How to naturally boost testosterone after 50

Low testosterone is the scourge of middle-aged men who still want to live an active, fulfilling lifestyle.

Two of the primary symptoms of low testosterone are low sex drive and erectile dysfunction.

Other symptoms include loss of body hair, hot flashes, low sperm count, depression, increased body fat, decreased muscle mass and a decrease in energy.

It is estimated that at least 2% of the male population in the U.S. suffer from low testosterone, and over 8% of men ages 50 to 79 have low testosterone.

Low testosterone is defined by the American Urology Association as below 300 nanograms per deciliter of blood, while other researchers consider a level below 250 as low.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are two main causes of low testosterone.

The primary cause is a testicular issue in which the testicles do not produce enough testosterone.  Secondary causes are the result of pituitary or hypothalamus dysfunction.

Some men are born with the condition or acquire it later in life.  Testosterone levels do tend to decline as we age.

Many men who end up with the disorder turn to TRT, or testosterone replacement therapy, in order to boost their testosterone levels.

How to naturally boost testosterone after 50

As indicated, testosterone levels in men tend to decline with age.

However, by making certain lifestyle changes, it is possible to naturally boost your testosterone levels, even if you are over 50 years old.

Here are the key changes to consider making if needed:

• Lose body fat
• Engage in strength training
• Eat a healthy diet
• Get adequate sleep
• Reduce stress
• Reduce alcohol consumption

The first thing you can do to increase your testosterone is lose body fat.

This is particularly the case if your body fat percentage is 25% or above, which is considered obese.

Since obesity is associated with so many other health issues, if you have low testosterone and a high percentage of body fat, then you now have another reason to lose body fat.

The second thing you can do is lift weights.

Strength training will not only boost your testosterone, but it will also increase production of human growth hormone.

While any type of exercise can help to naturally increase testosterone production, strength training involving heavy weights will have the most profound effect.

Eating a healthy diet that contains less refined sugar is another way you can naturally increase testosterone.

A healthy diet is tied into the idea that a loss of excess body fat will help with boosting testosterone levels.

Getting enough sleep can help boost testosterone levels.  It is essential that you get enough rest, particularly if you are engaged in strength training.

Adequate sleep is a requirement to recover from strength training workouts and to allow the body to adapt to the stress caused by those workouts.

Stress of the negative kind will have a significant impact on testosterone production.

If you have a stressful job, or you are in a stressful relationship, find ways to reduce the stress caused by those situations.

Meditation is one change you can make that can have a positive impact on your stress levels.

While light to moderate alcohol consumption is not considered detrimental to testosterone production, heavy consumption is associated with lower testosterone levels.

Final Thoughts

Before seeking out medical treatment in the form of testosterone replacement therapy, consider making the lifestyle changes indicated to boost your testosterone levels naturally.

I have noted that bodybuilders who engaged in the use of TRT to help with their performance are in need of continuing TRT in some form after they are done competing.

This exposes them to longer term risks associated with TRT.

Therefore, do all you can to boost your testosterone naturally before considering TRT.