When discussing veterans’ health, mental health and physical injuries are often highlighted. However, low testosterone (or “low T”) is a frequently overlooked issue that can significantly affect both physical and mental well-being. Understanding the signs and treatments for low T is crucial for improving veterans’ quality of life.
What is Testosterone and Why is it Important?
Testosterone is a hormone essential for men’s health. It regulates muscle mass, bone density, libido, and mood, and plays a critical role in energy and cognitive function. As men age, testosterone levels naturally decline, but factors such as military service can accelerate this drop. Research shows that veterans—especially those who’ve been deployed—are at higher risk for low testosterone due to their unique stressors.
How Does Low Testosterone Affect You?
Low testosterone can severely impact both your body and mind:
- Physical Impact: Loss of muscle mass, weight gain, especially around the midsection, and constant fatigue are common symptoms. Low testosterone also weakens bone density, increasing the risk of fractures as you age.
- Mental Impact: Mood swings, irritability, and depression are frequent side effects. Low T also affects concentration, leading to brain fog and forgetfulness. It can reduce libido and cause erectile dysfunction (ED), impacting both confidence and relationships.
Why Are Veterans at Higher Risk?
Veterans face unique health risks due to the stress of military service. Research on Army Rangers shows that their testosterone levels dropped to 35% of normal during an eight-week training period, highlighting the impact of stress on hormone production[1].
Key factors impacting veterans include:
- Physical Stress: Intense training and combat disrupt hormone levels.
- Mental Stress and PTSD: PTSD can raise cortisol levels, which suppress testosterone. More than 50% of veterans with PTSD also suffer from low T[2].
- Sleep Disorders: Insomnia and sleep apnea, affecting up to 54% of veterans, lower testosterone levels and further disrupt hormonal balance[3].
Long-term Risks of Low T
Untreated low testosterone can increase the risk of:
- Heart disease and diabetes
- Chronic fatigue and muscle loss
- Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline
How Can Testosterone Therapy Help?
Fortunately, low testosterone is treatable. At Frontier MD, we specialize in men’s health and offer testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). This treatment can restore your testosterone levels, improving energy, muscle mass, and mental well-being, while reducing the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
If you’re a veteran experiencing symptoms of low T, Frontier MD can help. Schedule your free consultation today and we’ll get you feeling your best.
