It's a disturbing thought, one that usually hits after an unexpected physical challenge. Maybe you've been unable to maintain your usual workout levels, or recovery is taking a lot longer than it used to. Perhaps fixes to the house are just a bit more difficult, or you find yourself feeling tired more often.
What's most startling about this realization is that you don't normally "feel old" but, nevertheless, you know you're not the man you used to be.
And the issue? It could be a decrease in your testosterone.
Most people don't realize that testosterone is a vital hormone for maintaining overall good health. An article from the Lance Ar
mstrong
Foundation's Livestrong.com site, noted that when testosterone levels
start to decline, men experience a gradual reduction in muscle density,
size and strength. Testosterone stimulates the use of stored body fat
for energy and keeps you looking lean, but when your levels decrease
fatigue can set in from the breakdown of muscle tissue and poor energy
production. The article adds, "You also see an increased incidence of
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and other age-related
illness that occur as testosterone levels slowly decline with age. Lower
testosterone levels are associated with increased obesity, diabetes,
fatigue, lower cognitive abilities, depression and heart disease."
