We will dispense with the suspense and tell you that the answer is yes! You have, of course, heard of testosterone, but you may know little about what it actually is and how it affects you. Weight loss is an issue for both men and women as they age, and if you are the partner or spouse of a man reading this, you may have noticed that they have put on a few pounds. And they seem to have trouble getting off the couch!
Excessive weight gain puts you at risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. But not to worry, we will tell you all about testosterone and weight loss and all of the other excellent benefits testosterone offers. It is never too late to take charge of your health, and we will help you every step of the way.
Why Testosterone is Important for Men
Testosterone is a major sex hormone in men and is a type of androgen produced primarily in the testicles. Aside from sperm production, testosterone regulates:
Sex drive
Bone mass
Fat distribution
Muscle size and strength
Mood and energy
As men age, their testosterone drops. In general, after the age of 30, testosterone levels start to fall at the rate of approximately 1-2% a year.
What are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Men?
Aging brings lots of changes, and it is convenient and normal to blame a lack of motivation, strength, and sex drive on getting older. But, evaluating your testosterone levels could reveal that many of your problems are due to low testosterone. Do any of these sound familiar?
Decreased sex drive
Increased body fat
Difficulties with memory and concentration
Moodiness and irritability
Loss of strength
Fatigue
Erectile dysfunction
Osteoporosis (yep, men can have bone loss too)
Increased belly fat which also raises your risk of heart disease
Problems with sleep. Sleep apnea is another sign of low testosterone.
Low testosterone is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
How Does Testosterone Help Men Lose Weight?
First is the evidence. A study conducted by the Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity found that “ Long-term testosterone therapy in men with testosterone deficiency produces significant and sustained weight loss, marked reduction in waist circumference and BMI and improvement in body composition.”
Why and how does testosterone therapy help men lose weight? Several factors affect weight gain in men and testosterone plays a significant role in assisting men in losing weight.
Excessive fat suppresses testosterone levels.
An increase in muscle mass through testosterone replacement and weight-bearing exercises burns more fat.
Improved energy and motivation increase the desire to exercise, which burns more calories.
Better mood, concentration, and increased libido contribute to combatting fatigue and lethargy.
Testosterone replacement alone may affect weight loss, but you will want to exercise and do weight-bearing activities to get the full benefit. Some ideas on how to get started and melt the pounds away while gaining muscle:
Lift weights. Weight lifting builds muscle, increases bone density and some exercises get your heart rate up too. If you are just beginning with weights, take your time and get some instruction so you don’t get hurt.
Do something aerobic several times a week. Aerobic exercise is any activity that gets your heart rate up to where you are breathing hard. Walking, swimming, hiking, and biking are all excellent aerobic activities. Check with your doctor first before starting.
Improve your eating habits. Focus on a plant-based diet that is high in fiber and protein. If you eat meat, emphasize lean grass-fed options or fish. Avoid sugar, too much alcohol, trans fats, and processed foods.
What Should You Do About Low Testosterone?
The first step at Optimal Hormone Health is to get an accurate measure of your testosterone levels. Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, but a simple blood test will let us know how low your testosterone is. After we review your results with you, we can start testosterone replacement. We can administer testosterone in several different ways:
Intramuscular injections are usually every 10 to 14 days;
Testosterone patches are used every day and are applied to different parts of the body, including the buttocks, arms, back, and abdomen.
Testosterone gels are applied every day to the clean, dry skin of the upper back and arms.
Pellets that are implanted under the skin every 4-6 months
Testosterone Replacement for Men
A holistic approach to well-being is multi-faceted. At Optimal Hormone Health, we recognize that everyone can improve their health. Hormone replacement is the first step in regaining energy, libido, motivation, increasing muscle mass, and losing weight.
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