When Testosterone Therapy Might Help
Men who are no longer interested in conceiving may benefit from safe, monitored testosterone replacement therapy. Some patients with genetic issues that cause subfertility, such as Klinefelter’s syndrome, may also benefit.
Natural options
- Lose a few pounds: Approximately 30% of obese men have low-T. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, the more muscle you have, the less likely your body is to store excess calories as fat. However, some research suggests that low-T contributes to weight gain it’s a vicious cycle. Start by cutting belly fat, which is good for your heart health and general wellness.
- Eat a healthy diet: For full-body health and hormone balance, consider the Mediterranean diet, which focuses on lean proteins, healthy fats, and plant-based foods. Also enjoy foods that are high in vitamin D, which supports testosterone production, strong bones, and mood. Some of these include eggs, salmon, and mushrooms.
- Rethink online viewing habits: Pornography is readily available online and it can perpetuate skewed expectations for what masculinity and sexual virility should feel like. Your body was not designed to perform sexually for hours on end what you’re seeing on the screen is cinematography, not reality.
Medication options
Should You Use Cbd To Support Testosterone
Its important to note that all cannabinoids are going to affect your testosterone levels because of their relationship with the ECS.
Research is still being fueled into CBD and testosterone. The majority of evidence suggests that using CBD daily wont increase your testosterone levels, but its not going to decrease them either.
However, by influencing certain processes in the brain, CBD can ease stress, reduce pain and tension, help us achieve more restful sleep, and regulate other functions that contribute to higher testosterone concentrations.
So, while CBD oil alone wont directly affect your testosterone levels, its balancing effects on the endocannabinoid system can make it a desired side effect.
Side Effects Of Testosterone Therapy
Testosterone levels start declining in his 30s and many feel that their energy levels and libido are on a slippery slope, too. Many American men end up using prescription testosterone gels and injections, but not everyone needs it. Experts suggest that in most males, testosterone levels are normal and only a lab test can tell you whether your symptoms are actually due to low testosterone.10
Testosterone replacement therapy for women is used in cases of sexual dysfunction, menopause, oophorectomy, low libido and the use of oral estrogens.11 Testosterone propionate is also used to treat certain breast cancers in women,12 though testosterone propionate side effects for men include a temporary anti-fertility action.13
Testosterone is available in the form of injections, boosters and supplements, transdermal gels and patches, implants or pellets and oral pills. There are, however, many side effects of synthetic as well as natural testosterone and one must tread with caution. Only those with a serious deficiency should opt for it.
Testosterone therapy is advised for the treatment of hypogonadism in men but it comes with many side effects.14
Also Check: Can Low Estrogen Cause Migraines
Low Testosterone Prevalence: How Common Is Low T
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 1 in 4 men between ages 30 and 79 had total testosterone levels less than 300 nanograms;per deciliter , which is generally considered the low end of the normal range. And there were no differences between men of different races or ethnic groups. But not all were feeling the effects of low T. Of the men tested, 12 percent reported having low libido and 16 percent had erectile dysfunction.
But the prevalence of symptomatic androgen deficiency meaning low levels of T that cause discernable health problems are on the rise, according to the study authors. Findings project that by the year 2025, as many as 6.5 million American men ages 30 to 79 will have symptomatic androgen deficiency, which is a 38 percent jump from 2000 population estimates.
Risks And Side Effects

Healthy testosterone levels are important for both men and women. For people dealing with low testosterone, these natural remedies and foods that boost testosterone may be able to help normalize your levels.
Its important to consult your health care professional about what steps you are taking to maintain healthy testosterone. This is especially true if you are beginning any new supplement for increased testosterone.
Read Also: Does Estrogen Help With Weight Loss
What Are The Effects Of Testosterone On Your Body
By James McAra
Testosterone is one of the most important hormonal chemicals when it comes to the male physique, sex drive and everyday mood.
Without it, you would find yourself growing excessive breast tissue, fat would be stored mainly on the hips, thighs and rear, and your emotions would be leaning towards a more sensitive nature.
Commonly referred to as the King of hormones it allows boys to transform into men and helps you produce strength, muscle mass and all of the other features associated with being male.
Testosterone is mainly produced in the testes by the Leydig cells and is classed as an androgen. Its what helps create typically male features.
Does Testosterone Mean More Muscle
Yes. And no. Yes and no. Increased testosterone offers the potential for more muscle, true, and this can be effective. However, long-term use of testosterone supplements or anabolic steroids have their downsides. The journal PLOS One found that when you take an artificial T hit, your body slows down testosterone production naturally as it registers enough T to do the job for the time being. Take enough steroids and the slowdown becomes permanent.
Also Check: What Is Melatonin Made From
What Does Androgen And Anabolic Mean
Testosterone is both anabolic and androgenic.
Anabolic refers to the way in which proteins are broken down and metabolized.
The effects include the growth of muscle mass and strength and increasing bone density and strength.
Androgen refers to the development of male characteristics, such as a deepening of the voice, body hair growth and more defined facial features.
Generally, testosterone levels are at their highest from 05:30 08:00 am and then again at 18:30 22:00 pm.
For the majority of men, having a well built, toned and strong body is something that is seen as desirable. Without testosterone, building and maintaining large and strong muscles would be impossible.
Boosting testosterone can be achieved with a subcutaneous implant, injections, gels and transdermal patches which all work in different ways to increase the hormone levels via medication.
Women require a small quantity of testosterone, just as every man will require a small quantity of the predominantly female hormone estrogen. When there is a chemical imbalance between the two, it can change the way that the body develops and forms.
As an example, a male who has excessive amounts of estrogen and lower amounts of testosterone will experience swelling of the breast tissue fat accumulation in the lower abdominals, hips, thighs, chest and rear.
A lower level of testosterone will also slow down hair loss and reduce the amount of body hair.
What Happens To Testosterone In The Blood
As testosterone moves through your body in your blood, its changed or metabolised into other sex hormones, oestradiol and dihydrotestosterone . Oestradiol, known as the female sex hormone, is also important for your bone health and for preventing osteoporosis. DHT is a powerful androgen thats made from testosterone in some parts of your body, such as your skin and prostate.;
Read Also: Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Covered By Medicare
What Does Testosterone Do For The Body Exactly
Suspect youre suffering from low testosterone? Youre not alone, and knowledge is power. What does testosterone do for the body? Find out here.
What makes a man, a man?
Ask 100 people and youll get 100 different answers. Some will say how he treats others. Some will say strength and stamina. And still, others will cite perseverance or kindness and care for other.
But the question becomes easier, and the answers more consistent, when we focus that question on the biological. What makes a man a man? Traits that start to appear as a young teen like face and body hair, more muscles and even getting taller. All traits that are brought on by the increase in production of a hormone called;testosterone.
How Do Hormones Control The Testes
The pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, located at the base of the brain, control the production of hormones and sperm. Your hypothalamus makes gonadotropin-releasing hormone , which controls the release of other hormones from the pituitary gland. Luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone are the two important messenger hormones that your pituitary gland makes, which then act on your testicles to make testosterone and sperm.
You May Like: How Many Mg Melatonin Is Safe
The Many Effects Of Testosterone On Your Body
Did you know that men start producing testosterone even before birth? This hormone starts manufacturing as early as seven weeks after conception; it is what forms the male genitals. Women also produce the male hormone testosterone, but in very small quantities.1
There are many effects of the sex hormone testosterone on the body. It is produced in a mans testicles and in small amounts in a womans ovaries. Some of it is also produced in the adrenal glands of both sexes. Testosterone has effects on behavior, brain, face, muscles and more, primarily in the male body. So naturally, an imbalance of testosterone levels, just like any other hormone, can lead to a bundle of problems.
How Is Low Testosterone Diagnosed

Low testosterone is diagnosed by measuring the amount of testosterone in the blood with a blood test. It may take several measurements to determine if a patient has low testosterone, since levels tend to change throughout the day. The highest levels of testosterone are generally in the morning, near 8 a.m. This is why doctors prefer to measure testosterone levels in the early morning.
You May Like: How To Produce More Melatonin
Signs Of Low Testosterone In Men
Testosterone is a naturally produced hormone thats found in both men and woman along with many animals.1 While men have a much higher percentage of testosterone than women, the hormone helps keep bodily functions working in balance for both sexes. In males, the testicles make the majority of testosterone and in women, the ovaries make small amounts of testosterone.1 The endocrine system monitors your bodys hormone levels and sends signals to your organs to produce testosterone when needed. In addition to the sex organs, the adrenal glands of both men and women also contribute to producing testosterone.
When speaking about testosterone levels, we primarily associate it with men, as its directly linked to puberty, sex drive, and mood.1 When testosterone levels are too high, it can cause changes in behavior and increased sex drives. When testosterone levels are too low, men will often experience a range of symptoms.2 The problem is, many of these symptoms are subtle, so its difficult to notice them unless you know what to look out for. In this article, well cover 11 signs of low testosterone in men.
Understand The Potential Risks And Consider Alternatives Before Boosting Your Hormones Indefinitely
Millions of American men use a prescription testosterone injection or gel as forms of testosterone replacement therapy to restore normal levels of the manly hormone. The ongoing pharmaceutical marketing blitz promises that low T treatment can make men feel more alert, energetic, mentally sharp, and sexually functional. However, legitimate safety concerns linger. For example, some older men on testosterone replacement therapy could face higher cardiac risks.
“Because of the marketing, men have been flooded with information about the potential benefit of fixing low testosterone, but not with the potential costs,” says Dr. Carl Pallais, an endocrinologist and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. “Men should be much more mindful of the possible long-term complications.”
Signs of low testosteroneDeclining muscle and bone mass Increased body fat |
Don’t Miss: How Long Can You Take Bioidentical Hormones
Cabbage To Flush Out Female Hormones
King of the veg patch, cabbage is full of a chemical called indole-3-carbinol, which rids your blood of girly hormones. Healthy men took 500mg daily for a week at Rockefeller University; their oestrogen levels halved, making testosterone more effective. Its time to become more of a man at meal times.
Causes Of Low Testosterone Levels
There are many reasons as to why testosterone levels can decrease rapidly.
These can range from age to health related issues and the amount of reduction will vary depending on each males genetic makeup. The following are a list of some of the most common causes for low testosterone levels:
Calorie Intake: Too few or too many calories consumed can have a direct effect on testosterone levels. A certain amount of calories are needed in the production of testosterone, too few and not enough can be produced, too many and the body focuses on metabolizing instead of producing hormones.
Fat Intake: Most men need a mix of mono and saturated fats to optimize testosterone levels. If too little fat is consumed, the body cannot efficiently produce many of the bodys required hormones. The fat also helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins and minerals needed to produce testosterone.
Drug Use: Drug use can affect the brains capabilities of producing hormones and electronic signals that let the body know when a certain hormone level drops. Drugs are a leading cause of disturbed testosterone levels.
Sexual Activity: A healthy sex life helps stimulate the production of testosterone. Being the main sex hormone, the body produces and replenishes testosterone each time sexual activity takes place. This can be from foreplay, masturbation and full intercourse.
Less SHBG means less testosterone. Losing weight through exercise can increase testosterone.
You May Like: How Much Does Testosterone Therapy Cost
Look For The Right Ingredients
There are many ingredients that vary from one brand to another when it comes to popular testosterone booster supplements. Your best bet is to choose one that has ingredients that are backed by science and proven to have the effects that you want. For example, the key ingredient fenugreek that is primarily produced in India is also known for its anabolic properties. This means that it can help to significantly improve your strength in just a few weeks of consumption. Zinc is another good ingredient that can help your body to recover faster, improve sleep, and increase muscular strength. When you do get sound sleep and enjoy improved muscular strength, it definitely is a win-win situation for you. Other ingredients to look out for are ashwagandha, D-Aspartic acid, and so one which are natural ingredients that can help to restore your testosterone levels.
Garlic For Muscle Maintenance
Banish vampires and weak muscles alike: garlic contains allicin, a compound that lowers levels of stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol competes with testosterone for the same sites within muscle cells, says nutrition consultant Alan Gordon. Ditch the cortisol, then the testosterone can get to work. Garlics more potent uncooked.
You May Like: How To Test Testosterone Levels At Home
Other Natural Testosterone Boosters
In addition to consuming more foods that boost testosterone, the following lifestyle changes can help with T levels.
1. Intermittent Fasting
The first of the natural testosterone boosters is intermittent fasting.
One of the biggest;intermittent fasting benefits? Its been shown to increase testosterone by nearly 200 percent or even up to 400 percent.
In addition, a study by the University of Virginia Medical School noted that growth hormone levels increased 2,000 percent over the baseline in men who ate no calories for 24 hours, and growth hormone levels are correlated with testosterone.
Intermittent fasting allows your organs to rest, especially your liver, which is so crucial for naturally balancing hormones, especially testosterone.
2. Heavy Weight Training and Interval Training
If you want to naturally boost testosterone and HGH, then combine weight training with HIIT workouts .
Go to the gym at least three days a week, and lift heavy weights. Lifting heavy weights for six to 12 reps with larger muscle groups like your quadriceps, hamstrings, back, shoulders and chest will help your body pack on the maximum amount of muscle.
Researchers at Ball State University found that strength training can induce growth hormone and testosterone release.
Burst training involves exercising at 90 percent to 100 percent of your maximum effort for a short interval in order to burn your bodys stored sugar , followed by a period of low impact for recovery.
3. Liver Detox
5. Vitamin D
The Benefits Of Naturally Boosting Your Testosterone Levels

Boosting testosterone naturally will always be a safer and cheaper alternative to boosting your levels by injecting steroids.
The body can naturally control the amount of testosterone produced when boosted using natural methods. Injection of anabolic steroids bypasses the bodys regulatory system, leading to dangerous levels of the hormone in the body.
Too much testosterone is equally as bad as not enough of it and can lead to many complications with the bodys and brains workings. Taking advantage of tablet and powder supplementation ensures that optimum testosterone is produced while remaining in safe levels.
Having perfect testosterone levels helps ensure that you can lead an active and healthy sex life without the worry of erectile dysfunction; maintains sexual desire and ensures that the prostate gland works to the best of its ability.
There are also the added benefits of a reduction in stress and anxiety issues and the proper regulation of mood. Of course, the main benefit that most men are looking for is an improved physique and correct distribution of body fat.
Having lean muscle mass helps reduce the percentage of body fat by naturally burning more calories per day. This helps lead to a more muscular and defined body.
Don’t Miss: What Female Hormone Causes Weight Gain