Last issue I debunked 5 myths about testosterone and testosterone replacement therapy. This issue, I’m tackling 5 more misconceptions. By the time you finish reading this article, I believe you’ll be motivated to get your testosterone level checked if you haven’t done so already. Then take the necessary steps to keep those levels up. Your health depends on it.

Myth #6: Testosterone replacement therapy doesn’t prevent muscle and strength loss due to aging.

In past issues I’ve warned of the debilitating effects of sarcopenia, a muscle atrophy condition common in older folks, and a major cause of frailty, disability and death. Sarcopenia begins in your 30s, about the same time that testosterone starts its decline. By your 50s, you’re losing 10% to 20% of your muscle mass every decade, if you don’t do something to stop it.

It’s no coincidence that as your testosterone levels fall, the rate of muscle tissue loss increases. The loss in testosterone is directly related to a decreased rate of muscle protein synthesis, contractile structure formation and the force-generating capabilities of muscle cells. Fortunately, testosterone replacement therapy, combined with the right diet and exercise, can reverse the muscle loss. I’m living proof!

Myth #7: Testosterone replacement therapy doesn’t prevent age-related disease.

Last issue I talked about how important testosterone is for heart and prostate health. In fact, a 20-year study revealed men with low levels of testosterone are at a 33% greater risk of dying within 18 years compared with men with higher levels.

Low testosterone is an independent risk factor for Type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome as well as associated with bone loss (osteoporosis) and increased body fat, especially abdominal fat.

But it’s not just our bodies that are at risk from too little testosterone. Our brains have more testosterone receptors than anywhere in the body except the heart. Age-related cognitive decline, dementia/ Alzheimer’s, memory loss, depression and anxiety all are strongly associated with testosterone loss.

Testosterone replacement therapy can turn the clock back on age-related disease and help you think and feel better.

Myth #8: Testosterone replacement therapy doesn’t prevent age-related declines in sexual function.

An important indicator that your testosterone is low is if you’re no longer having early morning erections. I find this is a very common problem in my male patients over 40. The next thing to go may be a decline in sex drive and sexual thoughts throughout the day. After that could be loss of sexual function. In fact, about a third of American men experience a significant level of erectile dysfunction (ED) between ages 40 to 70.

Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you have to leave sex behind. Restoring your natural testosterone levels can improve sexual function, penile hardness and libido. And, as we’ve already seen, it can improve your mood, strength and energy level, which will also do wonders for your sex life!