What is testosterone?
Testosterone is a sex hormone. Hormones are chemical messengers in the body. They affect many different processes in the body from one organ or another in the body, usually through the bloodstream.
Testosterone is the main sex hormone for men. It is essential for male growth, development, and male characteristics.
Signals sent from the brain to the pituitary gland at the base of the brain control testosterone production in men. The pituitary gland then sends signals to the testes to produce testosterone. A “feedback loop” closely regulates hormone levels in the blood. When testosterone levels rise too high, the brain signals the pituitary gland to reduce testosterone production.
What does testosterone do?
Testosterone plays a variety of important roles in the body, such as
- Development of the penis and testicles
- Deepening of the voice during puberty
- The appearance of facial and pubic hair from puberty may play a role in baldness later in life
- Muscle size and strength
- Bone growth and strength
- Sex drive (libido)
Pubertal boys with too little testosterone may not masculinize properly. For example, the genitals may not enlarge, facial and body hair may be sparse, and the voice may not deepen normally.
Testosterone also helps maintain a normal mood. This hormone may have other important functions that have not yet been discovered.
Natural ways to maintain testosterone
- Exercise And Weight Lifting
Focus your workout on your muscles. Go to the weight room at the gym or have a trainer help you with moves on the exercise equipment. Cardio has its benefits, but it doesn’t boost testosterone like strength training does. Be careful not to over-exercise. Excessive exercise can send your testosterone levels in the opposite direction.
- Consume Protein, Fat and Carbohydrates
Eating enough protein can help you maintain healthy testosterone levels and help reduce fat, which may also be beneficial. Additionally, continued dieting or binge eating may disrupt testosterone levels. Consuming healthy fats also helps support testosterone levels and hormone balance. Some studies have shown that a low-fat diet may lower testosterone levels.
Therefore, a nutritious, well-rounded diet is best based on whole foods. A healthy balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates can help optimize hormone levels and support overall health.
- Minimize Stress and Cortisol Levels
Prolonged periods of stress raise cortisol levels in the body, which is also known as the “stress hormone.” As cortisol levels rise, testosterone levels fall. Because of this connection, it is important to do what you can to control stress, such as through conscious meditation, deep breathing, exercise, healthy eating, and therapy.
- Increase Vitamin D Intake
Vitamin D is a micronutrient that plays a key role in many aspects of health. Despite its importance, up to 1 billion people worldwide are deficient. Some research shows that low vitamin D levels may be linked to lower testosterone levels. To maintain healthy levels of vitamin D, try to get regular exposure to sunlight or consider taking a vitamin D3 supplement as directed by a healthcare professional.
- Watch Your Alcohol Intake
It only takes 5 days of regular alcohol consumption for your testosterone levels to drop. Alcohol may damage many parts of the body’s hormone system. Alcoholics can experience shrinkage of the testicles, thinning of chest hair and beards, and increased levels of the female hormone estrogen.
Testosterone therapy
There is little evidence to prove that testosterone therapy or marketed testosterone supplements can help men with age-related testosterone problems.
Testosterone therapy and hormone optimization may, however, be helpful when the body cannot produce testosterone on its own.
Because testosterone therapy is not suitable for everyone, the best way to increase testosterone levels is naturally.
Men may be eligible for testosterone therapy when they have significantly low levels of active (free) testosterone and symptoms such as:
- generalized weakness
- low energy
- disabling frailty
- depression
- problems with sexual function
- problems with cognition.
Anyone concerned about their testosterone levels should see their doctor for a testosterone test but also to discuss lifestyle changes and whether testosterone therapy or supplementation may help.
Testosterone Therapy and Fertility
Both now and in the future, people interested in getting pregnant should give special consideration when undergoing testosterone therapy. This is because testosterone therapy can negatively affect sperm production, which is somewhat ironic since testosterone is required for sperm production. This is because testosterone therapy reduces the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is another hormone needed for sperm production. In some cases, taking extra testosterone medication can cause sperm to not be produced at all, a condition known as azoospermia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about raising testosterone.
- What happens when a person tries to raise testosterone?
Testosterone has many effects on men, including regulating libido, enhancing bone mass, muscle mass, and strength, and producing sperm.
- Is it good to take testosterone boosters?
Some research sources have found that testosterone booster supplements and medications may pose some health risks. Always consult your doctor before taking any supplement or booster. There are many ways to boost testosterone naturally, such as through exercise, a nutritious diet, and getting enough sleep.
- Do women produce testosterone?
Women produce small amounts of testosterone. Testosterone combines with estrogen to help repair reproductive tissues, promote growth, and maintain sexual behavior. However, too much testosterone can lead to symptoms such as excess body hair or a deeper voice.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT TESTOSTERONE LEVELS
If you are a male experiencing fatigue and low sex drive, speak with us about having your testosterone levels evaluated. Even if it isn’t testosterone causing your symptoms, meeting with Vancouver Laser is the first step to pinpointing what’s behind them.
If your testosterone levels are low, we will likely run more tests and help you work toward a solution, whether it’s through natural ways to boost testosterone or testosterone therapy.
