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Does Running Lower Testosterone Levels?

Testosterone is a hormone that has a close relationship to the physical health of everyman. This hormone’s levels can be declined because of aging, and some other factors. Is running one factor that lowers testosterone levels? What are the benefits of running for the body, especially to testosterone levels? Looking for the answers in this article.

Running lowers testosterone levels

Testosterone and its effects on men’s health

1. What is testosterone?

Testosterone is an important hormone for men. For gentlemen, testosterone not only helps a full sex life but also completes the fundamental health of men, including the organs of the circulatory system, respiratory system, urinary system, bones and joints, nerves and brain. A blood test can measure testosterone levels. Changes in testosterone in the index have been associated with important health problems for men.

 

2. Effect of testosterone on men’s health

Testosterone is important for almost every male function, from the reproductive and sexual systems to muscle mass and bone density:

  • The endocrine system

Hormone-producing glands compose the endocrine system of the body. The hypothalamus in the brain is responsible for telling the pituitary how much testosterone the body needs. The pituitary gland then sends signals to the testicles to stimulate Testosterone production. Most testosterone is produced in the testicles, but a small amount comes from the adrenal gland, located just above the kidneys.

Testosterone begins to work even when the body is not born. At this time, Testosterone plays a role in the formation of the male genitals. During puberty, Testosterone is responsible for the development of male attributes such as a deeper voice, and stimulation of facial hair and facial hair growth. In addition, Testosterone also promotes muscle growth and the formation of a feeling of “libido”.

 

  • Reproductive system

Male genitals are formed around the seventh week of pregnancy with the impact of testosterone. During puberty, when testosterone levels increase, the testicles and penis thrive. The testicles produce a steady amount of testosterone and supply new sperm every day.

If testosterone is low, there is a risk of erectile dysfunction. In addition, long-term testosterone therapy can cause a decrease in sperm production. Testosterone therapy can also enlarge the prostate gland and make the testicles smaller and softer. Also, men with prostate cancer or breast cancer should not undergo testosterone replacement therapy.

 

  • Sexual ability

During puberty, testosterone levels in men increase, stimulating the growth and completion of the testicles, penis and pubic hair. The voice becomes deeper, and the muscles and hair on the body develop. Along with that, sex drive is increasing.

Men with low levels of testosterone are more likely to lose libido. Sexual stimulation or sexual activity causes Testosterone levels to rise. Testosterone can decrease during a long period of sexual inactivity.

 

  • Central nervous system

Our body has a system that controls Testosterone, which sends signals through specific hormones and chemicals in the blood. The hypothalamus in the brain tells the pituitary how much testosterone is needed, and the pituitary gland transfers that information to the testicles.

Testosterone has a necessary role in certain behaviors, including aggression and leadership. Besides, Testosterone is also a measure of competitiveness and helps increase self-esteem. Similar to the mechanism of sexual activity that can affect testosterone levels, participating in competitive activities is likely to cause a man’s testosterone levels to rise, or decrease. Low testosterone leads to loss of confidence, sleep disturbances, lack of energy, and decreased motivation. And yet, this condition also reduces your ability to focus and causes feelings of sadness.

However, it should be noted that Testosterone is only one-factor affecting personality traits. Other factors from biology and the environment also have an impact.

 

  • Skin and hair

By reaching adulthood, Testosterone promotes hair growth on the head, as well as hair in the armpits and around the genitals. The hair also appears on the arms, legs, and chest. Low testosterone can cause a gentleman to lose part of his body hair.

 

  • Muscles, fats and bones

Testosterone is one of the factors involved in the development of muscle masses and their strength. Testosterone increases neurotransmission, stimulates tissue growth. In addition, it also interacts with receptors in the gene, leading to protein synthesis. Testosterone increases the concentration of growth hormone, making it more likely for men to exercise for muscle improvement.

Besides, testosterone also increases bone density and impact. It is important in the production of red blood cells from the bone marrow. Men with very low levels of testosterone are more likely to suffer from bone injuries and injuries.

Testosterone also plays an essential role in fat metabolism, helping men to consume fat more efficiently. Decreased levels of Testosterone lead to an increase in excess body fat. It can be said that manliness lies in each “Testosterone key”. Therefore, in order to increase the amount of Testosterone in men, men need to implement a healthy lifestyle, perseverance and discipline.

Testosterone is important for almost every male function
Testosterone has a lot of effects on men’s health

Effects of running on men’s health Running Helps To Reduce The Risk Of Dying

 

The causes of testosterone levels decline

Some people say that running lowers testosterone levels. Is it true? Let us analyze the main factors of testosterone levels decline.

1. Age issues

Testosterone levels drop naturally as a man ages. After age 40, circulating testosterone levels drop by about 1.6% per year for most men. At the age of 60, a sharp drop in testosterone levels can lead to hypogonadism in men. About 4 in 10 men will develop hypogonadism by the time they turn 45.

 

2. Testicular problem

The hormone testosterone in men is produced mainly in the testicles, accounting for about 95%. That is why when the testicles are damaged, the decrease in testosterone levels is understandable. Testicular atrophy and inflammation of the testicles are the two most common conditions that directly affect endogenous testosterone production.

 

3. Diet

Male experts believe that an unhealthy diet is also the cause of the decline in testosterone. Especially maintaining an unbalanced diet over the long term. This not only directly affects the production of testosterone but also causes a decline in health.

Some foods may not be bad, but too much tolerance causes testosterone in men to drop drastically. Eg:

  • Soybeans and soy products
  • Mint
  • Vegetable oil
  • Linseed
  • Nuts

In addition, drinking alcohol regularly will also inhibit the production of male hormones. Some harmful ingredients in alcohol also increase the risk of producing abnormal sperm.

Besides, other relevant factors are fast food, fatty foods, or foods with too much sugar.

 

4. Medicines

Accompanying Western medicine is always a risk of adverse effects. Especially long-term use of drugs can also reduce testosterone. It shows that some therapeutic drugs can inhibit the production of male hormones:

  • Medications to treat blood pressure
  • Antidepressants
  • Steroid drugs
  • Sedatives, sleeping pills
  • Medicines to treat stomach ulcers
  • Medicines for joint problems

 

5. Adrenal insufficiency

In men, testosterone is produced mainly in the testes and the remainder is produced in the adrenal glands. Therefore, when the adrenal glands are damaged, it is possible that hormonal reduction in men will arise.

The main causes of this condition can be:

  • Use glucocorticoids for a long time
  • Infection caused by a fungal or viral infection
  • Occurrence of tumor
  • Bleeding caused by taking anticoagulants
  • History of surgery in the adrenal glands

In addition, pituitary failure or damage to the hypothalamus also causes decreased testosterone. Because the swiftlet gland plays an important role in regulating the balance of sexual function in general and the production of male hormones in particular.

 

6. Being overweight or obese

Male experts warn that men who are overweight and have a large belly are at an increased risk of problems with sexual function. Because being overweight causes endothelial cells to be damaged, the endothelium doesn’t function properly.

This prevents the penis from getting enough blood to produce or maintain an erection. This is also a cause of the decrease in the hormone testosterone. In addition, being overweight causes men to face other health problems. Must include diabetes, heart diseases or high blood pressure …

 

7. Stress

Studies show that stress is a problem closely related to the body’s endogenous testosterone production. Stress increases cortisol levels.

Stress is one of the factors that lower testosterone levels
Stress is one of the factors that lower testosterone levels

 

Running lowers testosterone levels, isn’t it?

Undoubtedly, it is wrong to say that “running lowers testosterone levels”. Even running is one of the remedies for decreased testosterone for men.

The benefits of running are needless to say.
  • First, running is one of the best anti-aging cures.  It not only improves your overall wellbeing but also strengthens your muscles and keeps your spine flexible. 
  • Besides, running increases blood flow which carries oxygen and vital nutrients to the skin. There is evidence that taking supplemental vitamin D can also boost the production of testosterone in the testicular cells.
  • In addition, it helps increase blood circulation as well as promote metabolism in the body. Studies show that running can make endogenous testosterone production more rapid.
  • At the same time, running also helps men control their weight better. Meanwhile, being overweight and obese has also been shown to be one of the causes of decreased testosterone. Thus, running to lose weight is certainly essential for those dealing with hormonal decline.
  • Last, running is a good way for you to manage tension straight. It helps your spirit always feel comfortable and full of vitality. You should choose to work out in the morning to get your day energized.

However, overtraining has been shown to lower testosterone levels. Therefore, you should not run for an ultramarathon or extremely long distances.

It is wrong to say running lowers testosterone levels
Proper running is a method to increase testosterone levels

 

Now you have the answer to the question of running lowers testosterone levels. There are many causes of a decrease in testosterone in men. However, running is not really one of them. It is important for men to listen to their bodies. Get the best care.

WellTraining

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