Over the age of thirty years, men begin to experience a decline in testosterone levels. This affects all aspects of their lives, and can have serious consequences like depression and even pose a risk for suicide. If you are experiencing some of the symptoms of testosterone deficiency, such as poor sleep, irritability, lack of focus and lack of energy, testosterone therapy may be able to help you recover your self confidence and vitality. There are many medical studies showing how depression can affect your life, and the risks are real.
There is a connection between low testosterone and male depression, which can be dangerous if left untreated. There are many ways how depression can affect your life, from relatively simple ones like lack of focus and loss of confidence, to complex and even dangerous ones, like an increased risk of suicide.
What is low testosterone?
The medical definition of low testosterone is when it reaches 300ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter) of total testosterone and below 5 ng/dL of free testosterone, where free testosterone the the portion that is bound to other proteins. Studies have found that as many as one out of four, or 25% all men over the age of 30 years, have low testosterone. However, only one in twenty or 5% of men show the clinical symptoms associated with testosterone deficiency.
These symptoms include decreased libido, persistent fatigue, and a decreased sense of well-being. There is also a link to depression and a risk of suicide. With a wealth of medical evidence on how depression affects your life, testosterone loss is a problem to be taken seriously.
What are the consequences of low testosterone?
The physical results of low levels of testosterone can be manifested as decreased muscle mass and bone density, insulin resistance, and reduced libido and energy. Behavioral symptoms are irritability and depression. Studies over a four year period have found that among men over the age of 40 years, those with low testosterone levels had a higher risk of death than men with normal levels.
Long term observations of a cohort of men with low testosterone levels show that testosterone treatment leads to decreased mortality as compared with subjects who receive no testosterone treatment.
Is there a link between low testosterone and depression?
Medical research shows a link between low testosterone and depression. There is a great deal of information about how depression can affect your life and relationships. It affects every aspect of your life, from personal relationships, friendships, work to long-term planning. In extreme cases it is associated with a risk of suicide. Hormone replacement therapy can help many people suffering from low testosterone to recover a positive outlook on life.
Hormone replacement therapy can help reduce the medical symptoms of testosterone deficiency and it can also have a significant impact in decreasing mortality.
