At around 30 men’s testosterone levels begin to decline and continue to do so as they age. Reduced testosterone is often accompanied by decreased libido or sex-drive as well as by its twin brother, erectile dysfunction or ED. Research reveals that up to 40% of men may experience ED at least occasionally.
Erectile dysfunction and low testosterone
There are a number of differing causes for ED and low testosterone, for example certain medications may be associated with ED even where testosterone levels are normal. Again it’s possible that with low testosterone levels erections are normal. However, there appears to be a common thread linking these two conditions and that thread is the condition known as Metabolic Syndrome.
Metabolic Syndrome is described as central obesity (or excessive ‘tummy fat’) plus any two of the following: high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high blood fats (triglyceride) or low HDL-cholesterol ( ‘good cholesterol’). Serious chronic diseases associated with the Metabolic Syndrome, include: cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Hidden curses
Less known is the fact that obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes are often associated with, and may even be a cause of, low testosterone levels and or ED. These may be called ‘hidden curses of Metabolic Syndrome’ because sufferers are often reluctant or even ashamed to discuss these problems with their healthcare providers.
5 ‘lessons’ for improving libido and ED (as posted on the Met-S Care page on Facebook)
Want to improve your libido? Then get your insulin down by cutting out sugar and other refined carbs.
Read more: Met-S Care works with Dis-Chem Pharmacies to empower people living with Metabolic Syndrome to take control of their condition.
Low libido and erectile dysfunction: the hidden curses
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