How Does Testosterone Affect Us?
First, we must ask, what is testosterone? Testosterone is the predominant male sex hormone, and is necessary for quality of overall male health. What does testosterone do? The benefits of a healthy testosterone engine are staggering compared to one that is failing. When T-levels are optimal, and testosterone is being produced at a desired level, the results can be a very welcome boost to your vitality and youthful vigor. According to a 2013 article published by the National Institutes of Health, testosterone is believed to be directly responsible for aiding in the regulation of sex drive (libido), bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass & strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm. When testosterone levels are healthy, these health issues will typically not be present in an otherwise healthy male. When T-levels drop too far, you may be diagnosed with what is called hypogonadism (a reduction or absence of hormone secretion or other physiological activity of the gonads). This can have serious consequences for men as they age, and testosterone production starts to decline naturally. Usually, once men hit the age of 30, a gradual decrease in their testosterone levels will occur at a rate of about 1% per year. Unfortunately, this is unavoidable. All is not lost, however. Modern science has made righting the ship a possibility by understanding all of the various origins of the factors involved with this diagnosis that 1 in 4 men over the age of 30 suffer from.
What produces testosterone?
As we mentioned earlier, testosterone is mainly produced in the gonads (testes in men, ovaries in women). Much smaller quantities are also produced by the adrenal glands. Located in the man’s testes are what is called interstitial cells of Leydig. These cells produce testosterone in the presence of luteinizing hormone (LH). LH, sometimes called lutropin or lutrophin is a separate hormone produced by gonadotropic cells in the anterior pituitary gland. LH production can drop to unhealthy levels for a number of different reasons (thus negatively impacting testosterone production) which include: Pasqualini syndrome, Kallmann syndrome, hypothalamic suppression, hypopituitarism, eating disorders, hyperprolactinemia, hypogonadism and gonadal suppression therapy. Outside the realm of physiological, there are a number of other factors that can lead to reduced testosterone production as well.
What causes low testosterone levels?
We are confronted daily with a great deal of automation, comfort and unhealthy living choices. In a broad and reductionist sense, you could say low testosterone is caused by the sedentary lifestyle that we seemingly adopt more and more each year as technology advances. However, it goes somewhat deeper than that. We’ve already established that normal aging can be a cause of declining T-levels. Other factors which can diminish testosterone production are as follows: poor diet and eating habits, lack of exercise, depression & anxiety, obesity, and even lack of a competitive environment may have a negative impact on T-levels. So, what causes high testosterone levels? Testosterone production can be stimulated in a variety of ways. A diet that incorporates foods such as meat, pomegranate, unsaturated fats e.g. olive oil, oysters, coconut, cruciferous vegetables, whey protein and garlic can give you a natural testosterone boost. That’s not all, According to a 2012 study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, high intensity interval training (HIIT) may provide better testosterone production than steady state exercise (such as jogging for extended periods of time at the same pace). Remaining active in some way shape or form throughout the duration of each day has also shown to increase testosterone, whereas inactivity may decrease it. Some research indicates that a healthy sex life may also increase production, while increased libido is also a side effect of high testosterone levels. When all other methods have failed to increase testosterone, men will often turn to testosterone replacement therapy or TRT. Under an experienced physician’s care bioidentical testosterone booster injections are given to patients who require therapeutic intensive treatment. TRT is the most proven and effective method to increase testosterone to optimal levels.
Testosterone Clinic in Tampa, FL
For more information about how testosterone affects the human body visit our clinic in Tampa or call us on 813.400.2746. Our medical specialists design personalized solutions that get results.
