The Truth About Reduced Sex Drive As You Age

As we begin to age, it might be considered “normal” to experience a decrease in sex drive and overall energy. Even men in their early to mid-40’s sometimes report that their sex drive isn’t what it used to be.

While it’s common for many men to maintain at least some interest in sex well into their 60’s and 70’s, others report that their libido has all but ceased.

Some of the problems with reduced sexual vitality can be caused by side effects to certain medications. Others are likely the result of lowered testosterone in the body. For those suffering from decreased sexual appetites, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be a useful tool to bringing back the vitality and sexual energy they felt earlier in life.

Can testosterone therapy help you? Read on to find out more about it and how it might help you bring back the feelings of your youth!

First, What Exactly is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone that’s produced primarily in testicles. It helps men maintain:

The distribution of fat
Muscle mass and strength
Body hair and facial hair
Bone density
The production of sperm
The production of red blood cells
Sex drive
Fight depression

Without testosterone, none of this would be possible.

How Does Age Impact Testosterone Levels?

Levels typically reach their highest during adolescence and early into adulthood. As men age, levels gradually begin to decline at a rate of about 1% per year — especially after age 30. In older men, it’s key to determine if low testosterone, or “Low-T” levels are being caused by the natural progression of age, or if it’s due to hypogonadism.

In cases where a man suffers from hypogonadism (the testicles can no longer produce needed amounts of testosterone), replacement therapy can vastly improve symptoms and are typically prescribed by a doctor in the form of pellets, gels, patches or injections. This type of treatment is common and can have an almost immediate impact.

Does Testosterone Therapy Promote Vitality and a “New Youth?”

Starting a therapy regimen in men suffering from hypogonadism can and certainly does begin to reverse the effects of Low-T. While it’s certainly not a true fountain of youth, men with hypogonadism that receive therapy report a noticeable improvement in libido and overall health.

However, studies are less clear on the treatment benefits for those who are otherwise healthy and do not suffer from hypogonadism. Some believe that TRT makes them feel more vigorous, younger, more driven and in better overall health.

In reality, there have been too few thorough studies in men with healthy levels to determine just how much TRT has helped.

As an example, a study was done with healthy men who took regular testosterone injections and it showed that they increased overall muscle mass but didn’t increase strength.

However, if TRT increases your pleasure and stamina during sex, it could be well worth taking.

Are There Risks Involved with TRT For Normal Aging?

TRT does come with a certain about of risks that you should be aware of before you start. A few examples of these risks include:

TRT can contribute to sleep apnea, which can be very serious or even deadly
It can cause skin reactions like acne in some users
TRT can stimulate non-cancerous growths of your prostate and contribute to the growth of prostate cancer that already exists
You may experience enlarged breasts
Testicles may shrink or sperm counts may be lower than usual
Increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots forming deep within a vein), which could loosen and travel through the bloodstream causing blockages in the lungs or other areas

Additionally, TRT can impact the risk of contracting heart disease — although the research has yielded results that conflict so it isn’t clear yet on exactly how prevalent this is.

Is it a Good Idea to Talk to My Doctor Before Beginning TRT For Lowered Sex Drive?

If you’re truly wondering if this is the right option for you, sit down with your doctor and discuss the benefits and potential risks. The first step your doctor will take is to measure your existing levels (typically at least twice) before deciding if therapy is the best option.

Expect your doctor to ask talk with you about natural ways you can begin boosting levels, including weight loss and using resistance exercises to increase overall muscle mass.

If Your Sex Drive Isn’t What it Used to Be, Testosterone Replacement Therapy Could Help

While it may not be the “magic bullet” to cure all your ills, testosterone replacement therapy has helped millions of men get back the libido they once enjoyed. Find out if it’s right for you by talking to your doctor today.