image created with Canva
From Low to Go: all you need to know about Testosterone
When you think of testosterone what comes to mind? the hormone that puts hairs on your chest, powers a man’s sex drive or perhaps what causes young men in bars to throw punches over a woman they don’t even know? Yup, From Low to Go: Testosterone.
What exactly is it and how does it impact your emotions, your mental health or your ability to get off the couch? Let’s take a deep dive into it.
Testosterone is a hormone created in a males testicles and while Women also produce testosterone it isn’t in as large amounts. Testosterone plays a critical role in men’s health, affecting everything from muscle mass and bone density to mood and sexual function.
Low levels of testosterone, known as hypogonadism, can have a range of negative impacts on men’s health, including decreased energy, muscle weakness, reduced libido, and even depression.
image sourced from Canva
Today we take a look at the impacts of low testosterone and provide some methods for you to boost your testosterone levels naturally, as well as an overview of available medical treatments.
Low Testosterone Impacts
Decreased energy levels: Testosterone helps to regulate energy levels and is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism. Low levels of testosterone can cause feelings of fatigue and reduced motivation.
Muscle weakness: Testosterone is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. Men with low testosterone levels may experience reduced muscle mass and strength.
Reduced libido: Testosterone plays a key role in sexual function, and low levels of testosterone can cause reduced libido and erectile dysfunction. It is estimated that around 40% of men suffer some form of erectile dysfunction, a topic more men are talking about today.
Depression: Testosterone helps to regulate mood, and men with low testosterone levels may experience symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Bone density: Testosterone is essential for maintaining healthy bone density. Men with low testosterone levels may be at higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
The most common cause of low testosterone is Klinefelter syndrome with an estimated 1 in 500 males born with the congenital condition with the majority unaware they have it and have never sought treatment.
If you are experiencing any of the above health issues consult your doctor and do not attempt to self diagnose yourself with Klinefelter Syndrome with Dr Google. Seek specialist support.
image source canva
Natural Ways to Boost Testosterone
In most cases the lowering of testosterone produced by your body is due to you getting older as with all things aging also impacts your testosterone levels the other factor is lifestyle choices.
Your diet, the amount of physical activity you do will also drastically reduce your testosterone levels. So here are some ways you can boost your Libido, I mean testosterone levels and it won’t cost you a thing.
Exercise: Regular exercise, especially strength training, can help boost testosterone levels. As muscles tear and grow under the strain of strength training, your body will lift it’s testosterone levels to meet its needs. Although any form of physical activity will greatly help in boosting your testosterone levels.
Weight loss: Maintaining a healthy weight can help improve testosterone levels. Men who are overweight or obese are more likely to have low testosterone levels.
Healthy diet: A diet rich in healthy fats, such as those found in nuts and olive oil, can help boost testosterone levels. Avoiding processed foods and sugar is also recommended.
Getting enough sleep: Lack of sleep can negatively impact testosterone levels. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
image sourced from Canva
In severe cases of low testosterone there are medical treatments available to support men in regaining control of their lives:
Testosterone replacement therapy: Testosterone replacement therapy involves the use of synthetic testosterone to replace the body’s natural testosterone. This can be administered through injections, patches, gels, or pellets.
Clomiphene citrate: Clomiphene citrate is a medication that stimulates the body to produce more testosterone naturally.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): hCG is a hormone that stimulates the body to produce more testosterone naturally.
low testosterone can have a range of negative impacts on men’s health that may also cause relationship issues, which is why it’s important for men to talk to their doctor about any concerns they may have about their testosterone levels, maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of regular exercise and sleep.