Testosterone Pills: Uses & Side Effects

Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age

It can also lead to precocious (early) puberty, which is when puberty begins before the age of eight. It’s unlikely — and difficult to tell — that a male adult has higher-than-normal levels of testosterone. Testosterone is the main androgen, meaning it stimulates the development of male characteristics.

It’s also a gender-affirming treatment for people seeking more “masculine” physical characteristics, like a deeper voice and facial hair. The hormone is usually given through your skin as a gel or a patch or injected into your muscle. Treating normal aging with testosterone therapy is not advisable. Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to maintain healthy testosterone levels.

It’s also possible that these conditions cause low testosterone levels, so treatment might result in increase of testosterone levels. Chronic stress can also negatively impact testosterone levels and libido. High stress increases cortisol, a hormone that can interfere with testosterone production. The levels peak when you start dreaming and stay there until you wake up. But daytime testosterone levels can drop up to 15% when you get only 5 hours of sleep. Aim for 7 or 8 hours every night, even if it means a shift in your schedule or a limit to your late-night plans. Understanding the normal range of total testosterone for young men can make it easier to detect male hypogonadism and help teens achieve higher testosterone levels.

It’s important to note that the causes of low testosterone can differ between males and females, and the symptoms may also vary. If you suspect you have low testosterone or are experiencing symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, it’s recommended to consult your healthcare professional who can run labs to assess your hormone levels. There are a lot of natural products that claim they can increase your testosterone levels. But according to Dr. James Hotaling, none of them have been proven to help. There are, however, some lifestyle changes you can make that are supported by research. Find out what they are and also what you should avoid if you want to increase your low-T. Everything starts with the foods you eat, though your diet isn’t the only thing that could impact your testosterone levels.

Excess abdominal fat, in particular, is likely a major culprit. Having more of this type of fat is thought to result in a higher production of the enzyme called aromatase, which converts testosterone into estradiol — lowering a man’s free testosterone levels. For this reason, losing weight may improve testosterone levels, and a healthy diet can help you achieve that. It’s produced by the testicles and helps maintain male characteristics. Testosterone plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle mass and bone density. It also helps with red blood cell production and mood regulation. Testosterone plays an important role in libido and sexual performance.

Avoiding alcohol is essential, as the empty calories are a huge contributor to weight gain. The typical ‘beer belly’ increases the amount of aromatase and increases estrogen production in men. He reported in The Lancet that his vigor and feeling of well-being were markedly restored but the effects were transient,[222] and Brown-Séquard’s hopes for the compound were dashed. Suffering the ridicule of his colleagues, he abandoned his work on the mechanisms and effects of androgens in human beings.

However, drinking too much alcohol can markedly reduce testosterone levels and sexual function. Excessive alcohol consumption not only impairs hormone production but can also does polyester decrease testosterone sperm count and increase the risk of sexual dysfunction. Although healthy lifestyle and dietary changes are worthwhile to support puberty, they aren’t a solution to most cases of low testosterone in adolescents. If you suspect low testosterone in your adolescent, see a healthcare provider who can make a proper diagnosis and prescribe treatment if necessary. Your pediatrician may order a blood test to measure your child’s testosterone levels if puberty starts earlier or later than expected. Results can reveal whether there’s been damage or disease of the testes, adrenal glands, or pituitary gland. Some young men may develop more slowly than peers, which may cause concern.

That constant stress can contribute to everything from sleep problems to an increased risk of heart problems. The exact mechanisms may require more studies, but the research suggests that zinc may act as an effective aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase is an enzyme that essentially converts hormones, like testosterone, into estrogen. By blocking that enzyme, there is a higher testosterone level in the body. Many people may turn to vitamins and supplements to boost testosterone.