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Testosterone is the male hormone responsible for male sexual development. It includes the sex drive, facial and pubic hair, development of the penis and testicles, the voice deepening as the male grows up, muscle size and strength, bone size and strength as well as sperm production.
Because this hormone plays such a huge role in a man's life, when there's not enough testosterone produced, it can affect everything from a man's energy and stamina to his self-esteem.
Signs of testosterone deficiency are:
Reduced body hair, especially on the lower part of the legs (it may look like their boots have rubbed the hair off but likely that is not the problem at all)
Irritability
Poor concentration
Depression
Difficulty making a decision
Increase in body fat
Low libido
Difficulty obtaining or maintaining an erection
Low muscle mass
Testicle shrinkage
Poor work performance
In young boys, if they come into puberty with testosterone deficiency, they may not develop facial and body hair as expected, voice deepening or muscle mass and the penis and testicles may be underdeveloped.
Abnormally high amounts of testosterone can also cause problems. Too much of any hormone is going to throw things out of balance.
Some of the signs of too much testosterone can be:
Low sperm count
Impotence
Acne
Prostate enlargement
Liver disease
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Insomnia
Headaches
Stunted growth in adolescents
Aggressive behavior
Mood swings
Irritability
Delusions
Impaired judgment
Euphoria
I have testosterone deficiency. Now what?
Sedentary lifestyle is at the top of the list of reasons WHY deficiency occurs. If you need a testosterone boost, exercise! It is the all-around best thing to get it pumping again. Find an exercise you enjoy, something that makes you sweat, and go do it. P90X is probably not going to be the best thing to start with, especially if you've been sitting around a lot. Try something low-impact like walking, playing tennis or basketball, ride bikes with your kids, etc. Starting out doing too much is going to make your sore, injured or feel like a failure. It's ok to start slow and work up to more. Get some exercise ideas here.
Breathe. It is very important to breathe deeply throughout the day. As a man, you have 30% more muscle mass and require more oxygen for metabolic processes than women. Click here to learn more about deep, diaphragmatic breathing.
Eat better. You can eat to fill your belly but still be malnourished. Eat a diet that of mineral-rich real food. Add fresh fruits and vegetables into your day. Avoid processed foods and foods high in refined sugar. Learn more about the benefits of eating well here.
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Dehydration is a huge problem for most people. Drinking 50% of your body weight in ounces of water will clear your mind, ease the pain in your joints and give you energy. But, wait. There's more! We see exercise is a big deal with testosterone levels. Human Growth Hormone is a hormone similar to testosterone. It boosts protein production, promotes the utilization of fat and raises the blood sugar. When you exercise but don't drink enough water, HGH decreases and its duties are interrupted.
Learn more about the amazing benefits of drinking water here.
Hormone replacement therapy is an option that is performed by your physician. However, I do not recommend it. Once you begin hormone replacement therapy, your body no longer makes testosterone and you will have to remain on the therapy indefinitely. It also increases your risk of prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, swollen ankles, acne and swelling or tenderness in the breasts.
There are natural remedies that can help bring the testosterone back to its proper level:
Tongkat Ali is an Asian herb that stimulates the production of testosterone, sperm and enhances energy.
Boron aids in the conversion of testosterone.
Horny Goat Weed (Epemedium) stimulates both testosterone and thyroid hormone production.
To discuss more natural remedies for testosterone deficiency, schedule a consultation today.
Testosterone - What It Does And Doesn't Do. (2015, July). Retrieved May 8, 2020, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/drugs-and-medications/testosterone--what-it-does-and-doesnt-do
Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (Hypogonadism). (n.d.). Retrieved May 8, 2020, from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/urology/adult-patients/andropause-hypogonadism.aspx
Male hypogonadism. (2019, November 5). Retrieved May 9, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-hypogonadism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354881
Low Testosterone. (n.d.). Retrieved May 9, 2020, from https://www.mottchildren.org/health-library/abo6506
Is testosterone therapy safe? Take a breath before you take the plunge. (2014, February). Retrieved May 11, 2020, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/is-testosterone-therapy-safe-take-a-breath-before-you-take-the-plunge
How hydration can affect your testosterone levels. (2017, July 26). Retrieved May 14, 2020, from https://ltmensclinic.com/did-you-know-hydration-can-affect-your-testosterone-levels/
Growth hormone, athletic performance, and aging. (n.d.). Retrieved May 14, 2020, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/growth-hormone-athletic-performance-and-aging
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