Have you recently had your blood work done and discovered that your blood testosterone levels are much lower than normal?
If so, you’re classified as hypogonadal—or low testosterone.
Not only does this put you at risk of developing symptoms of low testosterone, but it can also lead to the development of persistent health conditions over time.
For a large part of sufferers, their testosterone deficiency can go unnoticed, as some cases are asymptomatic, especially in the initial stages.
However, they can go on to develop a number of health problems, one of which is high blood pressure.
According to a 2021 medical study Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, low testosterone levels are an important indicator of future risk of high blood pressure.
Let’s dive deeper into the relationship between testosterone and blood pressure and ways you can alleviate the symptoms of both conditions.
What is low testosterone?
Before diving into the relationship between blood pressure and testosterone levels, it is necessary to understand what low testosterone means.
Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism or testosterone deficiency, occurs when an adult man has a blood testosterone count of less than 300 ng/dL.
Testosterone plays a key role in the body – it helps keep bones strong, muscles strong and energy high.
When there is too little of this male sex hormone in the body, it can manifest itself through a host of symptoms, including:
- Depression
- Sleep disorders
- Increased body fat
- Increased lethargy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Reduced muscle mass
- Erectile dysfunction
Several factors can lead to low testosterone. The most common reason is aging and obesity. However, it can also be caused by underlying hormonal problems, such as a luteinizing hormone imbalance.
When you continue to live your life with untreated hypogonadism, it can lead to new symptoms, worsen existing symptoms, and delay recovery results. This is why it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have this condition.
How does low testosterone affect blood pressure?
The relationship between testosterone and blood pressure is complex and multifaceted, and there is often not just one single source of their connection.
Here are some ways low testosterone can cause high blood pressure:
- Risk of obesity and HBP
- Insulin resistance
- Risk of endothelial dysfunction
First, low testosterone levels usually lead to the accumulation of body fat. If you do not proactively monitor what you eat, this can cause weight gain. This excessive increase in body fat, what we commonly call visceral fat, accumulates in the abdominal area.
This visceral fat is a metabolically active organ that secretes substances such as adipokines and cytokines. These substances in excess can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, resulting in damaged and stiffer arteries and a generally higher risk of high blood pressure.
It’s not the end, though. An increase in body fat can also lead to insulin resistance, which occurs when the body has more fat stores than it knows what to do with.
When the body suffers from insulin resistance due to low testosterone, it can make it difficult for our body to metabolize sugar properly. This can lead to a condition known as diabetes mellitus, which can cause kidney problems that could raise blood pressure.
Finally, low blood pressure can also cause endothelial dysfunction and damage blood vessels, which can lead to vascular dysregulation and further push one closer to developing high diastolic and systolic blood pressure.
Does high blood pressure indicate low testosterone?
Having high blood pressure alone does not automatically mean you have low testosterone.
That being said, high blood pressure and low testosterone can occur at the same time, and symptoms bordering on HBP can also lead to low testosterone.
In a 2021 studyif there are problems in the pituitary gland releasing enough luteinizing hormone (LH) into the body, this could result in the testicles not being able to secrete enough free testosterone into the body.
In addition, conditions where high blood pressure is a primary symptom, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, usually also overlap with low testosterone levels.
The best course of action if you suspect you have low testosterone is to see a doctor to address these underlying health concerns.
How to check your testosterone levels
Doctors will prescribe that patients undergo a blood test to determine their testosterone levels. This test is usually done in the morning, as this is when testosterone levels are at their highest.
The usual testosterone range is between 300 and 1,000 ng/dL. You are also usually asked not to eat anything for a few hours before the test.
The best treatment for low testosterone
The best and safest form of treatment for low testosterone is testosterone replacement therapy or TRT;. This testosterone therapy involves the use of injections, patches, gels and tablets to restore a person’s testosterone levels.
In addition, this type of treatment is a lifelong treatment, which means that it will have to be monitored and administered throughout his life.
In addition to clinical methods, there are also certain lifestyle changes you can adopt to naturally improve your testosterone levels. These include:
- Eating a diet rich in testosterone
- Lift weights regularly
- Sleep at least 7 hours a night
- Avoiding vices like smoking and drinking
- Management of stress areas
Be sure to talk to a doctor before undergoing major lifestyle changes.
Get the best testosterone treatment in Cincinnati at the famous Ohio medical facility
Low testosterone affects your body in several critical ways. From promoting cardiovascular risk factors to insidious increases in body mass index, an imbalance of this hormone can lead to devastating consequences.
If you want to ensure that your health and well-being are in tip-top shape, you’ll want to be proactive in seeking out the right treatment for your particular situation.
In addition to offering testosterone therapy, we also help men overcome a number of other sexual dysfunctions, including ED therapy, PE therapy and adrenal fatigue therapy.
For the best low testosterone treatment in Cincinnati, talk to one of our doctors today to schedule an appointment. Your initial consultation and first treatment is completely free.
