Is Low Testosterone Affecting Your Health? Here's What You Should Know

When we talk about hormone health, many people immediately think of women and the changes that come with perimenopause and menopause. But hormone optimization is just as important for men—especially when it comes to testosterone.

At Northwest Integrated Health, we see many men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, often without realizing the root cause. Let’s talk about why this hormone matters, what can go wrong, and how you can take control of your health.

Understanding Testosterone: More Than Just a “Sex Hormone”

Testosterone levels naturally begin to decline in men after age 30. How fast or how significantly they decline can vary greatly from person to person. This hormone is produced in the Leydig cells of the testicles and plays a vital role in:

• Sexual health
  
  
• Metabolism
  
  
• Muscle mass
  
  
• Bone density
  
  
• Mood
  
  
• Cardiovascular health
  
  

Only about 10% of testosterone production goes toward hormone balance—the rest is used to support sperm production. That means even small disruptions in this process can cause noticeable symptoms.

What Causes Low Testosterone?

Low testosterone (sometimes called hypogonadism) can result from many factors, including:

• Aging
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• Chronic stress (physical or mental)
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• Xenoestrogens (environmental toxins found in plastics, pesticides, and personal care products)
  
  
• Poor nutrition
  
  
• Obesity or extreme weight loss
  
  
• Alcohol or opioid use
  
  
• Chemotherapy or radiation
  
  
• Head trauma
  
  
• Underlying medical conditions

Signs of Low Testosterone in Men

If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it might be time to check hormone levels:

• Low libido or decreased sexual function
  
  
• Fatigue and low energy
  
  
• Mood changes, sadness, or reduced enjoyment in life
  
  
• Decreased muscle mass or strength
  
  
• Difficulty building muscle despite regular workouts
  
  
• Brain fog and trouble concentrating
  
  
• Sleep disturbances
  
  
• Reduced athletic performance
  
  
• Insulin resistance or prediabetes symptoms
  
  
• Decline in work performance or motivation
  
  

These symptoms are often brushed off as "just aging," but they could signal something more treatable.

Testosterone and Heart Health: What the Research Says

We know that optimal testosterone levels are not just about feeling better—they’re linked to better heart health and overall longevity.

Research shows that men with healthy testosterone levels are less likely to experience:

• Thickened blood vessels
  
  
• Heart attacks
  
  
• Stroke
  
  
• All-cause mortality
  
  

Testosterone has also been shown to:

• Improve blood flow to the heart
  
  
• Reduce visceral fat (fat around the organs)
  
  
• Optimize cholesterol levels (lowering total cholesterol and triglycerides, while raising HDL)
  
  
• Improve insulin resistance
  
  

Historically, there’s been concern about the cardiovascular safety of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), but the TRAVERSE Trial (2023) found that testosterone therapy was not associated with increased major cardiac events compared to placebo. In other words—it’s safe for the heart when properly monitored.

Safety First: What About Prostate Health?

At Northwest Integrated Health, your safety is our top priority. Testosterone therapy does not cause prostate cancer. However, if prostate cancer is already present, testosterone could accelerate its growth.

That’s why we screen for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels before starting therapy and refer to a specialist if there’s any concern. Men who have been successfully treated for prostate cancer may still be eligible for testosterone therapy—we’ll work closely with you and the rest of your medical team to make that decision safely.

Monitoring During TRT: Keeping You in the Safe Zone

Testosterone stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow. Sometimes this process can go into overdrive, making the blood too thick—a condition called polycythemia, which can increase the risk of blood clots.

This is easily monitored with routine lab work. If you're on TRT, we’ll regularly check your levels to make sure everything stays in a healthy range.

Not Ready for TRT? There Are Natural Options, Too

If you’re not ready for testosterone replacement, or if you're planning a family (TRT lowers sperm count), there are still plenty of ways to boost testosterone naturally:

• Weight training to build muscle
  
  
• Eating a balanced, whole-food diet
  
  
• Reducing stress (especially chronic stress)
  
  
• Optimizing vitamin D levels
  
  
• Avoiding alcohol, opioids, and xenoestrogens (like plastics and pesticides)
  
  

These lifestyle changes can go a long way in supporting healthy hormone levels—and your overall well-being.

Is It Time to Get Checked?

If you're experiencing symptoms that could be linked to low testosterone, don’t wait. At Northwest Integrated Health, we’re here to help you explore your options—safely and confidently. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Your hormones impact more than just your energy or libido—they affect your heart, your brain, your metabolism, and your quality of life.

Sources:

Donovitz, G. (2020) Testosterone Matters…More! The Secret to Healthy Aging in Women. 

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Lincoff et al. (2023). Cardiovascular Safety of Testosterone-Replacement Therapy. N Engl J Med 2 (389), 107-117. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2215025

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Sharma, R., O. A. Oni, K. Gupta, et al. (2017). Normalization of Testosterone Levels after Testosterone Replacement Therapy Is Associated With Decreased Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation. Journal of the American Heart Association 6 (5) .

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