Low Testosterone Levels in Men | Low Testosterone
How Low Testosterone in Men Promotes Aging
Major studies of TRT (supplementing low testosterone) in men ages fifty to sixty-five, who tested as having low testosterone, were conducted at the University of Utah, Johns Hopkins University, and Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm Sweden. Overall, treatment resulted in normalization of morning testosterone levels in 92 percent of the ninety-four patients who completed the trials.
Another eight-week study of twenty-nine patients produced notable improvements in erectile function, libido and mood, and decreases in complaints of fatigue.
Men undergoing andropause (low testosterone) have also benefited from testosterone replacement therapy. In one study, men over age fifty who received the hormone found that boosting testosterone levels to what would be normal for a 35 to 40 year old:
- renewed strength,
- improved balance,
- testosterone increased red blood cell count,
- increased libido,
- and lowered LDL cholesterol.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, thirteen healthy elderly men with low testosterone levels were given 100 mg of the hormone a week for three months. Twelve of them experienced behavioral changes such as increased libido and feelings of well-being.
Testosterone Lowered LDL Cholesterol
Another study of men ages fifty-seven to seventy-five found that testosterone supplementation likewise increased red blood cell count and lowered LDL cholesterol as well as overall cholesterol levels. Of the thirteen men in the study who were receiving testosterone (as compared with a control group that was receiving a placebo), twelve could predict that they were, in fact, getting the actual supplement, because they felt more aggressive and energetic at work. In addition, the men reported better sexual performance, more frequent initiation of sexual intercourse, and increased ability to maintain an erection.