Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone responsible for masculinity and secondary sexual characteristics. The hormone is produced from the gonads—both in the testes and the ovaries. In females, it has the lowest amount of secretion and is 1/10th to 1/20th of the amount males secrete. This androgen is then again converted to female sex hormones.
In males, the testosterone concentration in the body is much higher and is mainly responsible for male characteristics. Just after puberty, males develop secondary sexual characteristics like facial hair, deeper voice, shoulder and chest broadening, increased muscle mass, high libido, and more.
Normal Testosterone Level for Men
Testosterone levels in the bloodstream can vary due to factors like protein status, thyroid functions, and other reasons. Besides, the American Urological Association says the average healthy man should have at least 300 nanograms per deciliter(ng/dl) of testosterone in his body.
For females, a range of 8 to 60ng/dl is considered normal. Anything below these levels is testosterone deficient.
Low Testosterone Levels in Men
After puberty, testosterone flows high in men and reaches its peak level from 30 to 35 years of age. Beyond 35, the testosterone level decreases 1% every year as a natural process.
Other than that, testosterone levels can decrease due to radiation, high dose antibiotics, testes infections, or and other factors. Testosterone deficiency can have severe impacts on men’s health and sexuality.
Symptoms
Low-testosterone levels can cause:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Testicle size reduction
- Decreased semen volume
- Lower libido
- Mood swings
- Lack of stamina
- Hair loss
- Beard loss
- Osteoporosis
- Reduction of muscle mass
- Low blood count
… and much more.
Treatment
To overcome testosterone deficiency, take a physician-prescribed medication. Some drugs, such as steroids, are synthetic testosterone that can be administered through patches, injections or any other means. There are also testosterone specialists, like the ones from Male Excel, who can prescribe you medication, or even therapies if needed.
Other than artificial testosterone, you can also try natural medication. Tongkat ali, also known as Malaysian ginseng, is a wonderful herb that can boost your testosterone level naturally.
A study of 76 people was conducted to find tongkat ali’s activity in increasing testosterone levels. Each of the individuals studied was given 200 milligrams of water-soluble tongkat ali extract for 4 weeks. Before the experiment, only 35.5% of the subject had normal levels of testosterone. However, after four weeks of tongkat ali consumption, 90.8% of subjects reached normal testosterone levels.
Tongkat ali should be available in all big cities. Tongkat Ali UK is a popular supplement for athletes in London. You can find it in pharmacies in big cities like New York, Sydney, and Tokyo. Also, you can find it online and order it with ease. One capsule of tongkat ali per day can boost your testosterone level and retain all normal men’s characteristics.
High Testosterone Levels in Men
If the testosterone level rises naturally, that is not a problem for men. In fact, a high testosterone level will increase male muscle mass and sex drive. The testosterone level changes its concentration throughout the day in our body and never constantly secretes the same amount. The body maintains homeostasis to control the levels to a certain limit.
A higher testosterone level lowers the chance of obesity and heart attack. Because of natural hormonal outbursts, males develop more aggression and energy. You will find sexual promiscuity and a significant change in his cognitive behavior.
Other than that, athletes use anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass and sports performance. This artificial testosterone causes abnormally high testosterone levels. Not only do they alter the natural hormone balance in the body but they also have other drawbacks in male physiology. These include-
- Azoospermia.
- Gynecomastia.
- Severe acne.
- Heart disease.
- High blood pressure.
- Increased aggression
- Mood changes and depression
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Stunted growth in adolescents
- Impotence
… and more
How Often Do You Need To Check Your Testosterone Level?
If you’re not taking any artificial testosterone supplements like steroids or if there are no symptoms of testosterone deficiency, then there is no need to check your testosterone level until around 35 years of age.
Testosterone levels decrease naturally over 35 years of age, so you should check this hormone level at least once a year after the 35 year mark. However, if you are taking testosterone therapy, then regular monitoring is mandatory to find any progress.
Testosterone and Prostate Cancer
Unexpected testosterone increases beyond 35 years of age can lead to prostate cancer. 60 year olds are expected to have 25% lower testosterone levels than the natural level. However, if the presence of the hormone jumps unusually, then it will stimulate the prostate gland to enlarge.
Because of the larger prostate gland, men will face a higher sex drive at an older age. Also, the larger prostate gland will stress more on the urinary bladder. In those cases, surgery may be required to help save a life. Therefore, you should avoid overuse of testosterone without physician permission.
Testosterone Boosting Foods
You can try different foods to naturally boost your testosterone levels. Zinc and Vitamin D are two main precursors for a testosterone spike.
1.Tuna
Tuna is a protein-rich food that is low in calories but rich in vitamin D.
2.Egg Yolks
Egg yolks are rich in cholesterol and vitamin D.
3.Oysters
Oysters are a good source of zinc, and zinc helps to boost testosterone levels.
4.Beef liver
Beef liver is a wonderful source of both zinc and vitamin D.
5.Low Fat Milk With Vitamin D
Milk that is fortified with vitamin D helps to regulate testosterone levels.
6. Fortified Cereals
The popular breakfast item studded with vitamin D helps jumpstart your testosterone level.
7. Shellfish
Shellfish, such as lobsters or crabs, are rich with a high zinc content.
8.Beans
Black beans, white beans, and kidney beans are all good sources of vitamin D and zinc.
Other Natural Process for Testosterone Increase
Other than eating different foods, if you follow the below tips, then your testosterone level will increase naturally.
1.Physical Exercise
Regular physical exercise will help lose you extra weight, and it stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete more testosterone from the gonads.
2. Do not Eat an Excessive Amount of Sugar
A study suggests when your blood sugar level increases, your testosterone level decreases to almost 25%.
3. Proper Night Sleep
A lack of sleep can also reduce testosterone levels. A healthy adult requires seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Adequate sleep at night allows the pituitary gland to send stimulus to the gonads and prepare your body’s normal concentration of testosterone.
Final Verdict
Testosterone deficiency can be a big problem for men’s health and sexual life. However, artificial testosterone boosts can also be a health hazard. If you can boost your testosterone naturally, that won’t interrupt your body physiology. Try the natural ways over the artificial short-cut. If you do need supplements, make sure you consult your doctor before taking them.
