Affecting almost 40 percent of men aged 45 and older, according to the Cleveland Clinic, low testosterone is more common than one might first think. The male sex hormone is said to start declining from the age of 30. One of the telling signs of low testosterone is an increase in body fat; another is the enlargement of breast tissue – known as gynecomastia. Declining testosterone levels may also lead to moodiness and irritability; this may be accompanied by depressed mood, a decreased sense of well-being, and fatigue.
TRT can be injected every two weeks, or a daily patch can be worn to raise testosterone levels.
Topical gels are another option, which can be applied to the skin of the upper back or arms.
The benefits of TRT include:
- Loss of fat
- Increased bone density
- Protection against osteoporosis
- Improved mood and sense of well-being
- Improved sexual function
- Improved mental sharpness
- Greater muscle strength
- Greater physical performance.
However, as with any type of medication, side effects are a real risk of taking TRT.
A healthy lifestyle involves good nutrition, plenty of exercise, managing your weight, and avoiding the excessive use of alcohol.
Harvard Health pointed out that testosterone is also produced in the ovaries in women.
Testosterone plays a part in ovarian function, bone strength, and libido in females.
If women have too much testosterone it can lead to the condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).