What is Testosterone and Why Does It Decline?
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, mainly produced in the testicles. It regulates essential functions like muscle mass, bone density, sexual function, mood, and metabolism.[1]
Starting at age 30-40, testosterone levels begin declining approximately 1% per year.[2] Some men maintain normal levels into their 50s-60s, while others experience more pronounced decline.
The American Urological Association defines low testosterone as levels below 300 ng/dL, though some experts consider values under 250 ng/dL warrant evaluation in symptomatic men.[3]
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
The most common symptoms include:
- Decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction
- Persistent fatigue interfering with daily activities
- Loss of muscle mass and increased body fat
- Mood changes: irritability, depression, lack of motivation
- Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
- Sleep disturbances
- Reduced bone density
Notably, 86% of men wait over a year before consulting, and nearly 25% suffer symptoms for more than 5 years before seeking professional help.[4]
Benefits of Bioidentical Testosterone Therapy
Bioidentical testosterone is molecularly identical to what the human body produces, unlike synthetic versions. This results in:
- Better safety profile
- Fewer side effects
- More natural physiological response
Clinical studies, including the TRAVERSE trial (one of the largest conducted), have demonstrated benefits in:[5]
- Improved sexual function
- Increased muscle mass and strength
- Reduced body fat
- Improved mood and energy
- Greater bone density
- Improved metabolic parameters
Is Testosterone Therapy Safe?
For years there was concern about cardiovascular risk. However, the TRAVERSE study (2023) with over 5,000 participants demonstrated that testosterone therapy does not increase the risk of major cardiovascular events in men with documented hypogonadism.[5]
The therapy requires:
- Complete medical evaluation beforehand
- Regular blood tests
- Monitoring of hematocrit and PSA
- Symptom and response follow-up
Are You a Candidate?
You might benefit from an evaluation if:
- You're over 40 years old
- You experience low testosterone symptoms
- You've noticed changes in energy, libido, or body composition
- You want to optimize your health and vitality
At Long Life Clinic we perform a complete evaluation including detailed medical history, advanced hormonal analysis, and a personalized plan based on your individual needs.