The Effect of Low Testosterone on Belly Fat
There is a significant correlation between belly fat and low testosterone. Fat contains an enzyme called aromatase that converts excess testosterone in the body into estrogen. When estrogen levels increase, the body is given a trigger to slow down its production of testosterone. Testosterone helps to control the storage of fat, and when the level of testosterone decreases, the amount of fat increases. This creates a cyclical effect that continues to lower the production and level of testosterone available in the body.
This connection between testosterone and belly fat is extremely dangerous for a person’s overall health. Low T, the condition of low testosterone levels, is also linked to conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and heart disease. Depression is another issue often present in men with Low T.
While it is a natural process that testosterone production declines with age, the acceleration of this process based on the low testosterone belly fat connection can create serious problems as the years pass by. Muscle mass and bone density both rely on testosterone, and the increase in belly fat can speed up the decline of the integrity of the musculoskeletal system.
Why Low Testosterone Increases Belly Fat
Belly fat and testosterone levels often instigate a “which came first – chicken or egg” – type of discussion. For years, the medical community viewed obesity as the cause of testosterone production decline. The increase in aromatase brought about by belly fat was the known cause of testosterone being converted into estradiol – the primary type of estrogen in the body.
It is only during the past few years that there has been a change in the way we view belly fat and low testosterone. There is now a verified understanding that Low T itself causes obesity. This can be seen in men whose testosterone levels start to decline at some point after the age of thirty who then begin to lose their chiseled six pack abs and start to develop a slight abdominal paunch.
This low testosterone belly fat connection may be the early signs that can lead to metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. The lower testosterone levels get, the harder it is to lose weight. As belly fat increases, testosterone levels continue to decline.
How to Reduce Belly Fat with Testosterone Treatment
The ability to reverse the belly fat, low testosterone cycle is right at our fingertips. Doctors specializing in hormone replacement therapy can prescribe a course of testosterone treatment that can raise the level of testosterone in the body. This treatment has been proven extremely effective in reducing overall body weight, insulin resistance, and belly fat.
The HRT specialist will check blood testosterone levels for a deficiency. If this decline is detected in the results of blood testing, the doctor will prescribe the proper dosage and frequency of treatment that will then be able to reduce the amount of estradiol and aromatase in the body, protecting the increase in testosterone from this conversion.
The ability to reduce belly fat and testosterone decline with the appropriate treatment can improve heart health, strengthen bones, increase energy, rebuild lean muscle mass, and improve overall mood and outlook.
National HRT doctors and medical staff work with each person to ensure that the desired results from hormone replacement therapy are achieved. If you are ready to deal with the belly fat testosterone connection to improve your overall health, please contact us for a free consultation.
National HRT Staff
Please note that the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.