UBCNews - Business - Men's Health Experts Chime In On Falling Testosterone Levels, Lifestyle Changes

Episode Date: November 16, 2025

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that affects millions of men but often gets swept under the rug - declining testosterone levels. I'm joined by a men's health specialist to break down what's really happening as we age and, uh, what we can actually do about it. So let's start with the basics - why does testosterone naturally drop as men get older? TRT Australia City: Hurstville Address: 7–11 The Avenue Website: https://trtaustralia.com/x

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that affects millions of men, but often get swept under the rug. Declining testosterone levels. I'm joined by a men's health specialist to break down what's really happening as we age and what we can actually do about it. So let's start with the basics. Why does testosterone naturally drop as men get older? Great question. Testosterone levels typically peak in late adolescence or early adulthood, and then we see this gradual decline throughout life, about 1% each year after age 30. It's like a slow leak in a tire, you know?

You might not notice it immediately, but over time the effects become more apparent. That's fascinating. And for our listeners wondering what's considered normal, we're looking at ranges between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter for adult men. But how does this decline actually show up in the body? Right. the symptoms can be quite varied. We commonly see reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, that's a big one. Men often report feeling like they just don't have the energy they

used to. There's also decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, especially around the midsection, and even mood changes like irritability or feeling down. Mm-hmm, that covers a lot of ground. Now, I had a colleague who started noticing these exact symptoms in his early 40s. The fatigue was the real wake-up call for him. But what I find interesting is this. Not every guy with lower testosterone levels experiences symptoms, correct? Exactly. That's a vital point. Some research shows that if you don't have symptoms, your lower levels might still be perfectly normal for you. The focus really centers on the individual. I actually had a patient recently, a 50-year-old marathon runner, whose levels were on the lower end.

but he felt fantastic and had no complaints whatsoever. Testosterone levels below 8 nanomoles per liter may warrant treatment, while levels above 12 nanomoles per liter typically do not require intervention, though individual circumstances and symptoms should always be considered. So the numbers alone don't tell the whole story. We need to consider how you're feeling and functioning. That perspective on individual symptoms really sets up our next piece about lifestyle interventions. But first, a quick word from our sponsor.

Are you experiencing unexplained fatigue, reduced energy, or changes in your physical well-being? At TRT, Australia, we help men understand their hormonal health through detailed testing and personalized treatment plans. Our specialists work with you to find options that fit your lifestyle and health goals. Find out if testosterone replacement therapy could be right for you with our free consultation. Picking up on those individual symptoms, how do you approach lifestyle changes when someone's concerned about their testosterone levels? Well, the good news is that lifestyle changes can have a significant impact. Exercise is probably the most powerful tool we have, and I mean really powerful. Both resistance training, think squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and cardiovascular exercise can increase testosterone levels.

The compound exercises that work large muscle groups seem to be particularly effective. I see. Makes sense? What about the flip side? Can you overdo it with exercise? Definitely. Over-training can actually decrease testosterone levels. The key lies in finding that sweet spot with moderate to high-intensity workouts. Diet plays a huge role too. We're talking about a balanced approach. Healthy fats, quality proteins, nutrients, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Foods like fatty fish with omega-3s, foods rich in zinc, even things like onions and olive oil, can be part of a healthy diet that supports overall hormonal balance, though they may not be a singular solution for low testosterone. Those are some practical changes right there. What about the lifestyle factors that can work

against us? Oh, there are many factors to consider. Excessive alcohol consumption is a big one. It can lower testosterone and impair sexual function. Poor sleep is another major factor. Testosterone release occurs during sleep, which is vital for maintaining healthy levels. We recommend seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night. And chronic stress, that's probably one of the most overlooked factors. Stress really is the silent testosterone killer, if you will. Right, exactly. How does stress specifically impact testosterone? Chronic stress increases cortisol level, and cortisol directly interferes with testosterone production. It's like they're competing for resources in your body.

Managing stress through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, even just regular exercise, can help maintain healthier hormone levels. Makes sense. Now, for men who've tried lifestyle changes but still struggle with symptoms, what medical options exist? Have you ever wondered if there's a point where natural approaches just aren't enough? That's a great question.

Testosterone replacement therapy is available for men with significantly low levels. TRT can improve libido, energy levels, muscle mass, and bone density. However, there are potential risks to consider things like non-cancerous growth of the prostate and growth of existing prostate cancer, sleep apnea complications, and cardiovascular concerns. It can also impact fertility by lowering sperm counts. That's important context. Before we wrap up, what would you tell someone who's wondering if they should get tested? I'd say listen to your body, really pay attention to how you feel.

If you're experiencing persistent fatigue, mood changes, or other symptoms we've discussed, it's worth having a conversation with a health care provider. For men under 45, testing should be done in the morning when levels are typically highest, while men 45 and older can have testing done any time before 2 p.m. But remember, symptoms matter as much as the numbers. Excellent advice. So to everyone listening, the key takeaways are clear. Testosterone decline is natural, but you're not powerless against it.

Exercise, good nutrition, quality sleep, and stress management can make a real difference. And if lifestyle changes aren't enough, medical options exist. Are you ready to take charge of your hormonal health? My pleasure. The main thing is that men don't have to just. accept feeling run down as they age. There are evidence-based approaches that can help. Lifestyle modifications can be truly powerful tools

in maintaining healthy testosterone levels. Absolutely. For more information on testosterone testing and treatment options, visit the link in the description. Thanks for listening, and we'll catch you next time.