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Do you notice that your energy levels have dramatically dropped recently? While it's perfectly normal to experience fatigue as you age, chronic sluggishness isn't. You shouldn't have to settle for being perpetually tired. In some instances, low testosterone levels may be the culprit. Even if you're someone who stays active, eats healthily, and gets plenty of sleep, you may still have a low level of testosterone in your body. Thankfully, testosterone therapy can help increase your energy levels.

What Is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone present in both men's and women’s bodies, although men have significantly higher levels than women. In women, it plays a role in bone growth, mood, and libido. For men, testosterone is primarily produced in the testes and helps maintain various functions:

  • Body and facial hair.
  • Bone density.
  • Energy levels.
  • Fat distribution.
  • Muscle mass and strength.
  • Sex drive.
  • Sperm production.

Healthy testosterone levels mean your bones, muscles, and red blood cells remain healthy and strong. If you ever experience low testosterone levels, you might feel "off" and not like your normal self.

How Do Low Testosterone Levels Make You Tired?

During the mid-30s to early 40s, men often complain about a loss of energy. According to Harvard Medical School, testosterone levels peak during early adulthood and drop as you age. You may lose 1% to 2% annually beginning in your 40s, and by your 50s, you might experience suboptimal low testosterone levels within a few years or decades, depending on when your levels began to decline. However, men can experience testosterone deficiency at just about any phase of their lives, so this is just a gauge.

A decrease in testosterone can adversely affect your energy levels. One of the reasons is that testosterone plays a key role in the production of erythropoiesis, which involves the production of red blood cells. When you experience low production of red blood cells, your energy levels suffer.

Men with low testosterone levels can also suffer from insomnia, irritability, low libido, muscle loss, and weight gain. More than a few of these symptoms can affect your ability to get a good night's rest. When you experience weight gain or don't sleep well, you might find yourself unmotivated. Also, since testosterone acts as the powerhouse from your metabolism to your mood as well as your physical makeup to your mental focus, when you lack enough testosterone, your body doesn't perform to the best of its abilities.

How Can You Increase Your Energy Levels?

Fortunately, you can boost your energy levels in several ways.

  • Check for other ailments: Schedule an appointment with your physician to determine whether your low energy levels are the result of other conditions or medications. You might suffer from thyroid disease or sleep apnea, or you may have the wrong antidepressant prescription if you're experiencing low energy levels.
  • Eat a healthy diet: Aim for a diet that's low in saturated fats but high in fruits, vegetables, and a moderate amount of animal fat. Try to only drink alcohol in moderation, as alcohol can cause liver dysfunction and fatigue.
  • Get plenty of rest: Your body tends to produce most of your testosterone while you sleep. As a result, the less sleep you get, the less testosterone your body produces.
  • Work up a sweat: Exercise is another way to naturally increase your hormone levels. Participate in activities that you enjoy, whether it's walking, running, playing sports, or lifting weights. Regular exercise can make you feel more energized and improve your health.
  • Participate in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): This option is often confused with steroids, but TRT involves increasing only the natural levels of testosterone without solely increasing muscle mass.

What Is Testosterone Therapy?

Before you can even begin receiving testosterone therapy, you must meet with a physician to determine whether you indeed have low testosterone levels that need addressing. According to WebMD, millions of men who have low testosterone levels but don't experience symptoms should not undergo any specific treatment plans. But those who qualify can participate in several different types of TRT.

  • Gels: You apply the clear gels once a day, and your skin absorbs them. Some gels go on your arms, while some should be applied to specific areas, such as the inside of your nose.
  • Injections: You inject this testosterone treatment directly into your muscles, and your body slowly absorbs it into your bloodstream.
  • Mouth patch: You apply the tablet, which sticks to the upper gums above the incisor. It's usually applied twice daily, and the testosterone releases into the body via the oral tissues.
  • Pellets: These natural bioidentical hormone pellets are about the size of a grain of rice, and a physician inserts the pellet into the upper hip area during a simple in-office procedure. The pellet typically lasts from three to six months.
  • Pills: You take the pills orally once a day, although this option isn't that common. Some experts believe pills negatively affect the liver.
  • Transdermal (skin patch): You wear this skin patch on your upper body or arm and change it daily.

Is Telehealth an Option?

Perhaps you've found an office that meets all your needs related to testosterone therapy, yet you're not located near the facility. Or maybe you'd prefer to engage with someone on the staff remotely. Many offices, including ours at the biostation, offer telehealth services. When you become a patient with us, we assign you a personal patient advocate who acts as your point of contact for scheduling appointments, ordering prescriptions, and connecting you with a staff member who can answer any additional questions you have. If you need bloodwork, you can have that done at a local lab or mobile phlebotomist.

As you age, you might become more concerned about your testosterone levels. If you're interested in testosterone therapy or want more information about how it can benefit you, reach out to the biostation. You can feel confident knowing our comprehensive treatment plans are natural, holistic, and, above all, safe. We strive to get your body back in balance so you have more energy and feel even better than before.