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Why does the gradual decline in testosterone in middle-aged men cause these health problems?
As age increases, the body of middle-aged men will undergo a series of changes, one of which is the gradual decline in testosterone levels.
According to the latest medical research, men often find themselves facing various health problems as they enter middle age, partly due to the decline in testosterone. Testosterone is a hormone extremely important for male health, responsible for maintaining muscle mass, bone health, and sexual function. Therefore, when testosterone levels decrease, men may experience fatigue, depression, loss of muscle mass, decreased sexual performance, and other discomforts. Situations like this prompt many middle-aged men to seek testosterone replacement therapy (ART) to improve their health.
Effects of decreased testosterone levels
According to expert analysis, men begin to experience a significant decline in testosterone levels after the age of 45, which not only affects sexual function, but may also be related to other health problems.
Research shows that men with insufficient testosterone have a significantly increased risk of developing diabetes.
Men in their golden years face health challenges related to testosterone deficiency, especially those with pre-existing diabetes. Their blood sugar control problems may worsen. So while testosterone therapy can help improve blood sugar management, doctors advise that you shouldn't get tested just because of your diabetes. This undoubtedly challenges traditional medical concepts.
Risks of testosterone replacement therapy
However, ART also comes with some negative side effects. Some studies indicate that testosterone replacement therapy may increase the risk of heart attacks, especially in middle-aged men who are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced in 2014 that there was widespread concern about an increase in cardiovascular events among men using testosterone replacement therapy.
This means that men must assess their own risk when considering treatment and should not make this decision based solely on age or declining hormone levels. Experts recommend that men should undergo necessary health assessments, including a prostate health examination, before starting ART.
Changes in social culture
In the field of sports, testosterone was once the choice of some athletes seeking to enhance performance. For example, before 2014, some mixed martial arts athletes used testosterone therapy, but this was later banned. This reflects society's dual evaluation of hormone replacement therapy, with voices of support and opposition coexisting.
Research and future trends
Recent research also continues to explore the link between testosterone and other conditions, such as erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis, and chronic heart failure. However, the current evidence is still insufficient and further confirmation of the efficacy and long-term safety of the therapy is needed.
In general, for middle-aged men, as testosterone gradually declines, what needs to be paid attention to is not only the low value, but also the health effects caused by it.
In fact, such changes show that men’s health management cannot be ignored. In the future, as society continues to pay more attention to men's health, how should we view this phenomenon and take action to improve the quality of life?
