Low Testosterone: Linked to Increase in Body Fat and Decline in Libido

Statistics show that the amount of testosterone supplement use in the U.S. market has shot up to an almost a $2 million industry.

Compared to other medications that treat sickness, testosterone is prone to both overuse and misuse among consumers, causing a range of symptoms that could be potentially dangerous and even deadly. For instance, some men use this hormone to improve their overall appearance with bigger muscles that may enhance athletic performance. Olders may take this hormone in order to halt problems that come with aging, including sexual dysfunction.

When the overuse of testosterone can create a significant uproar among the political and medical community, new research led by Dr. Joel Finkelstein of the Sunnybrook Research Institute examines the effects of the hormones estrogen and testosterone when improving male sexual performance, fat and lean muscle mass and the required levels needed for a healthy body.

The study authors recruited 400 volunteers between the ages of 20 and 50 who were transfused with a medication in order to control the production of both estrogen and testosterone levels in their body. Over a 16-week-period, participants were given varying levels of anastrozole, a placebo gel and testosterone gel that curbs the conversion of testosterone to a specific type of estrogen, estradiol.

The results suggest that low levels of testosterone may create a decline in libido. However, these levels need to fall significantly before a noticeable problem is seen regarding erection capability.

Researchers also note via background information from the study that very low levels of testosterone can result in a decreased, lean body mass strength in the legs and size of the thigh muscles. On the other hand, while levels of estrogen do not result in a rise in body fat, blocked estrogen may create an increase in glucose levels.

More information regarding the study can be found via the New England Journal of Medicine.