The Protective Benefits of Testosterone Therapy

Most commonly, low testosterone is a key factor for increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. It’s not surprising since adequate levels of testosterone support a healthy insulin response, helping to maintain steady blood sugar levels. Testosterone is also converted to estrogen in the body, which has been shown to offer protective benefits to the arteries, lowering the risk of atherosclerosis. And now during the COVID-19 pandemic, early analyses are suggesting that there may be a correlation between COVID-19 infection, negative outcomes, and low T.

Do you know if your testosterone levels are adequate to protect you from disease?

Recent studies have found that low testosterone levels in men over the age of 45 are linked to increased risk of disease. One study found that obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure is, on average, two times higher among men with low testosterone.

Testosterone offers a protective effect against inflammation–a primary contributor to disease risk. A 2019 study found that pro-inflammatory cytokines are linked to low levels of testosterone. When treated with testosterone therapy, levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines increased in men with coronary artery disease, prostate cancer, and diabetes, while levels of specific pro-inflammatory cytokines were reduced.

In the midst of the pandemic, pro-inflammatory cytokines have been shown to play a central role in the progression of COVID-19 infection.

In 2020, the journal Metabolism published a discussion on the correlation between low testosterone and risk of COVID-19 infection. The article outlines the increased risk of comorbidities associated with low testosterone: obesity, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and notes that these are also highly prevalent in COVID-19 patients. When observed in this context, low testosterone is observed as a cause in the reduced respiratory muscle activity and overall strength and exercise capacity. Normal levels of circulating testosterone, however, are shown to have a protective effect on multiple respiratory outcomes. In fact, in a 2009 study, men receiving testosterone therapy experienced a reported improvement in peak oxygen consumption.

Adequate levels of testosterone in men and women have shown to offer protective benefits to both genders. Research has shown that healthy levels of testosterone support men and women by:

• Reducing the risk of obesity
• Reducing risk of metabolic syndrome
• Reducing risk of diabetes
• Improving bone density
• Improving lean body mass
• Reducing risk of heart disease
• Reducing risk of depression
• Improving mood
• Improving mental acuity
• Improving sexual performance in men
• Improving libido
• Reducing joint and muscle pain

A 2017 review closely examined the benefits of testosterone, citing the influence of testosterone on disease prevention, cognitive function, healthy weight management, and sexual health. The article went on to note that continued study of testosterone in men and women is vital to unlocking all its potential as an effective therapy.

Declines in testosterone are an inevitable part of the aging process for both men and women. The signs of low testosterone levels are very similar and can occur at any age or stage of life. For most men, testosterone begins to decline in his late twenties to early thirties and declines every year ongoing. For women, low T can occur with any hormonal event, such as the onset menstruation, childbirth, perimenopause, and menopause. If you are noticing any of these symptoms, you may be experiencing low testosterone:

• Poor sleep
• Weight gain
• Low energy
• Brain fog
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Decreased muscle mass/tone

The practitioners at EVEXIAS Medical Centers are highly-trained in hormone balance and hormone replacement therapy. They can help you identify the root cause of your symptoms and restore balance with a complete treatment plan. If you are concerned that your hormone levels may be  out of balance , exposing you to increased risk of disease and impairing your quality of life, schedule a consultation at EVEXIAS Medical Centers.