Age is something that happens to everyone. It’s a natural process, and as we get older, specific problems can begin to develop. Many older individuals complain about problems with their brain, with symptoms like memory issues, brain fog, and trouble concentrating. Research is starting to point to a potential connection between brain health, age, and testosterone.
This guide explores the potential relation between age and the decline in testosterone and its adverse impact on brain health.
The Natural Decline in Testosterone
Testosterone is a natural hormone. It exists in the male and female bodies. In men, it’s considered the primary sex hormone and plays several roles. The functions of testosterone begin to manifest at puberty, when boys start to grow body hair and their voices deepen. It continues to remain a crucial hormone in adulthood.
By around the age of 30, men start to experience a natural, but gradual decline in T levels. This is usually about 1% per year. The decline is slow enough to ensure most men don’t really notice it.
When Testosterone Declines Too Fast
While there is a natural reduction in testosterone over time, some men may find that their T levels fall much faster. This can lead to low testosterone, a condition also referred to as hypogonadism.
Men with low testosterone can experience a number of potential symptoms, including:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Reduced physical strength
- Mental health problems
- Cognitive decline
- Infertility
- Sexual dysfunction
Age-Related Testosterone Decline and Mental Health
Many people associate testosterone with masculine features. When we think of T hormones, we usually picture muscles. That has become a norm due to the association, but the hormone is also responsible for many other health-related factors and systems in the human body.
Emerging research also shows that the natural decline in testosterone amongst men may be contributing to reduced cognitive function. We already covered the symptoms of low T levels. Cognitive decline and mental health problems are two categories of problems that can develop when men have low testosterone.
Several studies have reported on these connections, so let’s take a look at their findings.
A research paper, published in the World Journal of Men’s Health, decided to look at previously released data surrounding the impact of testosterone deficiency on cognition. All studies included in the paper focused on the aging male population.
While they didn’t find a significant difference when comparing the placebo and control groups, there were some significant findings. Overall cognition seemed to be at a better level in men with healthy levels of testosterone, for example. This shows that a deficiency in T levels can have a negative impact on aspects like executive function, visual memory, and language.
Another research paper also explained that evidence already points to the fact that lower levels of testosterone in men can be linked to poorer cognitive performance. This includes age-associated memory impairments in older men.
The relationship between testosterone and brain health can even be seen in women. When T levels in women are low, it also seems to create a reduction in overall cognitive function.
TRT, Testosterone, and Age
When testosterone levels decline to a point where they fall below the baseline, they could have several adverse effects on a man’s life. This includes contributing to cognitive decline, including memory-related problems, brain fog, and more.
Androgenix specializes in helping men learn how they can restore their vitality with the help of testosterone replacement therapy. Each treatment is personalized based on your specific situation, taking into account your T levels. We also constantly monitor the progress of the treatment to ensure optimal results while managing the potential risks.
Reach out to schedule your consultation and find out how we can help.
