Testosterone and Aging

As we age, our hormonal levels drop. Although this has classically been noted in women, who undergo menopause, it occurs in both sexes. Testosterone, best known as a male hormone though both sexes have it, also drops with age.

Declining testosterone levels can cause a variety of symptoms, including night sweats, fatigue and low energy, hot flashes, and mood changes.

All of these symptoms are common to other conditions as well. Consequently, it is important to have your hormonal levels checked in order to determine the precise cause for any symptoms we might experience.

Although testosterone levels continually and unavoidably drop as we age, some medical treatments also affect hormone levels in the body. In particular, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and many medications, such as antidepressants, can wreak havoc on hormone levels.

In the previous generation, women in the United States regularly received Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) during and after menopause. Today, concerns about the risks associated with HRT have made its use less common.

In men, testosterone replacement therapy became common for a period of time, but the associated risks associated have also deterred many doctors from recommending it.

The most common and serious risks associated with testosterone supplementation include:

• Prostate enlargement
• Worsening of prostate cancer
• A higher risk of breast cancer
• Weight gain
• Mood swings

Although hormone replacement therapy is no longer generally recommended, natural, common sense remedies can be extremely effective for many people.

Engaging in both aerobic and anaerobic physical activity, maintaining a proper weight, and avoiding alcohol have all been shown to naturally increase testosterone levels in the body. A study reporting these results was recently published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition. The study noted that physical activity affected testosterone levels more than any other single factor. Sleep was also shown to play a major role in regulating and maintaining proper testosterone levels.

Although we cannot stop the process of aging, and the concomitant decline in our testosterone levels, we can take steps to minimize this decline and to maximize our ability to enjoy a full, rich life.

At Laurel Bay Health and Rehabilitation Center, in Keansburg, NJ, our residents receive the highest quality rehabilitative and skilled nursing care in a homelike and compassionate environment conducive to healing.

Our family-owned and -operated 123-bed facility, is tucked away in the quiet beach town of Keansburg, NJ at the Jersey Shore, within sight of Sandy Hook and the New York City skyline.

Our services include short-term rehab, long-term care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, hospice care, and respite care for those times when the caretaker needs to be taken care of.

We proudly provide the following specialty healthcare services: complex medical care management, intravenous (IV) therapy, wound care, enteral feeding, pain management, oxygen therapy, tracheostomy care, a dedicated pulmonary program, hospice care with private suites, a stroke rehab program, respiratory support, eye care, dental care, podiatry care, and psychological consults and counseling.

We pride ourselves on healing the entire patient through a holistic and individualized approach.

Our meticulous care planning helps us ensure that each and every resident receives the best in clinical care, support and unconditional love.

For over 25 years, we have been a staple of health and wellness, serving the members of our community and partnering with our local hospitals like Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel, NJ and Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, NJ.

We provide a tailored program of physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as all types of specialized care under one roof.

Read our reviews on senioradvisor.com, wellness.com, and caring.com to hear what our residents and their families have to say.

Or better yet, come see for yourself. Contact us to schedule a tour by clicking here or by calling (372) 787-8100.