What is it?
Testosterone is a hormone produced by the human body. It is mainly produced by the testicles in men. Testosterone affects a man's appearance and sexual development. It stimulates sperm production as well as a man's sex drive. It also helps build muscle and bone mass. Females also produce a small amount of testosterone.
According to “Medical News Today,” a study involving more than 9,000 men living in Europe and the United States found that the normal total testosterone range for males aged 19–39 years is 264–916 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). Levels higher than this are abnormally high.
Signs of high testosterone in male:
- Acne
- Aggressive or risk-taking behaviors
- Excessive body hair
- Headaches
- Heart or liver problems
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High sex drive (libido)
- Increased appetite
- Infertility
- Insomnia
- Low sperm count
- Mood swings
- Prostate enlargement, which may cause difficulty passing urine
- Swelling of the legs and feet
- Unexplained weight gain
Signs of high testosterone in females:
- Acne
- Anxiety or depression
- Darkened, thickened skin
- Deepening of the voice
- Enlarged clitoris
- Excess facial and body hair
- Increased muscle mass
- Infertility
- Irregular periods
- Loss of libido
- Reduction in breast size
- Thinning hair
- Weight gain
Signs of low testosterone men and women:
- Diabetes
- Thyroid problems
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- smoking
- Alcohol use
- Depression
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Difficulty with erection. While testosterone stimulates a man’s sex drive, it also aids in achieving and maintaining an erection. Testosterone alone does not cause an erection, but it stimulates receptors in the brain to produce nitric oxide.Nitric oxide is a molecule that helps trigger a series of chemical reactions necessary for an erection to occur. When testosterone levels are too low, a man may have difficulty achieving an erection prior to sex or having spontaneous erections (for example, during sleep). However, testosterone is only one of many factors that aid in adequate erections.
- Low sex drive: Testosterone plays a key role in libido (sex drive) in men. Some men may experience a decline in sex drive as they age. However, someone with low T will likely experience a more drastic drop in their desire to have sex.
- Low semen volume
- Hair loss: Testosterone plays a role in several body functions, including hair production. Balding is a natural part of aging for many men. While there is an inherited component tobalding, men with low testosterone may experience a loss of body and facial hair, as well.
- Fatigue: decrease in energy levels
- Increased body fat
- Loss in muscle mass
- Decreased bone mass
- Mood changes
- Memory: Both testosterone levels and cognitive functions and particularly memory decline with age.
- Smaller testicle size: smaller-than-average sized testicles
- Low blood counts
- Chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer
- Decreased hemoglobin
- Certain medications
- Inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis (a condition that causes inflammation of the lungs)
- Injury, infection, or loss of the testicles
Natural ways to boost testosterone for men:
- Exercise and lift weights
- Eat protein, fat, and carbs
- Minimize stress
- Minimize cortisol levels
- Get some sun
- Take vitamin D supplements
- Mineral supplements
- Plenty of rest
- Take Essence of Nature LLC Ashwagandha Tincture (backed by studies).
- Follow a healthy lifestyle
- Eat foods with zinc and vitamin D
Foods that lower testosterone:
- Soy or soy-based products
- Licorice root: an ingredient that is commonly used to sweeten candies or beverages
- Vegetable oils, including canola, soybean, corn and cottonseed oil. All are loaded with polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- Processed foods
- Trans fats are unhealthy fats
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Sugar
Is testosterone replacement therapy right for you?
Talking with your doctor is the only way to know if testosterone therapy is right for you.
Forms of testosterone supplements:
- Skinpatch (transdermal): Androderm is a skin patch worn on the arm or upper body. It is applied once a day.
- Gels:AndroGel and Testim come in packets of clear testosterone gel. Testosterone is absorbed directly through the skin when you apply the gel once a day. AndroGel, Axiron, and Fortesta also come in a pump that delivers the amount of testosterone prescribed by your doctor. Natesto is a gel applied inside the nose.
- Mouthpatch: Striant is a tablet that sticks to the upper gums above the incisor, the tooth just to the right or left of the two front Applied twice a day, it continuously releases testosterone into the blood through the oral tissues.
- Injections and implants:Testosterone can also be injected directly into the muscles or implanted as pellets in the soft tissues. Your body slowly absorbs the testosterone into the bloodstream.
- There are oral testosterone pills. Some believe they have a negative effect on the liver.
Why does it matter?
From the age of 25–30, a man’s testosterone levels naturally start to decline. This is a problem because according to “Healthline,” strong research shows a link between low testosterone and obesity, increased disease risk and premature death. Healthy testosterone levels are also important for women, along with other key hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. Therefore, everyone should take the necessary lifestyle steps to optimize testosterone levels. You will improve your health and body at the same time.
How is testosterone tested?
Blood tests are taken more than likely in the mornings. Morning tends to be the time when levels are highest, though levels go up and down during the day. Once results are in, the doctor may or may not send you to do other tests to gather more information.
FYI:
Many men confuse low testosterone with erectile dysfunction. Low testosterone does not necessarily have anything to do with the ability to get an erection. More about low desire and libido follows.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/low-testosterone/warning-signs
https://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/guide/testosterone-replacement-therapy#1
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/signs-of-high-testosterone#signs-in-males
https://www.webmd.com/men/features/low-testosterone-how-to-talk-to-your-doctor#1
https://www.webmd.com/men/guide/testosterone-replacement-therapy-is-it-right-for-you#3