Testosterone Production in Men
Production and Normal Testosterone Levels in Men
Attaining hormonal balance, normal testosterone levels in men.
Environmental factors can affect adequate production of the
hormone testosterone and normal testosterone levels in men.
Stress, weight, diet and physical activity influence testosterone.
Other factors that affect testosterone production are:
Increased physical activity and strenuous exercise burns more testosterone and can create testosterone depletion.
Intense emotional stress decreases the release of luteinizing hormone LH from the pituitary gland and therefore decreases normal testosterone levels in men. Positive emotions including happiness, contentment and a sense of appreciation can enhance testosterone secretion. Foods high in protein and saturated fat increase testosterone production.
Simple carbohydrates and fiber can decrease testosterone production.
The condition of one's environment can significantly affect hormonal balance in both men and women. Unfortunately environmental factors are often not taken into consideration or are entirely disregarded in the assessment of one's hormonal health.
Environmental factors that influence testosterone levels comprise of:
1. Diet and testosterone, the "Testosterone Diet"
The "Paleolithic Diet" also known as "Paleo Diet", "Hunter-Gatherer Diet", "Cavemen Diet" or "Stone Age Diet" is considered to provide the greatest benefits for the health of the endocrine system and experts believe that this diet can help maintain optimal hormonal balance. The Paleolithic Diet consists mostly of vegetables, fruits, tree nuts, meat, eggs and fish. The Paleolithic Diet avoids the consumption of grains, dairy, simple carbohydrates, alcohol and caffeine. This diet is based on the concept that humans are genetically adapted to the diet of their ancestors. This theory of ancestral dieting suggests that because human genetics have barely changed since the beginning of early agriculture, the human body is not adapted to many modern foods and consumption of such can adversely affect genetic expression and manifest itself as gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular complications and hormonal imbalances. Therefore it is advisable to consume the foods our Paleolithic ancestors ate.
Carbs can slow testosterone production and lower testosterone levels
Eating an excess of simple carbohydrates, starches and simple sugars can lower testosterone levels. This is because carbohydrates (such as those from, potatoes, corn, grains and rice) boost production of the hormone cortisol and insulin that counteract testosterone release. Altering with fruits and vegetables instead of carbohydrates in your diet will offset this effect.
It is essential to ensure an adequate intake of high quality protein in your diet. When protein is digested and absorbed by the body it activates anabolic responses needed for healthy muscle development. Proteins also stimulate production of glucagon (the hormone involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates). These dietary factors are important for normal testosterone secretion.
Balance your intake of saturated fats (sometimes called the bad fat) and supplement with high quality omega 3 essential fatty acids (the good fat). Omega 3 essential fatty acids also known as "omega 3s" are in the family of unsaturated fatty acids. A balance of omega 3 essential fatty acids along with saturated fats is needed for normal testosterone production. All steroid hormones including testosterone are produced from cholesterol. Saturated fats provide the cholesterol the body requires for the healthy composition of testosterone. If one’s diet is insufficient in these saturated fats, then the production of major steroid hormones including testosterone will be adversely affected.
Healthy cholesterol levels and normal testosterone production
Younger men whos bodies have normal ability of testosterone production benefit from adequate intake of cholesterol that is a precursor to testosterone. However if older men going through andropause or male menopause will not modify their cholesterol intake, they may notice higher blood cholesterol levels. This is due to the fact that men during andropause do not transform all their cholesterol into testosterone since the production of testosterone decreases during andropause. Younger obese men usually have lower testosterone production.
In order for a diet to yield positive health benefits on the body and ensure normal testosterone levels, all aspects of the diet must be balanced and supplemented in moderation. Ongoing research shows that an ideal testosterone diet is one that revolves predominantly around the consumption of quality proteins while limiting carbohydrate intake and supplying a modest amount of fats.
2. Weight and testosterone, testosterone production
Fat tissue contains high levels of the enzyme aromatase that converts testosterone into estradiol. This means that men who have higher fat concentrations in their body also have elevated estradiol levels. One clinical study conducted in 2006 measured the testosterone levels in over 2,000 men with an average age of 52. The researchers discovered that obese men were 2.4 times more prone to have low testosterone as oppose to men who maintained a healthy weight. Other clinical trials have also confirmed that as a man’s fat mass increases, his testosterone levels decrease. In essence, slimmer men have more testosterone.
3. Stress and testosterone, normal testosterone levels
Excessive chronic stress increases levels of cortisol and decreases levels of testosterone. Strenuous physical activity has a similar effect. Certain natural stress relief supplements have been know to assist the body to deal with the burden of high stress levels. In addition, testosterone levels are affected by different social events. It has been noted that testosterone levels increase during competition or sports, even for the observers and those not directly involved in the event. However, the individuals who loose the competition have their testosterone levels decline.
Smoking, drugs, anabolic steroids, and environmental chemicals
such as pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, inhibit
testosterone production, disrupt normal testosterone levels in men.
4. Potent Alkaloids effect normal testosterone levels in men
Nicotine, marijuana and other drugs decrease secretion of LH (luteinizing hormone) which is necessary for testosterone production. For those wishing to maintain healthy testosterone levels, these substances should be avoided.
5. Pesticides and testosterone
Pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, fungicides, etc. including the garden variety (often times referred to as "lawn care") are xenoestrogens (gonadotoxic agents). Pesticides are endocrine disruptors; they behave as female hormones upon entering a man's body. Even short term exposure to low levels of pesticides has been linked to reduced sperm formation, testicular cancer and countless other degenerative diseases. Men who avoid the use of pesticide applications have a reduced risk of developing hormonal imbalances. Avoiding these toxic substances is fundamental in order to protect your testosterone levels and your hormonal health.
6. Use of anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids are often used to enhance muscle mass.
Anabolic steroids can suppress the body's own production of testosterone.
7. Environmental chemicals effect normal testosterone levels in men
Environmental toxins such as pesticides and phthalates can exert an extremely negative influence on the body's hormonal balance and reproductive function by acting as "false messengers". When a chemical substance, for example, a pesticide enters a human body it behaves like a toxic form of the hormone estrogen. These chemical substances are classified as xenoestrogens because they create detrimental estrogenic effects to the body and have been known to lower testosterone levels.
Chronic low dose exposure to xenoestrogens causes depressed testosterone production, affects the health of sperm cells and can lead to infertility. These chemicals can also contribute to obesity and insulin resistance. Clinical researchers reported that phthalates were detected in the urine of a majority of obese men who also had low testosterone levels. A 2006 study in Denmark discovered a correlation of low testosterone levels and reproductive abnormalities in boys who were exposed to phthalates through breast milk. More then 75 percent ofAmerica's population has detectable levels of phthalates and pesticides in their bodies and bloodstream. Studies showed that a father's exposure to environmental chemicals can cause birth defects in his children.
What are normal testosterone levels in men? What is low testosterone?
Normal testosterone levels in men
What are considered to be normal testosterone levels in men are often related to age. There are different "normal ranges" for each age group. The highest normal levels of testosterone in men are from age 18 to the late 20s. When men grow older, the range for normal testosterone levels declines. For example, normal testosterone levels for men in their 30s are lower then normal testosterone levels for men who are 20 years of age. The decline of testosterone levels in men occurs gradually and is considered to be normal aging. Age related testosterone decline (that happens during andropause "male menopause") in men is progressive at a rate of 1 percent per year. A significant decline from normal testosterone levels in men is called hypogonadism.
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists defines hypogonadism as "a free testosterone level that is below the lower limit of normal for young adult control subjects. Previously, age-related decreases in free testosterone were once accepted as normal. Currently, they are not considered normal. Patients with low-normal to subnormal range testosterone levels warrant a clinical trial of testosterone".
Normal testosterone levels in men, defining low testosterone levels
Low testosterone levels in men are defined as a decrease in the normal level of the hormone testosterone produced by the testes as reflected by laboratory tests results.
The levels of testosterone in blood are evaluated by measuring total testosterone and free testosterone. Testosterone in men is considered low when the levels of total testosterone drop below 300 ng/dl. The free testosterone level is considered to be low when it is less then 18 ng/dl. These values are not age adjusted. The symptoms of low testosterone vary widely and may be insidious. Some men may not be aware that they have low testosterone levels. Optimal, normal testosterone levels in men may be different for each individual person.
Decline of the male hormone testosterone -
during andropause, male menopause
Due to the fact that testosterone production diminishes gradually over a period of many years, the symptoms of andropause or male menopause may be attributed to totally different conditions and treated symptomatically.
Men who experience mood instability as a result of andropause, male menopause, and a decline in testosterone levels may be treated for depression and prescribed anti-depressants. It has to be mentioned that anti-depressant medications may negatively affect libido and can worsen the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
The overall quality of life for an andropausal man decreases with low testosterone levels even when the symptoms of low testosterone levels are not obviously detectable. Often times allopathic physicians have a tendency to disregard the symptoms of andropause, male menopause and this decline in testosterone levels. The symptoms of andropause or male menopause are usually attributed to aging. Frequently, men with low testosterone levels are advised by their allopathic doctors that they should accept the effects of low testosterone as an inevitable part of "normal aging"
is attributed to many factors. Low testosterone levels
can manifest undesireable symptoms of low testosterone.
Natural testosterone replacement therapy offers a solution.
Low Testosterone levels in men, Symptoms of low testosterone:
Weight gain, especially abdominal obesity
Decreased muscle mass and increased body fat
Aging of the skin with formation of wrinkles
Insulin resistance
Low level of HDL cholesterol
Decreased bone density
Decreased libido
Infertility
Sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction ED
In the US 31 percent of men experience signs of sexual dysfunction
Impaired cognition, slow brain response
Anxiety, apprehension
Depression
Loss of self confidence
Palpitations, tachycardia
Hot flashes
Decreased energy, strength and endurance
Poor sleep and insomnia
Anemia, not enough blood
Slow impaired wound healing
Dry skin and skin abrasions
Slower digestion, bowel movements and constipation
The decline of normal testosterone levels in men can lead to many negative health consequences and unpleasant symptoms that adversely affect the quality of life. Bioidentical hormones for men are used to balance the signs of a hormonal imbalance. By restoring male hormonal balance to the body through the use of bioidentical testosterone replacement therapy, men may experience a significant improvement in these male menopause symptoms.
Natural testosterone replacement therapy must be administered under the supervision of an experienced medical doctor specializing in bioidentical hormones.
Health risks related to low testosterone:
A decline in testosterone can cause infertility
Increased risk for cardiovascular disease
Low testosterone levels in men increase risk for diabetes
Increased risk for depression and mental illness
Low levels of testosterone increase risk for Alzheimer's disease
Increased risk for osteoporosis and bone loss
Low testosterone levels in men increases risk for prostate cancer
Normal testosterone levels in men can be affected by
lifestyle and environment factors
Risk factors for low testosterone levels in men:
Obesity
Alcohol abuse
Psychological stress
Injury or disease involving testes
Certain medications including anti-depressants and anti-hypertension meds such as beta blockers
Obesity a risk factor for testosterone loss and low testosterone levels in men
Many scientific studies point to the fact that men with obesity and type 2 diabetes have also low testosterone levels. There is a correlation between obesity, insulin resistance and abnormally low testosterone levels in men. Men who are obese often have associated hypertension and metabolic syndrome.
How can testosterone levels be enhanced naturally ?
Adjusting one's lifestyle, changing certain medications, loosing weight, eating a proper diet can boost natural testosterone production. Utilizing bioidentical hormones to treat other hormonal imbalances such as hypothyroidism or an adrenal imbalance (adrenal fatigue, adrenal exhaustion) can positively affect testosterone levels in men and therefore alleviate the symptoms of low testosterone.
Tribulus terrestris is an herb used to enhance the body's natural production of testosterone. It has been used in Europe and in ayurvedic practices as an aphrodisiac and testosterone enhancing supplement. However, research concerning the use of tribulus terrestris in humans was non-conclusive. Human chorionic gonadotropin HCG has a similar effect on normalizing healthy testicular function as luteinizing hormone LH. Human chorionic gonadotropin can increase testicular production of testosterone. HCG in given in the form of an injection to stimulate testosterone output by normal testes.
Clomiphene is sometimes used to increase testosterone release from normal testicles. Its usage is "off the label" and not FDA approved.
Does low testosterone lead to diabetes ?
Men with diabetes usually have low testosterone levels. Low levels of testosterone in men can cause many health problems including metabolic syndrome as well as type 2 diabetes. Testosterone increases lean body mass, improves insulin sensitivity and has a positive effect on lipid profile, lipid metabolism and blood pressure. Testosterone decreases the risk for type 2 diabetes. Natural testosterone replacement therapy through the use of bioidentical hormones for men has been shown to improve the quality of life in men with type 2 diabetes. Men with type 2 diabetes can benefit from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
Testosterone replacement therapy and prostate cancer
Multiple studies have not shown signs or symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy) in men during bioidentical testosterone replacement therapy. Short term-studies determined that no convincing data exists to imply that natural bioidentical testosterone replacement therapy creates an increased risk for prostate cancer. Long-term studies are needed for a final determination. Allopathic medicine discourages testosterone replacement therapy pointing out that testosterone can increase benign prostate hypertrophy and prostate cancer. However, evidence suggests that decreased levels of testosterone and increased levels of estradiol can lead to abnormal growth of prostate tissue.
Natural testosterone replacement therapy and chronic diseases
Testosterone supplementation through the use of natural bioidentical testosterone replacement therapy in patients with chronic diseases including AIDS can improve well-being and quality of life including elevating mood and energy levels as well as muscle mass. These benefits of testosterone replacement therapy were observed even in AIDS patients with normal testosterone levels. Testosterone replacement therapy can significantly help improve stamina in many patients with chronic diseases. Patients whose ailments include decreased muscle and bone mass leading to frailty can benefit form natural testosterone replacement therapy. Furthermore, by improving mental performance, testosterone replacement therapy can slow down signs of senility in older men.
Testosterone exerts anti-inflammatory actions on the body
Testosterone replacement therapy decreases inflammatory responses in the body by reducing the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Since inflammation is believed to play important role in many degenerative diseases, normal testosterone levels in men can protect against the development or progression of chronic diseases. Bioidentical testosterone replacement therapy should be administered under the supervision of an experienced medical doctor specializing in bioidentical hormones.
male menopause, andropause and correctly identifying
health concerns including male menopause symptoms.
The role of bioidentical hormones in treating male menopause.
What is male menopause or andropause ?
It was believed that only women experience the middle-age decline in hormones called menopause. However, women are not the only ones whose hormone levels decline. Men go through a process similar to menopause, it is called male menopause. Many doctors began realizing that their male patients were describing symptoms quite similar to that of women in perimenopause or menopause. These symptoms are known as male menopause symptoms and may include dry skin, hot flashes, night sweats, depression, loss of libido, anxiety and excess weight.
Although, a majority of the medical community refuses to accept the fact that men can and do experience male menopause in a way that is comparable to female menopause, doctors who specialize in bioidentical hormones for men and testosterone replacement therapy successfully treat male menopause symptoms. Unfortunately, many men are left to suffer through the symptoms of male menopause not knowing that they can be helped.
Testosterone replacement therapy -
bioidentical hormones and male menopause
Men experiencing male menopause may decide on natural testosterone replacement therapy that utilizes bioidentical hormones such as bioidentical testosterone (most often as testosterone cream) and bioidentical DHEA (in the from of a natural DHEA supplement). Various doctors who prescribe testosterone replacement therapy for the treatment of male menopause state that their patients reported a noticeable overall improvement of the discomforting male menopause symptoms, sometimes as soon as the first week into treatment.
Male menopause does not begin as an obvious, well-defined period in a man’s life. It is usually a very gradual transition from youth into old age. Male menopause is a condition of androgen decline in the aging male (the foremost declining androgen being testosterone), or “low testosterone”. The diminishment of the male androgenic hormone testosterone during male menopause may be accentuated by other factors including obesity, lifestyle, stress levels, diet and disease. Once normal testosterone levels in men begin falling, male menopause symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, sexual function impairment and depression (among others) can manifest themselves, thereby decreasing a man’s quality of life.
During menopause women loose their reproductive function. Men experiencing male menopause do not. As oppose to women going through menopause where the production of hormones falls abruptly (primarily estrogen and progesterone), men experiencing male menopause have their normal testosterone levels dwindle at a much slower pace that may extend over a period of many years.
How is male menopause diagnosed ?
In order to be able to determine the existence of male menopause in an individual, a knowledgeable doctor who specializes in hormonal health and endocrine disorders (including male menopause) will need to conduct a thorough evaluation of the current health condition of the individual man. This evaluation may be comprised of a physical exam, the patient completing a detailed medical questionnaire and a consultation with the doctor regarding the symptoms of male menopause or changes in normal behavior being experienced at this time. The doctor may then order a series of comprehensive diagnostic tests that will facilitate for an in-depth look at the patient’s hormonal health. These tests can include a hormonal panel measuring blood testosterone levels, estradiol, progesterone and DHEA levels. The doctor will then evaluate the test results to rule out other factors that may be contributing to the male menopause symptoms. Based on these test results, the doctor should then make a determination whether or not the individual is undergoing male menopause. If needed, the doctor may request additional testing.
If the doctor establishes that the patient is experiencing male menopause and if the patient’s testosterone levels and other hormone levels are indeed imbalanced, he or she may then recommend natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy BHRT. Usually only doctors who specialize in bioidentical hormones prescribe bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for men. Synthetic hormones may have serious side-effects when compared to natural bioidentical hormones for men. For that reason, bioidentical hormones for men are a safer alternative used in the treatment of male menopause. Bioidentical hormones administered through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy BHRT may greatly help relieve male menopause symptoms, improve sexual function and restore energy back into a man’s life.
What is male menopause called ?
Male menopause is also referred to as andropause, a health condition characterized by a hormonal imbalance in which male hormones, called androgens, decline. These male androgen hormones include the steroid hormones DHEA dehydroepiandrosterone (secreted by the adrenal cortex) and the hormone testosterone (produced by the Leydig cells of the testes).
Male menopause is a phase in aging men that is reminiscent of menopause in women. The symptoms of male menopause or andropause develop due to a decrease in the levels of the androgenic hormones DHEA and testosterone, while during female menopause, the symptoms are caused by the decrease of the predominantly female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
A frequent phenomenon experienced by men at the time of male menopause is an increase in the levels of the female hormone estradiol. This augmentation of estradiol during male menopause may have feminizing effects on a man. These can include the development of a high pitched voice and the unnatural growth of breast tissue.
Male menopause, a medical condition warranting treatment
Many men enduring male menopause are not being adequately diagnosed by their doctors nor are the viewed as having a medical condition warranting treatment. In recent times, due to information that has become more easily attainable by the general public, more men are seeking treatment options available for male menopause and male menopause symptoms. In the past, the majority of men were reluctant to acknowledge that they were experiencing “male menopause” and did not want to discuss these symptoms of male menopause with their medical doctors. Another contributing factor that caused male menopause to remain unaddressed for so long was the fact that male menopause develops at a slow rate.
No comments:
Post a Comment