Why Low Testosterone May Also Mean Muscle Loss
Posted: May 11, 2015
Go into any reputable gym, and if you have the nerve, find one of the biggest, strongest, baddest-looking dudes in the place and ask him about the importance of testosterone to his lifting regimen. Serious powerlifters and bodybuilders understand the importance that hormone has on their muscle size, strength, and endurance.
Novices may look at them and immediately think “cheater” or “steroids” (and, in some cases, they would probably be right), but massive gains can be had with the right nutrition and training regimen — as long as the individual’s body is producing an adequate amount of testosterone.
Testosterone is responsible for the proper function of many body systems in males, including optimizing the building of lean muscle. After age 30, testosterone production will gradually wane, to the tune of about 1 percent per year. As time passes and this deficit builds, the ability to maintain and increase muscle size and strength becomes compromised.
For the heavy lifter, that can be cause for serious concern. But what about the non-exerciser, the average guy, Joe Six-Pack? Testosterone levels are important to him, too.
Dr. Erin LeBlanc, of Kaiser Permanente Northwest in Portland, Oregon, was the lead researcher in a recent study looking at the effects testosterone levels had in aging males. According to LeBlanc, men over 65 with higher testosterone levels lost less muscle mass, especially in their arms and legs, than men of the same age with lower testosterone levels. The conclusion? A man’s testosterone level may contribute to how much muscle and strength he loses as he gets older.
Why is this important? Loss of muscle mass and strength contributes to frailty, which can lead to mobility problems, falls, and bone fractures. Lack of lean muscle also decreases metabolism, which negatively affects both physical and mental energy and acuity.
Men, regardless of their lifestyle and past health experience, need to maintain muscle as they age. If you think low testosterone may be to blame for your muscle loss, contact a Low T Center near you.
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Disclaimer: This article is made available for general, entertainment and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Low T Center. You should always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.