, a 2016 study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reports that in federally funded clinics that offer family planning services, 81% of them educate women on preconception care, while only 38% of them provide the same education opportunities to men.

Health Digest sat down for an exclusive interview with Dr. Justin Dubin — a urologist and men’s health specialist practicing in South Florida, and co-host of the men’s health podcast “Man Up: A Doctor’s Guide to Men’s Health” — who gave us the scoop on the stigma surrounding male fertility and offered advice on how men can boost their fertility, giving them and their families the best chance at conception.

Shifting the focus

Well aware of the societal bias surrounding fertility struggles, Dr. Dubin wants men to understand their role in family planning. “When it comes to fertility and family planning, it’s important for guys to remember that it takes two to tango,” he asserts. While there are certainly times that fertility issues solely fall on the female, Dr. Dubin points out, “In couples struggling with fertility, 50% of the time there is a male factor component to the couple’s fertility problems. In fact, 30% of the time, a couple’s fertility issues are strictly due to the male! Despite these statistics, there continues to be an unfair focus and pressure on female partners when it comes to family planning issues.”

When it comes to examining why a couple is having trouble conceiving, Dr. Dubin notes, “Women are often the only ones to see a doctor for a fertility workup. Guys need to know that if their partner is getting evaluated for fertility, they should too. Not only does it take some pressure off your partner, there is a chance that getting evaluated by a urologist can help you achieve your family planning goals. It’s time we shift the focus of fertility away from women and back to the couple as a whole,” he declares, adding with encouragement, “Guys, see a doctor!”

The stigma of infertility in men and how to get tested

Women aren’t the only ones who face stigmas surrounding infertility. “Most men don’t like seeing a doctor, especially when it comes to discussing topics like fertility that they often associate with masculinity,” says Dubin. “Fortunately, the fertility workup is fairly straightforward. Typically, when you see your doctor there are three components to a male fertility workup.” He explains that it starts with semen analysis. “A semen analysis is a test in which you provide a semen sample. It is the gold standard for a male fertility evaluation. Basically, we look at the amount and quality of the sperm in your sample to assess your fertility status.” For men still intimidated by the process, Dr. Dubin offers, “Based on both your comfort level and access to facilities, the sample can be collected either at home or in a lab.”

Next, Dr. Dubin explains that blood work is useful. “Like female fertility, there are certain sex hormones that play a role in male fertility and sperm creation. Testosterone is an example of a common hormone we look at.” Men should also get a physical exam, and give their doctors a detailed medical history, while they’re at it. “Male fertility can be impacted by so many different things that it is important for your doctor to hear your story,” Dr. Dubin says. “In addition to a good history, getting a physical exam helps with the big picture of what is going on.”

Expert tips on boosting male fertility

When it comes to male fertility, it’s not as simple as playing with the cards you were dealt. “Male fertility is interesting because lifestyle choices can actually make a big difference on some men’s fertility. When it comes to overall health, it is important to remember: what’s good for your heart is good for your parts. Men who smoke cigarettes, are overweight, inactive, and eat poorly are more likely to have low testosterone and fertility issues. Eating healthy, exercising, and losing weight can help improve fertility.” While low testosterone can play a role in the struggle toward conception, Dr. Dubin reveals, “One important medication that can compromise your fertility is taking testosterone. If you are considering having kids at any point, I would not recommend starting without talking with a doctor.”

While we may have assumed this one was an old wives’ tale, Dr. Dubin clarifies, “If you are actively trying to conceive, you should avoid exposure to wet heat, [like] saunas and hot tubs. The heat can create a less favorable environment for sperm and temporarily cause a decline in sperm numbers.” Last but not least, let’s talk lube. “If you are a couple who uses lubrication during intercourse, the kind of lubricant that you use can make a difference. Most lubricants do not provide favorable environments for sperm and can potentially compromise fertility. When it comes to lubricants that are good for family planning, we recommend using Pre-Seed.”

Finding support at home

Because of the sensitive nature of fertility — especially when it is proving to be an issue — Dr. Dubin stresses the importance of communication between couples. “Fertility is a sensitive topic for men to discuss as most guys associate it with their masculinity and what they consider makes them a man. At the same time, conception and family planning is a two-way street and if there are concerns about their sexual health or fertility status, it is important that their partner talks with them about it. Communication is key for couples struggling with fertility.” Offering one final tip to couples who may be having a hard time, Dr. Dubin says, “Focusing on the fact that this is a couple’s issue, not a male or female issue, should help relieve specific pressures and should motivate both partners to be active in the process and hopefully each get evaluated.” Teamwork makes the baby-dream work!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Increase Testosterone: A Guide

Medically Reviewed By Kelly Wood, MD
— Written By Dr Christopher Oseh Updated on August 15, 2022

This article is a repost which originally appeared on healthgrades.

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Our Takeaways:

· Testosterone controls a number of physiological functions in adult males.

· Older males typically experience a reduction in testosterone levels due to a number of factors.

· There are many ways to naturally increase testosterone levels.

There are different interventions to increase testosterone. Testosterone naturally reduces in males as they grow older. Individuals with low testosterone may notice symptoms such as decreased sexual drive and unusual tiredness.

Read on to learn more about the treatment methods and natural remedies that could boost your blood testosterone level.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a male sex hormone produced in the testis — the male reproductive organ. Testosterone binds to albumin and sex hormone binding globulin as it circulates in the blood, while some exist in an unbound form. Regulatory hormones in the pituitary gland regulate the production of testosterone.

Testosterone production starts from the seventh week of gestation in a male embryo. The amount gradually rises and helps in the development of the male genitals in utero. A few months after birth, the blood concentration of testosterone in male infants drops and peaks again at puberty.

The liver, prostate, and reproductive tissues contain an enzyme called 5α reductase, which converts testosterone to its metabolite — dihydrotestosterone.

Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics.

Testosterone controls physiologic functions in adult males, such as:

‧ sexual drive
‧ muscular tone
‧ sperm production
‧ red blood cells

Adult males may notice a decline in these functions when their testosterone level drops.

What are the symptoms of low testosterone in males?

Symptoms of low testosterone levels are nonspecific. However, if you have low testosterone, sexual and nonsexual symptoms may manifest.

Here are some sexual symptoms you could notice:

‧ decreased sexual desire or libido
‧ reduced frequency or rigidity of nocturnal erections
‧ erectile dysfunction

Nonsexual symptoms include:

‧ unexplained fatigue
‧ decreased energy
‧ difficulty concentrating
‧ decreased sense of well-being
‧ depressed mood

These symptoms alone are not adequate to diagnose low testosterone. Your doctor will typically conduct a physical examination and order some investigations to identify the possible causes of low testosterone levels.

Low testosterone causes vary depending on the age of the individual. For instance, genetic and acquired conditions that affect the testis may lead to low testosterone levels in young males.

In addition to medical conditions affecting the testis, older males typically experience a natural reduction in blood testosterone. This is due to the gradual decline in regulatory hormones that influence testosterone production.

The combination of your clinical history and investigation findings is essential in diagnosing low testosterone.

However, if you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.

How can doctors help increase testosterone?

After confirmation of low testosterone, your doctor will typically initiate a treatment called testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). TRT involves administering testosterone medication to boost testosterone concentration in your blood.

Testosterone medication exists in various preparations. Your doctor will generally carry out a clinical assessment to identify the most effective type of medication for your individual needs, best formulation, or route of delivery for you.

Oral testosterone replacement therapy

This type of medication involves the oral intake of testosterone capsules to boost the blood testosterone level. However, as a result of low absorption and liver toxicity, doctors do not typically prescribe testosterone capsules to individuals with low testosterone.

Buccal testosterone replacement therapy

Buccal testosterone preparations have adhesive features that enable adhesion to the gums in the mouth. After dissolving in the gums, the blood vessels in the gums absorb the medication. This allows the medication to bypass the liver and the gastrointestinal tract.

Because of the above characteristics, buccal testosterone formulations are generally more tolerable than oral capsules.

Nasal testosterone replacement therapy

This form of TRT involves self-administering nasal pumps to administer intranasal testosterone gel into the nasal cavity. The blood vessels in the nasal mucous membrane absorb the nasal gel into the systemic circulation. Some individuals who use Intranasal testosterone may have side effects, such as:

‧ sinusitis
‧ nasal discomfort
‧ rhinitis
‧ nose bleeds

If you use intranasal testosterone and you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.

Intramuscular testosterone replacement therapy

This type of medication entails injecting oil suspensions of testosterone into the muscles. Your doctor may prescribe long-acting intramuscular testosterone preparations for weekly injections. This ensures convenience and also improves compliance and adherence to therapy.

Transdermal testosterone replacement therapy

This form of TRT involves administering transdermal testosterone gels or patches over the skin. Your doctor will typically apply transdermal patches or gels on the skin where the blood vessels absorb it.

These areas generally include:

‧ surfaces of your abdomen
‧ upper arm
‧ thigh

To reduce the onset of local skin irritations, rotate the skin area where you apply the transdermal gels or patches.

Contraindications to testosterone replacement therapy

Though testosterone replacement therapy is effective, it is not suitable for some individuals. Some contraindications to TRT include:

‧ hematocrit above 48%
‧ prostate cancer
‧ uncontrolled heart failure
‧ a recent episode of myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident
‧ untreated obstructive sleep apnea
‧ fertility planning in males
‧ elevated PSA above 4 ng/mL

How can you naturally increase testosterone?

A 2018 study showed that eating foods rich in specific vitamins and minerals can maintain testosterone. However, it may not be possible to increase it without medical intervention. Here are some foods and supplements that can support the blood testosterone level.

Natural cocoa products

Natural cocoa products such as cocoa powder contain flavonoids — plant-based antioxidants with potent anti-inflammatory properties. These flavonoids promote the formation of steroids required for testosterone production and support the testicular cells.

A few studies reveal that flavonoids facilitate the process of testosterone production in the testis.

Magnesium-rich foods

A 2011 study suggested that magnesium increases insulin-like growth factor 1, which stimulates the process essential for testosterone formation. Intake of some fruits such as avocados or leafy vegetables, which are sources of magnesium, may maintain your testosterone level.

Selenium foods

Animal and human studies of selenium demonstrate its potential benefits and support in the male reproductive system. Selenium has strong antioxidant properties that promote male fertility. However, more clinical studies are essential to show its potential benefits in humans.

Herbal extracts

Certain herbs may support the production of testosterone. A 2020 research review revealed that some leaf and root herbal extracts positively affected testosterone concentrations in male study respondents.

However, as a result of dosage variations and safety concerns, further studies are critical in establishing the efficacy of these herbal extracts.

Reduce alcohol intake

Frequent consumption of alcohol adversely impacts testosterone production in multiple ways. Firstly, a high intake of alcohol disrupts the balance in the pituitary hormones that regulate testosterone production.

Also, a high concentration of alcohol in the blood may cause damage to the testosterone-producing glands and cells in the testis.

Studies with male rats showed that chronic alcohol intake negatively impacted their overall fertility and the structures in their reproductive tracts.

Therefore, reducing your quantity and frequency of alcohol intake can have a positive reproductive health impact.

Summary

Testosterone is a male steroid hormone produced in the testis. In older males, blood testosterone levels typically drop naturally. However, young adult males may have low testosterone levels if they have medical conditions that damage the testosterone-secreting glands in the testis.

You may notice symptoms of low testosterone levels such as decreased sexual desire or libido, erectile dysfunction, unexplained fatigue, and reduced energy.

Even though intake of certain fruits like natural cocoa products or some herbal extracts may maintain testosterone levels, testosterone replacement therapies are typically the most effective treatment for low testosterone.

Contact your doctor for clinical evaluation and to discuss the most appropriate TRT intervention for you.

Sources:

1. Cohen, J., et al. (2020). Low testosterone in adolescents & young adults. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6966696/
2. Emanuele, M. A., et al. (n.d). Alcohol and the male reproductive system. https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh25-4/282-287.htm
3. Hu, T-Y., et al. (2018). Testosterone-associated dietary pattern predicts low testosterone levels and hypogonadism. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6266690/
4. Maggio, M., et al. (2011). Magnesium and anabolic hormones in older men. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01193.x
5. Martin, L. J., et al. (2020). Improvement of testicular steroidogenesis using flavonoids and isoflavonoids for prevention of late-onset male hypogonadism. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/9/3/237
6. McBride, J. A., et al. (2015). Testosterone deficiency in the aging male. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1756287215612961
7. Shoskes, J. J., et al. (2016). Pharmacology of testosterone replacement therapy preparations. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5182226/
8. Smith, S. J., et al. (2020). Examining the effects of herbs on testosterone concentrations in men: A systematic review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8166567/
9. Testosterone and aging: Clinical research and directions. (2004). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK216164/
10. Qazi, I. H., et al. (2019). Role of selenium and selenoproteins in male reproductive function: A review of past and present evidences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6719970/

 

Men’s health: Employers must tackle low testosterone levels

by Helen Lake

Low testosterone is sapping the energy levels of two million men in the UK. Helen Lake discusses some of the issues and misconceptions surrounding low testosterone, as well as outlining the actions that employers can take to support their staff who are suffering with this hard-to-spot condition.

27th Jul 2022

This article is a repost which originally appeared on HRZone.

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Our Takeaways:

· A large percentage of men suffer from emotional concerns in silence.

· 40% of men aged 45 or older have clinically low levels of testosterone.

· Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) should be considered a tactic of last resort for men with hormonal issues.

It’s estimated that around two million men in Britain suffer from low testosterone levels, making it a very real issue for a large proportion of the UK workforce.

For those working men suffering with it, symptoms can include low energy levels, poor concentration, memory loss and side effects that are often misdiagnosed as depression. Longer term, men living with a testosterone deficiency are more susceptible to serious health issues including cardiac arrest, infertility and osteoporosis.

Recent research by Peppy found that 39% of employees experience disruption due to men waiting until a health problem becomes severe before talking to their HR team.

With low testosterone impacting a man’s general wellbeing, as well as his performance at work – increasingly, there are calls for greater workplace support and awareness around male testosterone deficiency.

Men’s Health Awareness Week recently took place, but we shouldn’t only focus on men’s health during this time. At any point in the year, organisations should examine what can be done to raise the bar for men’s health, including their ‘t-levels’.

Who is impacted by low testosterone?

The research also revealed that an estimated 40% of men aged 45 and older have low testosterone. But, since this is an issue unique to men, it’s likely that the true figures are much higher than are reported.

Testosterone is the male hormone produced that boosts bone strength, powers sex drive, and helps to maintain muscle mass.

An estimated 40% of men aged 45 and older have low testosterone, with the true figure thought to be much higher.

It is mostly produced in the testicles, with production rising rapidly during puberty, triggering a whole host of teenage side-effects in young males and peaking around the 20s.

Levels begin to decline naturally in men by around 2% a year from their mid-30s. By their 40s, the more common symptoms – such as mood swings, low energy, loss of muscle mass, and poor concentration – are more likely to occur.

The imbalance of such a crucial part of a man’s hormonal make-up can have wide-ranging implications, both for him and his workplace.

A wide range of symptoms

While concerns around the impact menopause can have upon women in the workforce have taken deserved precedence in recent years, the issue of low testosterone in men of a working age is a cause for increasing concern among medical professionals.

And it should be for employers, too.

The ‘andropause’, as it’s been dubbed, may not present with as severe a set of symptoms as those experienced by some women during menopause, but the gradual decline in testosterone levels can have a devastating impact on the long-term health of men.

At the heart of the problem, is the fact that low testosterone isn’t always correctly diagnosed. Symptoms are commonly attributed to ‘working too hard’ or just getting older, and are often mistaken for depression – or else not identified at all.

The gradual decline in testosterone levels can have a devastating impact on the long-term health of men.

The symptoms of low testosterone vary between individuals. In some cases, low levels of testosterone do not appear to cause many symptoms for reasons that are not clear.

Impacts on men’s mental health and emotional wellbeing include poor sleep quality, mood swings and irritability – making it an issue employees and employers need to be aware of. Erectile dysfunction is another common sign, but is often viewed as an embarrassing issue that contributes to men suffering in silence.

In more severe cases, a decline in testosterone can affect sperm count and cause men to grow ‘moobs’ or man boobs, due to changes in the body’s fat distribution. The knock-on effect of low testosterone can therefore impact body image, self-confidence, and even family plans.

Most cases are caused by ageing, or through being overweight or type 2 diabetes – both of which are prevalent in the male population of the UK. In addition, low levels of testosterone can affect younger men as a result of stress, lack of sleep, poor diet and lack of exercise.

The impact on male mental health

For many men, low testosterone levels are the real culprit for that general feeling of low mood and exhaustion that so many experience.

But, when men are half as likely as women to visit their GP, many go years if not decades experiencing high levels of fatigue and decreased energy levels without finding out that it is hormone related and treatable.

In the UK today, one in eight men struggle with a common mental health problem such as anxiety or depression, and this is likely to be higher than is officially recorded. One in three men also attribute poor mental health to their job, making this a serious issue for workplaces.

In the UK today, one in eight men struggle with a common mental health problem such as anxiety or depression.

Directly or indirectly, the impact low testosterone levels can have on a man’s health and lifestyle – from loss of libido, to weight gain, to lack of quality sleep, to low mood – is very likely to trickle through to their mental and emotional wellbeing.

For organisations committed to improving their male workforce’s mental health, tackling testosterone must become part of the conversation.

How workplaces can tackle the problem

At present, accessing specific support is difficult for men suffering with low testosterone. Tests are only available on the NHS to those with severe symptoms, and these people must firstly have made an appointment with the GP and made it through the system, just in order to be diagnosed with low testosterone.

Workplaces are uniquely placed to give employees the practical and emotional support they need – and this starts with raising awareness.

Employees of all genders, ages and life stages should be made aware of the signs, symptoms and risks of low testosterone, so they know what to look out for in themselves, their colleagues and even their partners. Providing resources in the workplace for improved physical and mental health for employees should also be a priority.

Organisations should make the pathway to support as easy to access as possible by giving employees access to specialist men’s health support, including highly-trained urology specialist nurses, as well as nutritionists and fitness experts. Crucially for men, support should be available remotely and entirely confidentially to maximise uptake.

The help provided should include access to at-home hormone tests and personalised, expert advice on how to treat the side-effects of low testosterone.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) should always be the last resort.

There is no ‘quick fix’ when it comes to low testosterone levels. Simple lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, sleep and work-life-balance can have a miraculous impact on an individual’s testosterone levels and should be explored first.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) should always be the last resort, with any potential underlying medical cause excluded.

Leading employers are transforming men’s health

Forward-thinking employers and their employees are already reaping the rewards of connecting their people to a team of real, human experts.

With the right tools at their fingertips, individuals from leading consultancy firms, high street retailers and law firms are able to work alongside nutritionists, personal trainers, urology specialists and mental health experts – building the habits that can help to restore healthy testosterone levels.

Because eliminating the unwanted effects of low testosterone won’t just benefit the individual, but their workplace as well.

With the right holistic support and wellbeing initiatives, employees can spot the signs, identify the causes and take immediate, practical steps towards rebalancing their hormone levels, enabling them to bring their best selves to work each day.