As men age, their testosterone levels naturally decline, leading to a variety of physical and psychological symptoms, ranging from reduced sex drive and muscle mass to fatigue and depression. In some cases, low testosterone levels can even increase the risk of developing serious health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Testosterone therapy is one option for men who are experiencing symptoms of Low-T, but it can be expensive. A reverse mortgage can help finance safe initiatives for elderly men to regain their testosterone levels, also known as T levels, measured in nanograms per decilitre (ng/dL).
How can testosterone therapy help?
Testosterone therapy is a type of medical treatment that involves the use of synthetic testosterone to raise a man’s T levels. This can be done through injections, patches, gels, or pellets. The object is for suitable candidates to bring their T-levels back to a desirable level as indicated in the Tanner Staging grade.
For men, the Tanner Stage indicates that their T-levels are at a life-time high of 1,200 ng/dL as they enter adolescent years. The initial spurt is at seven ng/dL when they turn 14 years old but the range narrows to 300-1,200 ng/dL by the time they are 17 to 18 years old. Above 19 years old, the T-count can run from 240 to 950 ng/dL.
However, testosterone therapy is not without its risks. It has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer. Additionally, it can cause side effects such as acne, mood swings, and sleep apnoea. For this reason, testosterone therapy should only be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider and used under close supervision.
What can cause low testosterone?
Various health conditions can result in low T levels. This can include true hypogonadism, which is a condition where the testes do not produce enough testosterone. True hypogonadism can be caused by conditions that directly affect the testes, such as undescended testes, injury, or infections, or by conditions that affect the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus. These conditions may be present from birth due to genetic factors but may not be recognized until puberty or later in life.
Apart from true hypogonadism, chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and certain medications, including cancer treatments like chemotherapy, can also lead to reduced T levels.
Natural ways to rebuild testosterone levels
Before considering testosterone therapy, it’s important to explore natural ways to rebuild testosterone levels. These include:
- Exercise. Regular exercise, particularly weightlifting and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), can help increase testosterone levels. As low T contributes to decline in muscle mass, a serious exercise programme can arrest that decline by forcing the muscles to burn more calories, helping you shed more fat and rebuild your libido.
- Diet. Eating a diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals can also help boost testosterone levels. According to Healthline, food items that may help the body jump start testosterone production anew include fatty fish such as sardines and salmon (zinc, omega-3, and Vitamin D), dark-leaf vegetables like spinach and kale (for magnesium content), and various types of berries. The latter contain flavonoid antioxidants to protect testosterone-producing cells and keep them at optimum condition.
- Sleep. Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining healthy testosterone levels. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night. The A.S.A.G. team can offer some handy tips to gain more shut-eye.
- Stress reduction. High levels of stress can lead to decreased testosterone levels. Practice stress-relief activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
- Limit alcohol and smoking. Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking have been shown to decrease testosterone levels. You can stand a chance of getting the T-levels back to acceptable levels if you cut down on liquor drinking or smoking – or quit them altogether. Aside from rebuilding T-levels, your lungs and liver will benefit from breaking the habit.
The ASAG Reverse Mortgage
One concern that many men have about testosterone therapy is the cost. Depending on the type of treatment, the therapy can be expensive, especially if it is not covered by insurance. This is where a reverse mortgage facility from ASAG can come in handy.
The ASAG Reverse Mortgage is a loan that allows homeowners aged 60 and over to borrow against the equity in their homes for objectives in retirement, which may include Medical Expenses. There’s no ongoing payments until the homeowner moves out of the home or passes away. This means that seniors can use the money from a reverse mortgage to finance safe initiatives to help them regain their T-levels, including testosterone therapy.
Feel free to reach out to the ASAG team at 1300 002 724 or info@asagfirst.com.au to learn more about how our reverse mortgage program works. We are committed to assisting you and addressing any enquiries or concerns you may have regarding our equity release solutions.
Additionally, you can utilise our equity assessment tool below to initiate the process of determining your available equity.