Something many men overlook is how closely connected key systems in the body really are. When one starts to slip, others often follow. If you’ve been dealing with low energy, muscle loss, or unexplained fatigue, there may be more at play than just aging or stress. This article walks you through a critical connection that …
Something many men overlook is how closely connected key systems in the body really are. When one starts to slip, others often follow. If you’ve been dealing with low energy, muscle loss, or unexplained fatigue, there may be more at play than just aging or stress. This article walks you through a critical connection that often goes unnoticed.
Low Testosterone and Kidney Health
Men with CKD often experience testosterone deficiency, which can worsen muscle wasting, fatigue, and overall well-being. At the same time, low testosterone itself can increase the risk of kidney problems, forming a vicious cycle.
This isn’t just theory. A 2024 study published in Translational Andrology and Urology highlights how testosterone levels are tightly linked to kidney health. When testosterone is low, the body struggles with muscle loss, bone thinning, poor red blood cell production, and even higher cardiovascular risk, all of which are already major problems in CKD.
Does Testosterone Therapy Help Kidney Function?
Testosterone therapy isn’t just about libido and energy. It might also play a protective role for your kidneys.
A significant increase in GFR (glomerular filtration rate), from 87.0 to 98.0 mL/min/1.73m²
Meanwhile, the control group of men who skipped therapy saw worsening kidney function and higher cardiovascular-related mortality.
That’s a huge deal. GFR is one of the most important markers of kidney health, and seeing it rise over time is rare, especially in aging men.
What Are the Risks of Testosterone Therapy if You Have Kidney Problems?
Not all outcomes are positive. Testosterone therapy while dealing with kidney problems may cause:
Fluid retention
Blood pressure spikes
Potential issues in people with existing heart failure
This is especially relevant if your kidneys already struggle with fluid balance. That’s why nephrologists emphasize individualized treatment and close monitoring, especially for people with moderate to advanced CKD.
Should You Take Testosterone if You Have CKD?
It depends. If you’re dealing with symptoms like fatigue, muscle loss, low libido, or depression, and labs show low testosterone, therapy might help. In CKD, testosterone deficiency can worsen anemia and reduce physical strength. TRT can counter those effects by:
Boosting muscle mass and bone density
Increasing red blood cell production (erythropoiesis)
Improving insulin sensitivity and fat distribution
Enhancing energy and mental clarity
Just know that all of this should be done under supervision. Collaboration between your nephrologist and endocrinologist is key for balancing hormones while protecting kidney function.
Can Low Testosterone Worsen Kidney-Related Symptoms?
Absolutely. Low testosterone in CKD is tied to:
Mood swings and depression
Reduced libido and sexual function
Increased fatigue and muscle wasting
Higher inflammation and oxidative stress
These effects feed into poor quality of life and worsen existing conditions. There’s evidence that testosterone therapy can help stabilize these symptoms, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For instance, testosterone might not be ideal for people who already have severe fluid retention or advanced heart failure, two common issues in kidney disease.
Conditions That Impact Testosterone, Kidneys, and Hormone Imbalance
You’re more likely to face both testosterone deficiency and kidney stress if you’re dealing with:
Type 2 diabetes
Obesity or metabolic syndrome
High blood pressure
Autoimmune disorders
Chronic stress
In these cases, your hormone and kidney health are deeply intertwined. Treating one often means addressing the other. Since chronic stress and metabolic dysfunction can deplete magnesium and disrupt hormonal balance, adding a high-quality supplement like Beelith magnesium tablets can be a smart move. Beelith’s blend of magnesium and vitamin B6 helps correct deficiencies, supports kidney health, and supports stable testosterone levels.
Watch for Early Warning Signs
If you’re considering TRT and have a history of kidney problems, stay alert for:
Swelling in the legs or hands
Unusual fatigue, even with treatment
Shortness of breath
Changes in urination
These symptoms could point to fluid overload, changes in kidney function, or blood pressure issues. Blood work should always be done regularly, including creatinine, GFR, and electrolyte panels.
What About Natural Ways to Support Testosterone and Kidney Function?
Here are a few habits that make a big difference:
Get enough sleep, 7 to 9 hours per night.
Avoid overtraining, which depletes testosterone and magnesium.
Limit processed sugar and alcohol, both of which hurt testosterone and kidneys.
Stay hydrated, especially if you’re prone to kidney stones. Learn more about hydration and magnesium.
Eat more whole foods, leafy greens, fish, nuts, and eggs. Stay away from processed foods. The fresher and more unprocessed, the better.
Stay away from estrogenic foods such as soy, chickpeas, alcohol, etc.
Plastic is almost anywhere, but reducing the amount of plastic packaged products also helps to increase testosterone. The biggest change would be to ignore plastic bottles and opt for glass bottles.
Key Takeaways
Low testosterone and kidney problems often go hand-in-hand, especially in men with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Testosterone therapy (TRT) may improve kidney function, with long-term studies showing increased GFR and reduced urea and uric acid levels.
TRT can also reduce cardiovascular-related mortality in men with low testosterone when monitored correctly.
Risks of TRT include fluid retention and elevated blood pressure, especially in men with advanced kidney disease or heart conditions.
Magnesium and vitamin B6 deficiencies are common in both CKD and testosterone deficiency, which makes a supplement like Beelith magnesium tablets a smart support option.
Early warning signs to watch for while on TRT include swelling, fatigue, and changes in urination, which could signal kidney stress.
Healthy habits such as quality sleep, hydration, and clean eating support testosterone levels and kidney function naturally.
Avoid estrogenic foods and reduce plastic exposure, as both can negatively affect hormone balance.
Magnesium is important for testosterone metabolism and kidney stone prevention, especially in people under chronic stress or taking diuretics.
Work with your doctor before starting TRT, especially if you have existing kidney or heart issues.
FAQ
Can testosterone therapy increase creatinine levels?
Yes, but it depends on your muscle mass. More muscle can slightly increase serum creatinine without harming kidney function.
Is testosterone therapy safe for someone with one kidney?
It can be safe if monitored closely. Testosterone doesn’t automatically stress a single kidney, but lab work should be done often. Read more here.
Can testosterone improve energy in people with CKD?
Yes. Low testosterone is tied to fatigue, and therapy may help, especially if anemia is also present.
Should I stop TRT if my blood pressure increases?
Not necessarily. It may be possible to manage the pressure with medication or lifestyle tweaks. Talk to your doctor first.
Can magnesium help testosterone therapy work better?
Yes. Magnesium helps boost free testosterone levels and improves the body’s hormonal response. It also supports kidney function, which is crucial during TRT.
Steve Jenkins is an accomplished leader in the pharmaceutical industry. He’s the Executive Chairman of Beach Pharmaceuticals, a role he’s been flourishing in since January 2017. Jenkins brings a solid scientific foundation to his work, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Florida. His strong background and many years of experience in the industry give him unique insights and a deep understanding of the field.
Testosterone Therapy and Kidney Function
Something many men overlook is how closely connected key systems in the body really are. When one starts to slip, others often follow. If you’ve been dealing with low energy, muscle loss, or unexplained fatigue, there may be more at play than just aging or stress. This article walks you through a critical connection that …
Something many men overlook is how closely connected key systems in the body really are. When one starts to slip, others often follow. If you’ve been dealing with low energy, muscle loss, or unexplained fatigue, there may be more at play than just aging or stress. This article walks you through a critical connection that often goes unnoticed.
Low Testosterone and Kidney Health
Men with CKD often experience testosterone deficiency, which can worsen muscle wasting, fatigue, and overall well-being. At the same time, low testosterone itself can increase the risk of kidney problems, forming a vicious cycle.
This isn’t just theory. A 2024 study published in Translational Andrology and Urology highlights how testosterone levels are tightly linked to kidney health. When testosterone is low, the body struggles with muscle loss, bone thinning, poor red blood cell production, and even higher cardiovascular risk, all of which are already major problems in CKD.
Does Testosterone Therapy Help Kidney Function?
Testosterone therapy isn’t just about libido and energy. It might also play a protective role for your kidneys.
A long-term study that tracked 496 men with hypogonadism (testosterone ≤350 ng/dL) over eight years found compelling results. The men who received testosterone undecanoate injections every 12 weeks showed:
Meanwhile, the control group of men who skipped therapy saw worsening kidney function and higher cardiovascular-related mortality.
That’s a huge deal. GFR is one of the most important markers of kidney health, and seeing it rise over time is rare, especially in aging men.
What Are the Risks of Testosterone Therapy if You Have Kidney Problems?
Not all outcomes are positive. Testosterone therapy while dealing with kidney problems may cause:
This is especially relevant if your kidneys already struggle with fluid balance. That’s why nephrologists emphasize individualized treatment and close monitoring, especially for people with moderate to advanced CKD.
Should You Take Testosterone if You Have CKD?
It depends. If you’re dealing with symptoms like fatigue, muscle loss, low libido, or depression, and labs show low testosterone, therapy might help. In CKD, testosterone deficiency can worsen anemia and reduce physical strength. TRT can counter those effects by:
Just know that all of this should be done under supervision. Collaboration between your nephrologist and endocrinologist is key for balancing hormones while protecting kidney function.
Can Low Testosterone Worsen Kidney-Related Symptoms?
Absolutely. Low testosterone in CKD is tied to:
These effects feed into poor quality of life and worsen existing conditions. There’s evidence that testosterone therapy can help stabilize these symptoms, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For instance, testosterone might not be ideal for people who already have severe fluid retention or advanced heart failure, two common issues in kidney disease.
Conditions That Impact Testosterone, Kidneys, and Hormone Imbalance
You’re more likely to face both testosterone deficiency and kidney stress if you’re dealing with:
In these cases, your hormone and kidney health are deeply intertwined. Treating one often means addressing the other. Since chronic stress and metabolic dysfunction can deplete magnesium and disrupt hormonal balance, adding a high-quality supplement like Beelith magnesium tablets can be a smart move. Beelith’s blend of magnesium and vitamin B6 helps correct deficiencies, supports kidney health, and supports stable testosterone levels.
Watch for Early Warning Signs
If you’re considering TRT and have a history of kidney problems, stay alert for:
These symptoms could point to fluid overload, changes in kidney function, or blood pressure issues. Blood work should always be done regularly, including creatinine, GFR, and electrolyte panels.
What About Natural Ways to Support Testosterone and Kidney Function?
Here are a few habits that make a big difference:
Key Takeaways
FAQ
Yes, but it depends on your muscle mass. More muscle can slightly increase serum creatinine without harming kidney function.
It can be safe if monitored closely. Testosterone doesn’t automatically stress a single kidney, but lab work should be done often. Read more here.
Yes. Low testosterone is tied to fatigue, and therapy may help, especially if anemia is also present.
Not necessarily. It may be possible to manage the pressure with medication or lifestyle tweaks. Talk to your doctor first.
Yes. Magnesium helps boost free testosterone levels and improves the body’s hormonal response. It also supports kidney function, which is crucial during TRT.
Article by Steve JenkinsSteve Jenkins is an accomplished leader in the pharmaceutical industry. He’s the Executive Chairman of Beach Pharmaceuticals, a role he’s been flourishing in since January 2017. Jenkins brings a solid scientific foundation to his work, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Florida. His strong background and many years of experience in the industry give him unique insights and a deep understanding of the field.