The Top Anti-Aging Tip For Men

Men and women age differently, which is not surprising. However, many women are unaware that the top way to assist men in aging gracefully and living longer is not just by consuming more antioxidants (although that is important). Here is the essential information you need to know...

Overview

Men live longer and healthier lives when their hormone levels, especially testosterone, are balanced.
Men with testosterone levels below 7.4 nmol/L face a higher risk of death from any cause.
Factors such as obesity, lack of physical activity, poor diet, and exposure to environmental toxins can all contribute to lower testosterone levels in men of all ages.

Low-T Common In Older Men

Is the rise in obesity and diabetes to blame, or should we point fingers at estrogen-like environmental toxins?

Regardless of the cause, testosterone levels have been decreasing over the past fifty years. This is concerning for men as low testosterone, also known as Low-T or hypogonadism, can affect their body, mind, and sexual function.

Although the negative effects of Low-T have long been recognized, a recent study indicates that men now have more to be concerned about. Low-T increases the risk of premature death. But first, why do so many men experience low testosterone?

Men’s Testosterone Levels Are Declining—Why?

The primary reason for Low-T is issues with either the pituitary gland or testes, hindering the body from producing adequate testosterone. However, men can have Low-T even when these organs function properly. In fact, a study revealed that 38.7% of men over 45 had testosterone deficiency. This could be attributed to another threat to healthy testosterone levels...

Factors such as obesity, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and environmental toxins can also reduce testosterone levels. Other research has linked chronic stress, poor sleep, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer to low testosterone levels.

Many men dismiss their symptoms of Low-T as a consequence of aging. However, symptoms like fatigue, increased body fat, reduced muscle mass and strength, sleep disturbances, poor concentration and memory, and decreased libido are actually signs of low testosterone.

These symptoms are worrying, but Low-T could have even more severe consequences. It is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome, Type-2 diabetes, and premature death. However, research on testosterone's connection to longevity is inconsistent at best. The conflicting findings prompted Bu Yeap, a renowned testosterone researcher from the University of Western Australia, to lead an international team of experts in uncovering the truth about how testosterone affects a man's lifespan.

What they discovered is crucial...

Low-T Raises the Risk of Death

Through an extensive analysis of 11 studies involving 24,109 middle-aged and older men tracked for at least five years, Professor Yeap and the research team observed a modest decline in testosterone levels up to age 70, after which the decline became steeper.

Comparing the men's testosterone levels to a normal range of 10 to 35 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L), they found:

Levels below 7.4 nmol/L (less than 213 ng/dL) increased the risk of death from any cause by up to 9%.
Levels below 5.3 nmol/L (less than 153 mg/dL) raised the risk of dying from heart disease by up to 32%.

The team also explored the impact of other lesser-known hormones on longevity, including:

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)

Lower SHBG concentrations reduced the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death. SHBG binds to testosterone, rendering it unavailable to cells. Low SHBG levels mean more free testosterone is accessible for the body to utilize. While testosterone levels decline with age, SHBG tends to increase.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

LH plays a vital role in regulating the reproductive systems of both men and women. Men with LH levels above 10 IU/L faced higher all-cause mortality. The normal range is 1.8-8.6. LH is essential for testosterone production.

Estradiol

Concentrations below 5.1 pmol/L led to higher all-cause mortality. The normal range is 48-154. Despite being perceived as a female hormone, estradiol also plays a crucial role in male sexual function.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

Dihydrotestosterone, derived from testosterone, increased the risk of death when levels were either too low or too high. DHT is primarily known for its negative effects on men's bodies, such as its involvement in prostate enlargement and male pattern baldness.

Experts Urge Men to Take Action

Reflecting on the findings published in the Annals of Internal Medicine (AIM) in May, Professor Yeap remarked, "Our research emphasizes the significance of comprehending the impact of sex hormones on health outcomes, especially in aging men.

"This groundbreaking study represents a significant advancement in our understanding of the association between testosterone levels and mortality risks in men, providing valuable insights for future research and clinical practice."

So, what steps can men take?

Increase Testosterone by Enhancing Lifestyle

Many factors contributing to testosterone decline, such as diet, exercise, stress levels, and sleep, are within men's control. To maintain optimal testosterone levels, men should focus on lifestyle adjustments like consuming a healthy diet, reducing exposure to pollutants, pesticides, and toxins, managing weight, staying physically active, building muscle, managing stress, and improving sleep.

One simple tactic is to spend time in the summer sun or take vitamin D supplements. Men who took 3,332 IU of vitamin D daily for a year saw a 30% increase in testosterone levels! Supplements like Ashwagandha, Fenugreek, DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), and Zinc have also demonstrated support for testosterone levels.

If natural approaches prove ineffective, consulting a doctor about Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is an option. TRT involves administering synthetic testosterone to elevate the body's testosterone levels to a normal range. The objective is to mimic natural testosterone production and sustain stable levels to alleviate Low-T symptoms.

TRT can be administered through various methods, including injections, gels, creams, patches, tablets, nasal gels, and subcutaneous pellets.

Summary

Low testosterone (Low-T) is becoming a growing concern for men due to its association with various health issues, such as fatigue, decreased muscle mass, and diminished libido. Recent research indicates that Low-T is linked to an elevated risk of premature death, particularly from cardiovascular conditions. The research underscores the importance of maintaining balanced testosterone and other hormone levels, like SHBG, LH, estradiol, and DHT, for overall well-being. While factors like obesity, diabetes, and environmental toxins can contribute to declining testosterone levels, adopting a healthier lifestyle can help men enhance their testosterone levels and overall health.

Written by: Susan Parker

Susan Parker is a 49-year-old Senior Manager at a marketing firm. With two older children becoming more independent, she is now focusing on her own health and wellbeing. She’s passionate about natural and holistic health approaches, and values high-quality, trustworthy products. Susan enjoys yoga, gardening, reading, and cooking, and seeks to stay energetic and sharp while balancing a busy career and personal life.