There is no need to emphasize the considerable importance of testosterone in the human body, especially for men. This hormone helps build muscle, maintains healthy bones, improves cognition, and enhances sleep quality, not to mention its essential role in fertility.

However, recent studies show an alarming drop in testosterone levels, particularly for young men. In other words, today's teenagers have less testosterone circulating through their bloodstream than the youngsters of 15-20 years ago.

If you're curious to learn the causes of this drop in testosterone levels, keep reading this article. You'll find insightful answers to questions you already have about testosterone and know what lifestyle changes you can make to increase the production of this vital hormone.

Today's Young Men Have Almost 30 Percent Less Testosterone

It might be hard to believe, but recent studies show that men between 15 and 39 have almost thirty percent less testosterone compared to men within the same age group of 15-20 years ago.

More specifically, if the average testosterone level was around 600 nanograms per deciliter of blood almost two decades ago, now it's about 400 nanograms per deciliter for men aged 15-39. That's a significant decrease caused by multiple lifestyle and environmental factors.

Let's look at some of these causes and see why today's young adults experience this significant drop in testosterone levels.

Sleep Disruption: Stress and Fatigue Can Reduce Testosterone Levels

One of the most important causes of testosterone decrease is excessive stress. Today's young adults are very busy, and they're constantly bombarded with information and stimulation from social media and other platforms. They are sleeping less and exposing themselves to light from electronics late at night. This light can disrupt sleep patterns.  Several studies have shown that most hormones, including testosterone, peak during the sleep cycle.  A disrupted sleep cycle and circadian rhythm negatively affects testosterone, growth hormone, thyroid, and other hormones.

This makes the adrenal glands release more cortisol which is the main stress hormone in the body. Too much cortisol coupled with fewer hours of sleep per night results in testosterone levels that can plummet faster than ever.

Ideally, adults should sleep around 7 hours per night and engage in activities that decrease cortisol levels in the bloodstream. One of the best ways to reduce your stress levels is to go to the gym, walk or run, practice yoga, or play a musical instrument, not to mention spend more time with people you love.

Carrying Too Much Weight Can Reduce Testosterone Levels

Obesity and being overweight is another important factor that can explain the testosterone decrease in young men. Several studies show that higher body mass index (BMI) can result in lower testosterone levels.  There is an obesity epidemic in the US and most countries not only in adults but also teenagers and children.

At the same time, being overweight increases your chances for chronic diseases, reduces your stamina and energy levels, as well as makes the body produce more toxic hormones. Do your best to exercise at least three times a week and your testosterone levels will eventually get back to normal.

Poor Diet and Consumption of Marijuana Might Be a Problem

Eating a diet that lacks nutritional value is hands-down one of the key factors when it comes to testosterone production. In other words, if you eat a lot of junk food, drink many fizzy beverages, and don't take a multivitamin supplement, your testosterone levels might significantly decrease each year.

You should provide your body with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to help it function optimally. Try to eat more vegetables, fruit, and lean meats such as chicken and turkey, as well as healthy fats coming from seeds and olive oil. The Mediterranean Diet is one of the best ways to increase testosterone levels and longevity.

At the same time, an increasing body of evidence suggests that excessive marijuana consumption is associated with a decrease in testosterone levels. The occasional joint might not do too much harm but smoking every day can have an impact on your hormones, particularly your testosterone.

Lack of Physical Exercise Leads to a Decrease in Testosterone Levels

As mentioned earlier, doing just three or four workouts per week for a minimum of thirty minutes can prevent a decrease in testosterone levels. Today's young adults spend a lot of time in front of their computers doing their work or getting entertained.

This sedentary lifestyle is one of the most important causes of disease in the United States and throughout the entire world. It also makes testosterone levels drop at an alarming rate. The solution is not to quit your IT job and go work in a field.

Instead, you should compensate by consciously engaging in physical activities a few times per week. Go for a jog, take your friends, and play squash or another racket-based sport. If you love it, go for a swim, as this is a wonderful cardiovascular activity that works the entire body.

The bottom line is not to get stuck in front of your computer or on your sofa all day long. Work out a few times weekly to help your blood move better throughout your body and improve your testosterone levels.

Check Your Testosterone Levels Often

You might be happy to find out that checking your testosterone levels is very easy these days. You don't even need to talk to your doctor. You can order a direct-to-consumer lab test from trustworthy providers such as DiscountedLabs.com.

When you do this, you get a form that you use to visit a nearby clinic to draw blood. Your blood is analyzed in a certified laboratory by medical experts, and your results will be emailed in a few business days. The process is fast, confidential, and secure.

Checking your testosterone levels often helps you to see where you stand. You can compare the results against reference values and see if you need to readjust your lifestyle. For example, most experts agree that normal testosterone levels should be between 350 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter of blood.

Go to DiscountedLabs.com today and order your own testosterone test today! This test is the most affordable in the U.S. for a gold standard accurate test based on liquid chromatography, the most trusted test by top physicians and clinics.

 

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References:

Alarming Drop in Testosterone Levels

Stress and Fatigue Affect Testosterone

Obesity Decreases Testosterone Levels

Testosterone Information | Mount Sinai - New York