Testosterone levels are the highest in the 20’s age. By age 30 testosterone levels are naturally declining.  By age 40 many researchers agree that a decline of 1% per year can be expected. Dr. Stengler goes so far as to say that by age 75 years only 20% of the original level of testosterone exists.   Not surprisingly the belly fat, lack of strength, cognitive decline all are found as we age and are found associated with testosterone decreases.

A research study cited by Dr. Stengler and published in Circulation, found men with the lowest levels of testosterone had ten times the thickness of the carotid artery. This large neck artery is the major supplier to the brain;  a thickening due to atherosclerosis will increase stroke and  heart attack  risk.   Other studies find increase risk of dementia, diabetes and osteoporosis.

What are some factors that increase testosterone levels? Exercise is a great stimulant to testosterone production.  One study found professional athletes had over 4 times the level of testosterone.  The precursor for both the estrogens and testosterone is DHEA.  This can be obtained as a supplement.  While it does not automatically increase testosterone in proportion to the quantity available, the body has the raw material it needs.  The body then converts what is needed into testosterone.

Weight control is also enhanced by good levels of testosterone. What is frequently less known, even among medical doctors, is that insulin balance and weight control can be related to low levels of testosterone. It seems to help burn fats instead of storing them.  Certainly, insulin resistance results with excess triglyceride fatty acids that ultimately go into fat beds of the abdomen. For more information on this subject go to another of my free blogs at:  http://weightgainblog.info …Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

Technorati Tags: cognitive decline, heart disease, testosterone