Testosterone is a vital hormone for both men and women, playing a role in muscle growth, bone strength, mood, and energy. Many people experience low testosterone levels, which can affect their quality of life.
This article explores the potential benefits of maintaining healthy testosterone levels and ways to support them naturally and medically.
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What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a steroid hormone responsible for important functions in men and women. It is produced in men’s testes and women's ovaries. During puberty in males, the hypothalamus secretes GnRH, which triggers the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). LH then triggers the Leydig cells in the testes to increase testosterone production.
In males, testosterone production is involved in the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics such as testicular descent, spermatogenesis, increasing libido, voice changing, and skeletal muscle growth. In females, testosterone contributes to libido, muscle strength, bone density, energy levels, and cognitive function (38).
Natural Testosterone Fluctuations
Testosterone levels naturally decrease with age, which may lead to undesired symptoms. As men age, Leydig cells within the testes may become less responsive to hormonal signaling, leading to a drop in testosterone. This process is known as age-related hypogonadism.
Over time, lifestyle habits and pre-existing medical conditions can contribute to secondary hypogonadism, which may result in lower testosterone levels. Secondary hypogonadism can be associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or anabolic steroid use.
As testosterone levels decrease, men may experience erectile dysfunction, fatigue, depression, decreased libido, loss of muscle strength, and decreased bone density. As women age, testosterone levels also decrease due to reduced ovarian function, which may lead to low libido, fatigue, irritability, depression, increased body fat, and reduced bone density (27).
6 Benefits of Supporting Healthy Testosterone Levels
Explore six potential benefits of supporting healthy testosterone levels, highlighting the role this hormone may play in overall health and well-being.
1. Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide. Some studies suggest that men with cardiovascular disease often have low serum testosterone levels, indicating that testosterone may have a positive impact on cardiovascular health.
Testosterone may influence blood vessel health by supporting coronary artery dilation, blood flow, and red blood cell production. It may also play a role in managing atherosclerosis development and lipid accumulation in the artery wall (56).
2. Musculoskeletal Support
Testosterone helps maintain bone density and muscle mass. Testosterone converts to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which interacts with androgen receptors to support androgenic activity. Androgen receptors are active within bones, and healthy testosterone levels may support bone formation.
As testosterone levels decrease, bone density may decrease, potentially increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Testosterone therapy has been shown to support bone density in aging men (49).
3. Metabolic Health
Testosterone deficiency may increase the risk of developing insulin resistance, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Low testosterone levels may lead to an increase in visceral fat, which can affect the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, estradiol, and insulin.
At healthy levels, testosterone may support insulin resistance and glucose control, contributing to a healthy metabolism. Testosterone therapy in men with hypogonadism has been associated with improved body composition, reduced fat mass, and increased lean muscle (20).
4. Psychological and Cognitive Support
Depression affects many people each year. While several factors contribute to depression, testosterone may play a role in maintaining mood and quality of life.
Low testosterone levels may increase inflammation in the brain, which can affect neurotransmitter balance. Higher testosterone levels may support dopamine secretion, which could help with mood regulation. Testosterone may also influence serotonin receptors, potentially supporting serotonin levels, which are involved in mood regulation (36).
5. Cognitive Function
Low testosterone levels have been associated with impaired memory, slowed reaction time, and decreased executive function and attention. Older men with low testosterone may be at increased risk of cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. This may occur because sex steroids, including testosterone, can influence the accumulation of B-amyloid plaque, which can damage brain cells and is associated with dementia progression. Supporting healthy testosterone levels has been linked to improvements in cognitive function and a decreased risk of developing dementia (58).
6. Libido and Sexual Function
Testosterone plays a role in libido and sexual performance in both men and women. Lower testosterone levels are often associated with less sexual desire and increased symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Testosterone therapy in men with low testosterone has been shown to support sexual function, mood, and quality of erections (40).
Natural Ways to Support Healthy Testosterone Levels
Here are some natural ways to support healthy testosterone levels to enhance your vitality and overall health:
Diet and Nutrition
The following are dietary changes and specific nutrients that may help support healthy testosterone levels:
- Incorporate healthy dietary fats: Cholesterol is one of the building blocks for testosterone production. Following a ketogenic diet may support testosterone levels in both men and post-menopausal women.
- Vitamin D: Supplementation with Vitamin D may support total and free testosterone levels in men with low testosterone.
- Zinc deficiency can affect testosterone synthesis and result in low testosterone levels. Zinc sulfate supplementation may support the concentration of both total and free testosterone levels in adult men.
Lifestyle Changes
The following are lifestyle changes that may help support healthy testosterone levels:
- Weight Loss & Exercise: Increased adiposity can lead to inflammation, insulin resistance, and decreased testosterone levels. Men with diabetes who followed a high protein and low carb diet combined with regular aerobic exercise showed an increase in testosterone levels and less incidence of erectile dysfunction.
- Alcohol: Individuals who drink more than 8 drinks per week may be at increased risk of developing testosterone deficiency. Reducing alcohol intake may help support healthy testosterone levels.
Herbal Medicine
- Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) may support free testosterone levels and quality of life in men with low testosterone.
- Shilajit is used in Ayurveda to support immune health, increase energy, and support fertility. As a hormonal tonic, Shilajit may support total & free testosterone levels and DHEA levels in men aged 45-55 years old.
- Ashwagandha is an herbal adaptogen used to support the adrenal glands and the body's response to stress. For overweight men, Ashwagandha may support testosterone levels by 14.7%.
What Is Testosterone Therapy?
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) aims to restore blood testosterone to normal levels. In men with low testosterone, TRT may support libido, erectile function, energy, weight management, and lean body mass.
There are several forms of testosterone replacement, such as injection, transdermal gel, patches, and pellets. To initiate testosterone therapy, patients should work with a healthcare provider who can analyze labs, consider underlying conditions, and monitor treatment.
What Are the Risks of Testosterone Therapy?
Potential risks of testosterone replacement therapy include:
- Cardiovascular Complications: Testosterone therapy has been shown to increase hemoglobin and hematocrit, which can make the blood thicker. This may increase the risk of cardiovascular events, although the incidence is low.
- Prostate Health: TRT may affect symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and is not recommended for individuals with a history of prostate cancer.
- Fertility: TRT can suppress spermatogenesis and should not be used by men who are planning to conceive within the next 6-12 months.
- Worsening of obstructive sleep apnea
- Development of acne and breast enlargement has been observed, but these risks are low.
Who Should Consider Testosterone Therapy?
Testosterone therapy may be considered for the following scenarios:
- Men diagnosed with low testosterone without a history of prostate cancer or planning fertility.
- Postmenopausal women with low bone density and low sexual desire at modified doses for females.
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Key Takeaways
- Testosterone is a steroid hormone that plays a role in reproductive, cardiovascular, metabolic, musculoskeletal, and cognitive health.
- Testosterone levels often decrease as men and women age, which may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, decreased muscle strength, weight gain, and decreased bone density.
- Supporting healthy testosterone levels through diet, lifestyle, herbal medicine, and, if needed, TRT may improve quality of life and help manage symptoms of low testosterone.
- Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance on hormone management and treatment.