Cycling has slowly but surely taken over the world and it’s not hard to understand why. It’s a fantastic means of transportation, it’s environmentally-friendly, not to mention that biking is a good sporting activity. Biking is a powerful workout that helps you get fit in a small period of time.
Some studies have demonstrated that intense exercise can deplete the body of testosterone. More exactly, the basal activity of the pineal gland, adrenal gland, and testis can decrease following consecutive days of intense, long-term exercise such as cycling. This decrease in hormone levels is linked not only to working out the muscles but also to metabolic stress, which induces fatigue in many of the systems that control the hormone levels. In addition to doing junk miles, some bikers reduce their weight by consuming fewer calories, which in turn reduces the production of hormones.
So, does cycling lower testosterone?
The answer is yes and no. Testosterone production doesn’t necessarily decrease if you engage in biking. It’s more likely that you have a hormonal imbalance. When you think of low levels of testosterone, you automatically think about middle-aged and older men. The truth is that men under the age of 30 can experience low T. What happens is that the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone. Men and women alike produce testosterone, but testosterone levels are far greater in men than in women.
No matter the case, if you’re struggling with low testosterone levels, you have to optimize your general health. Hormones are chemical messengers that trigger important changes in the body.
Is low testosterone something to worry about? Why, yes
Low testosterone, commonly referred to as male hypogonadism, is a medical condition in which there are less than 300 nanograms of the hormone per deciliter of blood. The overall level of testosterone changes throughout your life based on your body’s needs. Generally speaking, it starts to decrease for men aged 30 years or older. As highlighted before, young males can have low testosterone. A decline in testosterone has become more prevalent in younger men and it’s linked to low health.
If you have very low hormone levels, the bones become weak, which can lead in time to osteoporosis. You don’t have the same energy that you used to, you gain weight, and might even have trouble concentrating. Let’s not forget about the changes in sexual function.
In the past couple of years, low testosterone has been linked to diabetes. To be more precise, it’s believed that men with low testosterone are prone to developing diabetes. The explanation is simple, really. Testosterone helps the bodily tissues ingest more blood sugar in response to insulin. When hormone levels get too low, you develop insulin resistance. The outcome is that the body needs to produce more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Most importantly, low testosterone levels can affect the arteries. Blood vessels and heart muscles have receptors connected to testosterone, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that low T in men leads to stiff arteries. A certain amount of testosterone is necessary for heart health.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy is widely used to treat men with symptomatic hypogonadism
Medications and treatments are administered when the testosterone level is 200 or lower. Testosterone Replacement Therapy, TRP for short, is widely used to correct hormonal imbalances in men. It’s a safe and effective therapy that can be successfully used for women as well. If you have an abnormally low T, you should consider boosting your testosterone levels with the help of this type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Reach out to a doctor specializing in hormone deficiencies. Private medical clinics such as Balance My Hormones offer bespoke treatments, having a strong desire to help others. Blood tests are carried out to determine the overall health of the patient and check for underlying issues. The therapy itself involves the use of clomiphene and, sometimes, human chorionic gonadotropin. The aim is to increase testosterone levels naturally rather than attempting a full replacement of the testosterone production.
As you begin treatment, it’s a good time to start thinking about what you want to want to achieve. It’s not recommended to have unreal expectations. Effective as testosterone replacement therapy is, it’s not a fountain of youth. However, it will change your life for the better.
Many cyclists choose to use Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Athletic performance varies with age, meaning that you can notice a decline in sports performance. Both men and women lose their physical prowess due to the lack of exercise. Nevertheless, younger people too struggle with problems caused by hormonal imbalances. Many choose to follow testosterone replacement therapy to simplify their lives and preserve bone mass. Needless to say, they reap a great many benefits.
If you have a medical condition that actively contributes to your worrying decline in testosterone levels, it’s paramount to seek specialized medical care. You will be able to ride your bicycle and even do some endurance training. For better or worse, cycling is your way of life. The choice is up to you, all in all.
The natural way to increase testosterone levels via the food you eat and habits you practice yields positive results. However, you can’t compare the results with those offered by hormone replacement therapy. The point is that you must consult with a specialist, who will help you secure the right treatment for your hormonal imbalance.
As mentioned earlier, women too can take advantage of testosterone replacement therapy. Women produce testosterone, although in much smaller doses. If the hormone levels are too low, health problems can arise. Examples include but aren’t limited to obesity, osteoporosis, and pelvic floor insufficiency.
Although there is a great deal of information out there, don’t try to diagnose yourself. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional and see what’s what. Talk with a physician and come up with an appropriate therapy plan. They have access to bespoke treatments and will assist you through the process, so you’re not alone.