Testosterone: What It Is, Function & Levels

Testosterone: What It Is, Function & Levels

Also, some research shows that testosterone therapy can increase your risk of heart disease. The male hormone testosterone plays an important role in the development and maintenance of typical masculine physical characteristics, such as muscle mass and strength, and growth of facial and body hair. Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining testosterone levels. Most testosterone release occurs during sleep, particularly during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage. Fatty kinds like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are rich with vitamin D. It’s a natural testosterone booster because it plays a crucial role in hormone production. Onions and garlic are your allies in the kitchen and in the bedroom.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. The largest improvements are seen with moderate- or high-intensity resistance exercises involving large muscle groups, such as squats and bench presses. Too much exercise can take your T level in the other direction. Trade saturated fats for healthier ones such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts. For example, this can occur when people ingest chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA) or bisphenol S, from water in plastic bottles or reheated food in plastic containers.

For those reasons, many men are looking for alternatives to testosterone replacement therapy. If you have been feeling more tired, less motivated, or not quite like yourself, low testosterone could be the reason. This powerful hormone plays a major role in your energy, strength, focus, and overall vitality.

However, the wisdom and effectiveness of testosterone treatment to improve sexual function or cognitive function among postmenopausal women is unclear. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked (6) to low testosterone levels with studies showing (7) that regular supplementation can help increase testosterone levels in men. While you can get Vitamin D through sun exposure and eating foods rich in Vitamin D, most people don’t get enough of either in their daily lives, making supplementation essential. We all know that exercise is important for your overall health, but it can also increase your testosterone levels. Studies have found that both weight training (1) and high intensity interval training (HIIT) (2) can boost testosterone in the short and long term. You don’t have to follow the Mediterranean diet to boost your testosterone levels; you can focus on healthy eating habits to see the benefits.

The key to a healthy diet when trying to elevate your testosterone levels is avoiding refined, simple carbohydrates, like the ones found in chips and other junk food. These simple carbs can lead to spikes in your blood sugar and have been shown to reduce free testosterone levels. And while there are treatments for low testosterone, many men prefer to start by making the healthy lifestyle changes that can naturally improve their testosterone levels. While natural remedies can help increase testosterone, they may not be enough. Often, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is necessary to restore testosterone to optimal levels. As men age, testosterone levels naturally begin to decline by about 1% each year, starting around age 30. To maintain healthy testosterone levels, the changes discussed above will trump any supplement, but the nutrients below have been found to inhibit aromatase and may be additive benefits.

A combination of aerobic (increase in heart rate) and resistance (weightlifting) training has been found to increase the production of testosterone. This also helps prevent the most common diseases that men are most likely to die from, heart disease and cancer. Overtraining in endurance sports such as American football and weight-class wrestling and excessive exercise with calorie restriction can cause testosterone deficiency as well. Some of these signs and symptoms can be caused by other factors, including medication side effects, obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid problems, diabetes and depression.

It’s important to note that the causes of low testosterone can you travel internationally with testosterone differ between males and females, and the symptoms may also vary. If you suspect you have low testosterone or are experiencing symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, it’s recommended to consult your healthcare professional who can run labs to assess your hormone levels. There are a lot of natural products that claim they can increase your testosterone levels. But according to Dr. James Hotaling, none of them have been proven to help. There are, however, some lifestyle changes you can make that are supported by research. Find out what they are and also what you should avoid if you want to increase your low-T. Everything starts with the foods you eat, though your diet isn’t the only thing that could impact your testosterone levels.

But he adds that those who don’t have a deficiency are risking their health for no clear benefit. The collective decline in testosterone is likely behind the escalating use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). In the past two decades, TRT prescriptions have jumped by up to fourfold. That growth is fueled in part by direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising. According to researchers at Penn University (U.S), men who consume monounsaturated fats found in avocados, nuts, and vegetable oils experience lower LDL cholesterol and improved testosterone levels.

A 2016 study noted that the benefits and safety of long-term use of testosterone replacement products are unknown. Professional medical services are often required out of the normal working hours of many physicians. We provide premium care to those in urgent need but don’t need a trip to the ER without the long waits or high deductibles. Our team is also provides high-quality primary care services for those 18 years of age and older.