Humans and animals both produce testosterone, which is a hormone.
In men, the testicles are the main generators of testosterone. Women’s ovaries generate testosterone as well, though in much lower amounts.
Barring intervention, testosterone production begins to rise at adolescence and then declines after the age of 30.
Testosterone is most commonly linked to sexual desire and is essential for sperm production. It also has an effect on men’s bone and muscle mass, fat storage, and red blood cell formation.
A man’s mood may be influenced by the level of testosterone in his body.
Testosterone-Affecting Nutrients
D-aspartic Acid
A natural amino acid that stimulates critical hormones to increase testosterone levels.
Vitamin D
A vitamin that increases testosterone levels by acting as a steroid hormone.
Tribulus Terrestris
Male sexual function and libido appear to be boosted by this plant.
Fenugreek
An herb that can help to raise low testosterone levels and improve male sexual performance.
Ginger
Male fertility and testosterone levels seem to improve by using ginger.
DHEA
It is common to utilize DHEA, a steroid and hormone, to raise one’s testosterone levels.
Zinc
A mineral that, when supplemented, can improve men’s sexual health and testosterone levels.
Ashwagandha
A plant that can be used to lower harmful stress chemicals and increase testosterone levels.
Low Testosterone Level Symptoms
Males with low testosterone levels, often known as low T levels, might have a variety of symptoms, including:
- Reduced sex drive
- Decreased energy
- Thoughts of melancholy
- Weight gain
- Irritability
- Low self-esteem
- Lack of body hair
- Thinner bones
While testosterone production declines as a man get older, other factors might cause hormone levels to fall.
Testosterone Production Factors
- Testicular injury is a type of testicular injury that occurs when the testis
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapies for cancer; AIDS; renal illness; alcoholism; liver cirrhosis
Testosterone Production in Women
Testosterone levels in adult women fall progressively, although low T levels can cause several symptoms, including:
- Low libido
- Lower bone strength
- Poor focus
- Depression
The removal of the ovaries and disorders of the pituitary, brain, or adrenal glands can produce low T levels in women.
Although testosterone therapy may be given to women with low T levels, the treatment’s effectiveness in improving sexual or cognitive performance in postmenopausal women is uncertain.
Testosterone Analysis
Simple blood tests could help determine testosterone levels. The bloodstream has a wide range of testosterone levels that are considered normal or healthy.
According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, adult male testosterone levels range between 280 and 1,100 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), while adult female testosterone levels range between 15 and 70 ng/dL.
Because ranges change between labs, it’s crucial to discuss your results with your doctor.
In adult male’s testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL is considered low. Once the level is determined, your health care provider may begin the process of looking for the cause, according to the American Urological Association.
An issue with the pituitary gland could cause low testosterone levels. The testicles receive a signal from the pituitary gland to boost testosterone production.
A low T test result could indicate that the pituitary gland isn’t functioning correctly in an adult man. A young adolescent with low testosterone levels, on the other hand, maybe undergo delayed puberty.
Men with somewhat increased testosterone levels may experience few symptoms. Boys with higher testosterone levels may enter puberty early. Women who have a lot of testosterone may develop masculine characteristics.
A problem with the adrenal glands, or even testicular cancer, can cause abnormally high testosterone levels.
High testosterone levels can also arise in circumstances that aren’t as dangerous. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, for example, is an uncommon but natural source of increased testosterone production in both males and females.
Your doctor may prescribe additional testing if your testosterone levels are exceedingly high.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a type of testosterone replacement therapy.
Hypogonadism, or a lack of testosterone production, may not usually necessitate treatment.
If low testosterone affects your health and quality of life, you may be a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy. Artificial testosterone can be taken orally, injected, or applied to the skin in the form of gels or patches.
Replacement therapy may yield desired outcomes, such as increased muscle growth and increased sex drive. However, there are specific negative effects to the treatment. These are some of them:
- Greasy skin
- Fluid retention
- Shrunken testicles
- Decreased sperm production
Interesting Research Results
Prostate cancer and testosterone link have not been established, but the research continues.
One study suggests that men who use testosterone replacement treatment had a lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer, but further research is needed.
Testosterone is most commonly associated with sexual desire in men. Mental health, fat storage, bone, and muscle mass, and the development of red blood cells are all influenced.
Blood tests administered by or through your physician can determine your testosterone levels.
Testosterone therapy is a treatment option for men who have low testosterone levels.
Ask your doctor if this form of therapy could help you if you have low T.