Men, too, do not necessarily gain an enormous advantage from high testosterone levels: almost 17 percent of elite male athletes measured in one study had testosterone levels below the typical male When examining the distinct relationship between the thyroid and low testosterone, researchers have observed a chain reaction that can take place starting in the thyroid gland. Proper production of thyroid hormone stimulates the hypothalamus, resulting in production of GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). GnRH then signals the pituitary gland Testosterone is linked to your sex drive, known as your libido. This is true whether you’re male or female. It’s known to have a more direct effect on the male sex drive, however. T levels Dr. Bhasin said that the kind of training endured by special armed forces — tough exercise, lack of sleep and food — can cause testosterone to drop to the levels of men who have been castrated These are some common effects of low testosterone levels in men: Low libido (sex drive) Erectile dysfunction. High levels of fatigue and sapped energy levels. Loss of muscle mass/extreme difficulty gaining muscle. Increase in body fat. Depression and mood swings. Brain fog and lack of mental clarity. Testosterone therapy has various risks, including: Worsening sleep apnea — a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Causing acne or other skin reactions. Stimulating noncancerous growth of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and growth of existing prostate cancer. Clues to androgen abuse are muscular build, a low HDL level or a higher than expected haematocrit; organic androgen deficiency is often associated with mild anaemia due to the erythropoietic actions of testosterone. The diagnostic approach to hypogonadism is summarised in Figure 1. Figure 1. Work-up of androgen deficiency. Research shows that a very high-protein (>35%) and low-carbohydrate diet can reduce testosterone levels. Extremely low-fat diets also decrease testosterone. This Is How Much Protein You Need in a Day .

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