When the body functions as it should, it is in a state of homeostasis. Hormones play a part in allowing the body to enter and remain in this state. To appreciate why and how that is, we must familiarize ourselves with what hormones are and what they do. Essentially, hormones are chemical messengers that regulate numerous biological processes within the body. They are produced by the endocrine system, a complex network of glands, and secreted into the bloodstream. From there, they target cells in organs throughout the body to help regulate a plurality of biological processes. One hormone that enables the body to function optimally and enter a state of homeostasis is testosterone. In men and women, testosterone is secreted primarily by the testes and ovaries, respectively.
What Does Testosterone Do in the Human Body?
The hormone testosterone plays a crucial role in supporting and regulating several biological processes in the male and female body, such as sexual function, bone and muscle strength, mood and energy, cognitive function, skin health, and sleep. When testosterone levels in the blood dip too low, it can interfere with these and many other processes in the male and female body. Before detailing the consequences of such interference, we should take a moment to discuss what constitutes normal, healthy testosterone levels.
According to most endocrinologists and data published in numerous medical journals, healthy and normal testosterone levels are between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) or 10 to 35 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) for men and between 15 and 70 ng/dL or 0.5 to 2.4 nmol/L for women. When testosterone levels for men fall below 300 ng/dL or 15 ng/dL for women, both can experience an onslaught of unpleasant symptoms. Some of these symptoms include the following:
- Decrease in muscle strength and mass.
- Decrease in stamina
- Depressed mood
- Difficulties with concentration and memory
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) and low sperm count in men
- Gynecomastia in men
- Increased body fat, especially in the abdominal region
- Insomnia
- Irregular menstrual cycles in women
- Low libido
- Thinning hair
- Vaginal atrophy and dryness in women, which can cause discomfort during sexual intercourse
What Triggers Low Testosterone Levels?
For men and women, one of the factors that contribute to low testosterone levels or a full-on testosterone-related hormonal imbalance is aging. Around age 30 to 40, both genders will notice a natural decline in testosterone levels. For men, that decline is often due to a natural decrease in the ability of their testes to produce testosterone brought on by changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. For women, the decline is typically due to their ovaries producing less testosterone and other hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, during perimenopause and menopause. Additional factors that can contribute to low testosterone levels in men and women include the following:
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Chronic diseases, such as HIV and AIDS and thyroid disease
- Chronic stress
- Genetic conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome or Kallmann syndrome
- Ovary removal or Turner syndrome in women
- Side effects from certain medications
- Testicular injury, removal, or other testicular issues in men
Along with these known contributors, emerging studies are suggesting a possible link between low testosterone and technology. One of those studies comes from the Urology Care Foundation, the world’s leading nonprofit urological health foundation.
What More People Should Know About Technology and Low Testosterone
Blue light is part of the natural electromagnetic energy spectrum visible to human eyes, and most modern-day electronic devices, including LED TVs, computer monitors, smartphones, and tablet screens, emit it. Modest exposure to such illumination does offer some health benefits. According to a study from the University of California, Davis, exposure to blue lights can boost alertness, improve memory and brain function, and elevate mood.
Modest exposure to blue light also benefits the body’s natural wake and sleep cycle or circadian rhythm. There are, however, some drawbacks when it comes to excessive exposure to blue light, one of which has to do with testosterone. Another is poor sleep quality. Individuals exposed to excessive blue light often lead sedentary lifestyles. Such a combination can interfere with the body’s circadian rhythm, which, in turn, negatively affects melatonin production and sleep quality. Both of these can lead to weight gain and a premature decline in testosterone, especially in men.
How To Boost Low Testosterone and Achieve Relief From Low Testosterone Symptoms
If you’re struggling with low testosterone and related symptoms caused by excessive blue light exposure, limiting such exposure can help boost testosterone levels in your blood and provide some relief from symptoms. That is especially the case if you incorporate other healthy lifestyle habits into that equation, such as consuming a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, and staying hydrated. Those with exceptionally low testosterone levels, however, might need to consider a medicinal approach. That could mean looking into testosterone replacement therapy.
What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
Testosterone replacement therapy, also known as TRT, is a medicinal approach to boosting low testosterone levels that entails taking FDA-approved testosterone-boosting medication. After being formally diagnosed with low testosterone, individuals can buy injectable testosterone, transdermal patches, or topical gels containing testosterone-boosting medicines from a licensed pharmacy. Some of the most popular medications in this class include the following:
- Depo-Testosterone
- Xyosted
- Aveed
- Testopel
- AndroGel
- Testim
- Androderm
In summary, many things can open the door to low testosterone levels and numerous unpleasant symptoms, including too much blue light exposure. Fortunately, there are natural and medicinal ways to correct such a hormonal imbalance. Bearing that in mind, if you’re struggling with symptoms synonymous with low testosterone, consider speaking with a physician as soon as possible.
