testosterone in the body. Symptoms of low testosterone in men
Testosterone is the male sex hormone related to androgens. However, it is present not only in the male body, but also in the female. The production of testosterone in boys begins in the process of embryonic development and is carried out by the testes and the adrenal cortex. This is necessary for the proper formation of male genital organs. A little testosterone is produced in childhood, and when the boy reaches puberty, the secretion of the hormone increases dramatically. As for girls, their ovarian cells and adrenal cortex begin to produce testosterone only during puberty. What you need to know about the production of testosterone in the male and female bodies?
The production of testosterone in the body in men
Testosterone is the main hormone in the male body. He is responsible for sexual functions, as well as gender characteristics (the formation of an attractive muscle and torso relief, the ability to conceive children and maintain potency). In addition, testosterone protects a man from the harmful effects of stressful situations and stimulates his physical activity.
Testosterone plays a major role in the proper development of the testicles and prostate, secondary sexual characteristics and the course of spermatogenesis. It is also responsible for mood and is involved in brain functions related to learning and memory. Normally, the testosterone level in a man's body should be from 11 to 33 nanomoles / l.
Testosterone affects the male body in anabolic and androgenic directions. In the first direction, he is actively involved in the synthesis of proteins, insulin, endorphins, in the physical development of a man and building his muscle mass. In the second, it is responsible for sexual development, as well as the formation of secondary male characteristics in young men during the puberty.
In addition to all of the above, testosterone affects stress resistance, physical endurance, takes part in metabolic processes, stimulates muscle mass gain and sexual desire, protects against diabetes and diseases of the cardiovascular system, regulates the formation and production of spermatozoa.
Symptoms of a decrease in the hormone
When there is not enough testosterone in a man's body, this immediately affects his vitality. He feels constantly tired due to the loss of energy, and interest in life is lost. A man has a decrease in libido, potency and density of the testicles. He has problems with memory, absent-mindedness, frequent irritability, tearfulness and depression. He becomes sensitive and soft, that is, effeminate. The man loses weight, suffers from weakness in the muscles, osteoporosis, reduced performance and sleep disorders. Immunity is also reduced.
The changes also affect the secondary male sexual characteristics; there is less vegetation on the face and body of a man. And due to a decrease in the metabolic process, fat begins to be deposited in the same places as in women - on the chest, abdomen and hips.
What does it depend on?
- Time of day. The maximum concentration of the hormone in the blood occurs immediately after waking up in the morning. By evening, it gradually decreases and reaches a minimum before bedtime.
- Physical loads. As you know, testosterone rises after sports. However, if the loads were excessive and the man was overtired, then the hormone in his blood would decrease.
- age, which has a direct effect on the endocrine glands and over the years, the level of testosterone becomes lower. The highest concentration of the hormone occurs in young people during puberty, and when they reach the age of 25-30, testosterone decreases by 1% annually.
- Lifestyle on which the production of testosterone in the male body depends. If a man plays sports and eats properly, then the hormone will be at a high level. But if he leads a sedentary lifestyle, suffers from obesity, drug addiction or alcoholism, then he will certainly have problems with the production of testosterone.
- Psychological state. A lot depends on it, since depression or frequent stress does not contribute to the increased production of the hormone, but vice versa. All because of cortisol (stress hormone), which blocks the synthesis of testosterone in the male body.
- physical health. A number of endocrine and oncological diseases can affect the production of the male sex hormone. It is very important, having noticed something wrong with yourself, similar to the symptoms described above, immediately seek help from a specialist.
How to increase the hormone?
With a decrease in testosterone in the body of a man, his vitality suffers. A man experiences discomfort, which was mentioned above, so he begins to think about ways to increase the hormone in his body. Medications to normalize testosterone, of course, exist, and there are a lot of them. However, you should never take them on your own. Only a doctor can prescribe drugs, and then only after the patient has undergone an examination and identified the causes of the changes that have occurred in his body. First, you can resort to safer ways to increase testosterone. They will be discussed below.
Through training
With a decrease in testosterone for a man, physical activity and sports should become the norm. Keeping himself in good shape, he will ensure the harmonious functioning of all systems of his body.
For this purpose, initial strength exercises with dumbbells with a slow increase in loads in the walls of the gym or at home are suitable. A set of necessary exercises will be selected by the instructor or they can be easily found on the Internet. The main thing is to prevent overvoltage in physical exertion and alternate them with rest. This will help to avoid the opposite results from training. Initial loads include bench presses, squats, pull-ups, and bars. Strength training should be performed a maximum of three times a week.
With Products
You can also increase testosterone levels in the blood with the right diet. It is very important to develop the habit of following it. This can be done without much difficulty - it is enough to eat 4-6 times daily in small portions, and consume the largest number of calories before lunch.
As you know, some products only harm the male body, preventing the hormone from being produced in the right amount. These include:
- Products with various chemical additives, dyes and preservatives in the composition that destroy testosterone in the body. You should completely abandon the use of chips, lemonade, canned food, fast food in favor of more healthy products.
- Caffeine, which, when it enters the male body, stops the production of the hormone almost completely. Especially harmful is instant coffee, which transforms testosterone into estrogen. It is better to drink tea, but if a man cannot refuse coffee, then you can drink just one cup of natural coffee.
- A large amount of sugar and salt has a detrimental effect on testosterone levels.
- Products containing soy make the production of male hormones lower.
- Carbonated drinks, which are harmful not only with an excessive amount of sugar, but also strengthen the oxidative processes in the body that prevent testosterone from being produced.
- The meat is imported, often containing female hormones, which were injected into animals during their lifetime in order to accelerate their weight gain. Against the hormonal background of a man, these estrogens also have a detrimental effect.
- Products smoked artificially. As you know, smoking liquid has a detrimental effect on a man's testicles, preventing them from producing a hormone.
- Mayonnaise and vegetable oils (except olive) contain a large amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can lead to a decrease in the male hormone.
- Nicotine and alcoholic beverages, being poisonous, have a detrimental effect on testicular tissue and their functioning in general. Over time, a man may suffer from impotence, reduced testosterone levels, and the quality of his sperm will become much worse.
Foods that stimulate testosterone production should be preferred:
Testosterone production in women
In the female body, unlike the male body, the amount of testosterone produced is much less, and its effect is to:
- regulation of egg and corpus luteum maturation together with estrogen;
- maintaining the normal course of pregnancy;
- sexual desire and sexual attractiveness;
- the formation of the mammary glands;
- participation during puberty in the growth of bones and skeletal muscles;
- regulation of protein and fat metabolism.
How to boost
Despite the fact that testosterone is considered a male hormone, it performs an important function in a woman's body - it ensures the normal functioning of the nervous, endocrine and motor systems, promotes rejuvenation, keeping the skin elastic, improves mood and stress resistance. If there is not enough testosterone in a woman's body, this will immediately affect her appearance and cause discomfort.
The formation of testosterone in insufficient quantities is often caused by insignificant reasons and may be due to:
- lack of vitamins in food;
- diets low in carbohydrates and animal fats;
- lack of physical activity and maintaining a sedentary lifestyle;
- obesity;
- lack of sexual activity for a long time;
- menopause;
- smoking and alcoholism;
- taking estrogen in the form of contraceptives containing a progestogen.
All these reasons can be easily eliminated and everything is back to normal. However, there are diseases that provoke an insufficient level of testosterone in a woman's body:
- endometriosis;
- surgical menopause after surgical removal of the ovaries;
- adrenal insufficiency;
- pituitary adenoma.
Eliminate these causes is possible only with the help of special medications.
When it turns out that there is not enough testosterone in the female body, the doctor will recommend starting treatment in order to eliminate the causes of the hormone deficiency, as well as increase its concentration. Increasing testosterone is carried out by taking medications and eating the right foods.
Preparations
Preparations to increase the level of the hormone, as a rule, are hormonal, therefore, only the attending physician should prescribe them after the examination and taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.
Hormonal drugs have various side effects, but nevertheless, there are cases when it is simply impossible to normalize the hormonal background without them. When prescribing hormones, and especially for a long time, the attending physician should warn the patient about the necessary medical examinations to check the condition of the kidneys, liver, heart and the hormonal background itself.
Proper nutrition
In some cases, it is possible to correct the abnormal level of testosterone in a woman’s blood on her own by eating the right foods. The list of such products is quite diverse. 
- Nuts are number one on the list of testosterone boosting foods. They are a source of vegetable fats, which are actively involved in the absorption of minerals and vitamins by the human body, as well as in the synthesis of the hormone.
- Seafood is also good at boosting testosterone, thanks to the zinc and fatty acids it contains. The healthiest seafood is crabs, shrimp and fatty fish.
- Vegetables - a real storehouse of vitamins - show excellent results in the normalization of testosterone and enhancing its effect on the female body.
- Fruits are also of great benefit to the body and increase the secretion of the hormone. The most useful will be oranges, pineapples, melon, apricots, persimmons, peaches, grapes and pears.
- Porridge should also not be ignored, as they do an excellent job of increasing testosterone in the blood. The fiber contained in them improves blood circulation and has a beneficial effect on hormone production in the body.
Does testosterone production depend on the time of year?
Surely many people will be interested in such a moment: is there any relationship between the level of testosterone in the blood and one or another time of the year? It was possible to prove the hormonal dependence of people of different sexes on the saturation of workdays with emotional situations and activities that lead to fatigue by the end of the day. When the working day is especially responsible and busy, at the end of it, a person's testosterone decreases significantly, and he feels passive, tired and exhausted.
If you trace the change of emotions in different seasons, you can identify a certain relationship. Since many people associate summer and winter with holidays, relaxation and memorable moments, testosterone levels are much higher during these times of the year. And in the autumn, an analysis of the condition of patients of different sexes and age categories showed that the hormonal balance was slightly reduced. They attribute this to bad and dank weather, dirt on the streets, cold winds.
However, at any time, the level of the hormone can be maintained at a high level. It is enough to try to avoid stress and be in a good mood as often as possible. Give up bad habits, stick to proper nutrition, play sports. And if you have any suspicious sensations, immediately seek the advice of a doctor. You don’t even need to think about self-treatment, otherwise additional problems will inevitably arise.
Interesting video:
To increase testosterone in men, if it has decreased against the background of an unhealthy lifestyle and / or the presence of a number of diseases, it is possible to natural or medication. In the first case, it is necessary to change the lifestyle, including the diet. If it was not possible to normalize the level of the hormone on your own, you should seek the advice of a doctor.
How to prevent low testosterone levels in men
To prevent a decrease in testosterone levels in men, the following measures are recommended:
- maintaining a normal body weight;
- balanced diet;
- avoidance of stressful situations;
- avoidance of excessive physical exertion, while sufficient physical activity;
- a rational mode of work and rest, a good night's sleep;
- adequate sexual activity;
- refusal to self-administer hormonal drugs, including testosterone preparations in order to increase its level in the blood or build muscle mass;
- strengthening immunity (hardening by dousing with cold water is especially effective, since short-term exposure to cold water helps to increase testosterone synthesis);
- avoiding exposure to the body of adverse environmental factors.
Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:
Testosterone - what is it? How to make sure that its amount in the body is at a sufficiently high level? Such questions begin to disturb every man at a certain period of his life. Unfortunately, the need to increase testosterone arises much earlier than we would like.
Testosterone completely controls the male body, most directly affects sexual activity, the state of muscle tissue, systems and organs. Ultimately, the level of testosterone in the body affects the standard of living and career success of a man.
For what processes in the body is testosterone responsible?
The hormonal "cocktail" in the male body is very diverse in terms of components, but the key element in it is testosterone. This hormone, like a traffic controller, controls the activity of the whole organism, affecting not only health, but also the way a man thinks, his behavior in society, his creative inclinations and energy potential. The importance of testosterone for men cannot be overestimated.
Sometimes testosterone is called the royal hormone - successful men, leaders who have achieved great influence in society, have never experienced problems with testosterone. The component largely determines the ability of a man to take initiative, to take full responsibility.
What determines the level of testosterone in the body?
The lion's share of the royal hormone is produced in the testicles by a unique cellular structure discovered by the German physician Leydig. Testosterone begins to be synthesized at the 23rd week of the existence of the embryo. It is at this time that it becomes possible to determine who the couple is expecting - a boy or a girl. In male embryos, testosterone in the blood is several times higher.
As the male body continues to exist, the amount of hormone secreted by the testicles decreases. Unfortunately, by the age of 35-50, the amount of testosterone released in most men reaches zero. The timing of the onset of "male menopause" depends on how strong the release of testosterone was initially. This process is sometimes called andropause, and for many men it sounds like a death sentence.
The onset of andropause is brought closer by negative factors, in particular:
- Vegetarianism
Even in ancient times, people knew that the refusal to eat meat leads to the gradual degradation of a person. In men, a lack of meat in the diet leads to a drop in cholesterol levels - an essential component in the production of testosterone. Of course, vegetarianism and fasting will not cause a man to lose his sexual desire soon, but his male power will fall many times over.
- Presence of female hormones in the body
In some representatives of the stronger sex, the level of the female hormone in the body is extremely high. And it’s not genes that are to blame for this, but lifestyle. A large amount of beer, genetically modified meat will not increase testosterone in the body. Brewer's yeast is an excellent way to make a man a woman without surgery.
- Climatic features
Northerners suffer from a lack of vitamin B, which is involved in the production of testosterone. Some doctors believe that the hectic sex life in the southern resorts is associated precisely with an increase in the level of the royal hormone due to the hot climate.
- alcohol abuse
Alcohol is the worst enemy of the testicles. In the course of medical tests, it was found that alcohol suppresses the production of the royal hormone. Alcohol-containing products are dangerous because for a short period of time it increases sexual desire, but the retribution for this will be immediate and heavy. Again, a drunk person levels down to an animal that does not need the male hormone.
- Nervous tension, stress
Depressive states, mental shaking extremely negatively affect men's health, which quickly affects the formation of testosterone. Stress also reduces a person's life expectancy.
For example: a man took a large loan from a bank, and this debt became the heaviest burden for him. Of course, his testosterone levels will be steadily reduced. Weak hormone levels - weak opportunities for debt repayment. Vicious circle.
- Heating testicles
As a contraceptive, some men use special baths to heat the testicles. This method allows you to make sperm incapable of reproduction, but it also has a detrimental effect on the body, in particular, on the production of testosterone.
- Tight briefs and swimming trunks
Tightening underwear made of elastic materials is a sure way to infertility. This has been proven by the staff of one of the leading Italian scientific institutes. But lovers of the so-called "family shorts" can remain men much longer. So everyone chooses for himself - to be a man in family "underpants", or a pseudo-man in tight swimming trunks.
- Viral diseases
Urological diseases caused by viral pathogens can reduce testosterone generation rates. Hepatitis and urethritis are especially dangerous in this respect. lead worldwide to a decrease in the quality of the male gene pool.
Natural Testosterone Boosting Techniques
The methods are simple and even obvious, but very effective.
Method one. We regulate the diet
The well-known saying that the future of a person can be determined by his diet is very true. The body must be constantly nourished with nutrients, first of all:
- minerals. Minerals are the most important cellular material. In fact, it is from minerals that the human body is built. If a person is deficient in zinc, the testicles will stop producing testosterone. You can get the right amount of zinc by eating fish, crabs, shrimp, squid, pumpkin seeds and various nuts.
- vitamins of different groups. Without vitamins, a person will become exhausted, will not be able to perform even simple work. Not getting the right amount of vitamins, the body stops the generation of testosterone. Of paramount importance for the synthesis of the royal hormone are CEB vitamins, which are rich in citrus fruits, wild berries, fatty fish and nuts.
- protein, carbohydrate food, amino acids. These components take part in all bioprocesses that take place in the human body. Most proteins and amino acids in meat. Medical experts are unanimous in their opinion - without meat, testosterone will drop to levels close to zero.
Method two. Refuse the nocturnal lifestyle, adjust the daily routine
Sex hormones are synthesized when an individual falls into deep sleep. If a person suffers from lack of sleep, insomnia, any way to increase the level of the royal hormone is powerless. The sleep of a healthy person has a duration of 7-8 hours without interruptions and getting out of bed.
Method three. Sports activities
Strength training with "iron" is a great way to increase the synthesis of the sex hormone. In addition, testosterone will help make the figure more masculine and more attractive for women. Of course, sports activities must be approached competently, without self-torture.
Method four. Achieving Inner Peace
Doctors call getting rid of stress and nervous tension an important step towards increasing the level of the royal hormone. A good mood, achievement in sports or in life release large doses of testosterone into the blood. Of course, this release is short-lived, but while maintaining a positive attitude, the recharge will be constant.
For the best effect, you need to combine the above methods.
How much testosterone is normal for women?
Traditionally, testosterone is considered an exclusively male prerogative, but we should not forget that it is also found in the female body, and not in the smallest quantities. The level of this hormone in women forms the voice timbre, the type of figure and the so-called libido.
In women bearing boys, the release of testosterone into the blood during hormonal exchange between mother and fetus is not excluded. The hormone enters the bloodstream, affects the mood of the expectant mother, the exchange of useful components in her body, and even sexual desire.
Medical science is sure that testosterone in the female body should fluctuate at a level of 0.45-3.75 nmol / liter. This figure is considered the norm for a woman. For comparison, men have 10 times more testosterone. If the indicator is increased upwards, the woman's body will not respond with the best manifestations.
How much testosterone is normal for men?
There are two main ways to find out the level of the main sex hormone in the male body: a blood test and control of external characteristics. When determining this indicator, it must be taken into account that it is dynamic and constantly fluctuates throughout the day. Most testosterone in the body of a man during the day, the least - in the evening and at night.
The standard amount is 11-33 nmol per liter. A man should have such an indicator - and age discounts should not be taken into account.
Drugs that increase testosterone production
Pharmacology produces many drugs aimed at activating the production of the royal hormone. Every athlete knows that anabolic and steroid drugs increase the percentage of testosterone in the blood, make it easier to endure training and achieve better results. Other drugs have an effect that increases sexual libido. Here are the most effective drugs:
- Tribulus terrestris. A drug that acts on a unique part of the brain responsible for the synthesis of sex hormones - the pituitary gland. The pharmacological corporation that produces this remedy assures that it is based on only natural components of plant origin. The drug is safe, non-addictive, does not have a negative impact on the body. Athletes also agree with the manufacturer Tribulus terrestris. Of course, you can not exceed the dosage of the drug.
- Testosterone Enanthate. A biologically active component used only by masters of power sports. If a person does not have heavy loads, he does not need Testosterone Enanthate. The tool releases a lot of androgenic hormone into the blood, relieves pain during strength work, and has an anabolic effect.
- Testosterone undecanoate. The tool has virtually no side effects. Undecanoate has a sparing androgenic effect on the body without inhibiting the function of the testicles. This drug does not harm a person. Undecanoate is used to increase masculinity, but this pharmacological agent does not affect the growth of muscle tissue.
Materials about testosterone
Doctors, athletes, fitness trainers speak about the importance of testosterone. The well-known doctor O. Butakova recorded a series of video lectures on the male hormone. Lectures are ambiguous, with humor about men and their nature. Butakova tried to tell about a complex problem in the simplest possible way, and she succeeded.
Photo 1. Testosterone determines the character of a man, makes him more aggressive and risky. Source: Flickr (Testosterone Booster Reviews).
Note! Testosterone is responsible for the formation and functioning of the male reproductive system, determines libido and sexual activity.
The male sex hormone testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone secreted in the male body by the testicles.(testicles) and adrenal glands which performs a variety of functions in the body. The main one is the stimulation of the development of the reproductive system during puberty and the regulation of spermatogenesis in the reproductive age.
Normally, the volume of testosterone in a man's body ranges from 12.5 to 40.6 nmol / l, with such indicators, he successfully performs the main tasks:
- ensures the full development of the organs of the male reproductive system(penis, testicles, prostate);
- stimulates the manifestation of secondary sexual characteristics(hair growth on the face and body);
- participates in protein synthesis in muscle tissues, leading to muscle growth;
- helps fight the accumulation of fat in the abdominal cavity, distributing it evenly throughout the body and lowering cholesterol levels;
- affects the formation of a low voice timbre;
- controls blood circulation, improving it, thereby providing a healthy erection;
- affects the parts of the brain, forming sexual desire;
- regulates the psychophysiological functioning of a man(forms stereotypical male character traits and behavior).
Although the synthesis of testosterone occurs around the clock, the production is not always kept at the same level - at 6-8 o'clock in the morning the release of the hormone into the blood is maximum, at 20-22 o'clock it is minimal.
Where and how is testosterone produced?
The main processes for the production of male steroid hormone occur in testicles, where testosterone itself is produced (approximately 5-12 mg / day), as well as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA), androstenedione and estrogen.
Not only testicles are responsible for the production of testosterone, but also adrenal cortex, although their share in the process of hormone production.
Synthesis hormones carried out located in the testicles Leydig cells and tubular epithelial cells, the main source material is cholesterol, which enters the body of a man with food.
It happens like this:
- Cells receive cholesterol from the blood in the form of acetate.(the first link in the biosynthesis of this substance) or low density lipoproteins(compounds of proteins with fat-like components).
- going on consistent a chain of reactions that converts cholesterol to androstenedione.
- After the fusion of two molecules of androstenedione, the final hormone, testosterone, is formed..
Control over the process of hormone synthesis is carried out by the hypothalamic-pituitary system. There, the hypothalamus produces a special hormone GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone), which controls the pituitary gland and constantly secretes gonadotropins - luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone (the first regulates the maturation and functioning of Leydig cells, the second helps the production of spermatogenic epithelium).
The work of the hypothalamic-pituitary system is that the hypothalamus receives a signal from testicular cells about the volume of synthesized testosterone. This is where the feedback principle comes into play. With normal hormone production, a standard amount of gonadotropins is produced. If testosterone becomes less or more - the level of gonadotropins is adjusted accordingly - an increase or decrease.
What affects the production of male hormone
The production of the hormone testosterone involves a large number of different processes in the body and activates the work of a number of internal organs. Every man should take care to help his body cope with such a difficult process.
To do this, you should know what affects the production of the hormone.
Healthy sleep- lasting at least 7-8 hours, passing in darkness and silence, awakening after which is accompanied by cheerfulness and good health;
Food- complete, made up of fish, seafood, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables, filled with:
- minerals (especially zinc, but also calcium, magnesium and selenium);
- vitamins (C, E, D, group B);
- omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids;
- proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
It is important! Any food consisting of fast carbohydrates (pastries, chocolate, white bread), excessively fatty foods and carbonated drinks based on a large amount of sugar should be excluded from the diet.
Water- at least 1.5 liters per day, and it is purified water, and not carbonated drinks, juices or tea with coffee.
Weight control- the more overweight, the more active female sex hormones are produced from adipose tissue, which suppress the synthesis of testosterone.
Physical activity- an increase in the volume of the male sex hormone occurs with moderate (for an hour twice a week) sports with weights, as well as with regular walking, sprinting, and doing exercises for the pelvic muscles.
Photo 2. Regular gymnastics is the way to a long and healthy life. Testosterone is the leading androgenic hormone in the male body, which is responsible for sexual functions and regulation of spermatogenesis. It stimulates a set of muscle mass, physical activity, protects the body from the effects of stress. Testosterone deficiency negatively affects both the physical and emotional state. How to increase testosterone in men?
The hormone is produced in the adrenal cortex and testicles. The norm is 11-33 nanomoles / liter. How does testosterone affect the male body? Its impact occurs in two main directions:
- androgenic: regulation of the processes of sexual development of the body. Progesterone activity contributes to the development of sexual characteristics in boys during puberty,
- anabolic: protein, insulin, endorphins are synthesized, muscle fibers are formed, the physical development of the body occurs.
In addition, testosterone performs a number of vital functions:
- takes an active part in metabolic processes,
- regulates weight gain and the formation of the anatomical shape of the body,
- controls blood sugar levels
- stimulates resistance to stress,
- maintains the level of libido, the activity of a man.
Testosterone is a natural anabolic substance that is absolutely safe for the body, unlike its synthetic counterparts. The maximum concentration of testosterone levels is observed at the age of 18, and after 25 years it begins to gradually fall. By the age of 35-40, hormone production decreases by about 1-2% every year. Such a decrease in the level of the hormone is a natural process and does not require treatment.
The effect of testosterone on the body in different periods of male development:
| Embryonic period | Under the influence of testosterone, the sex of the child is formed, then the prostate and seminal vesicles develop in the fetus. |
| Puberty (transitional age in boys) | The chest expands, the shoulders, chin, forehead, jaw increase. · Increased muscle mass. The sebaceous glands can work in an enhanced mode, which often causes a rash. Hair appears in the pubic area, armpits, on the face. Gradually, hair appears on the chest, legs, arms. There is an increase in the genital organs and increased sexual desire. · Increased ability to conceive. |
| mature men | After 35 years, the level of the hormone gradually decreases, sexual desire fades away. · Simultaneously with a decrease in testosterone levels, diseases of the heart and blood vessels develop, osteoporosis, malfunctions of the autonomic system may develop. The risk of developing Alzheimer's disease increases with age. |
But the process of testosterone production can be disrupted under the influence adverse factors:
- smoking, alcohol abuse,
- inactive lifestyle,
- chronic diseases,
- some drugs
- unfavorable environmental conditions,
- overweight, constant stress.
Testosterone level: norm and deviation
With age, the amount of testosterone gradually decreases, by the age of 60 it can fall by 50%. Moreover, an increase or decrease in the level of the hormone is noticeable even with a deviation from the norm of 5-15%. The total content of the hormone in the blood consists of a free part - 2% and a part that is associated with proteins - 98%.
Causes and consequences of a decrease in the level of the male hormone
A decrease in testosterone levels can be primary (testicular damage) and secondary (pathology of the hypothalamic-pituitary system). Unfortunately, low hormone levels are common in today's young men. What is the reason for this deficit? Both various diseases and lifestyle can affect the decrease in testosterone.
A decrease in the level of the hormone immediately affects the metabolism and is characterized by typical symptoms:
- joint pain, decreased muscle mass,
- memory problems,
- erection problems, premature ejaculation,
- breast enlargement, overweight,
- insomnia, decreased libido,
- hair loss.
Hormone deficiency provokes weight gain, a man becomes irritable, prone to depression, in addition, the risk of developing various kinds of diseases increases. Factors, contributing to a decrease in the level of sex hormones:
- stress,
- unbalanced diet,
- alcohol abuse,
- STI,
- taking certain medications
- genital trauma,
- sedentary lifestyle,
- irregular lovemaking,
- unfavorable environmental conditions.
If you see an overweight man, know that he definitely has low testosterone levels in his blood. How to increase testosterone levels in men? Of course, there are effective drugs for such cases, but they can only be prescribed by a specialist after an examination. First, let's look at natural and safe ways.
Food
The production of hormones is a complex process that involves the joint work of organs and systems. What foods increase testosterone in men? For the normal production of androgens, it is necessary first of all to provide the body with useful substances:
| Minerals | To increase testosterone levels, it is important to consume enough zinc. With its deficiency, a drop in testosterone levels is noted. Zinc is found in the following foods: seafood (shrimp, squid, oysters, crabs), fish (herring, anchovies, carp), nuts (pistachios, walnuts, almonds). It is important to provide the body with sufficient amounts of selenium, magnesium and calcium. |
| vitamins | For full health, the body needs vitamins: Vitamin C - a powerful antioxidant, is responsible for the body's defenses, inhibits the production of cortisol, Vitamin E - helps insulin fight high blood sugar levels, omega-3 and omega-6 - essential acids necessary for the production of testosterone, B vitamins. |
| Proteins and fats | The basis of nutrition and testosterone synthesis. It is important to balance the diet in such a way that there is no deficiency in either proteins or fats. Healthy fats: flaxseed, peanut, olive oil, bananas, salmon, egg yolks. |
| Water | Sufficient consumption of clean water is necessary for the smooth functioning of the body. |
Seafood is known for its ability to increase potency. - include in your menu parsley, spinach, dill - vegetable forms of testosterone,
- dried fruits are very useful, they contain lutein,
- be sure to eat cereals - fiber is necessary for the body,
- avoid soy products
- exclude beer, fast food, carbonated drinks, fast carbohydrates (pastries, sweets),
- limit the amount of salt
- you can drink no more than one cup of natural coffee per day,
- products that increase testosterone in men should be natural, so try to buy meat in the markets, as imported meats can have the opposite effect. The fact is that in order to increase body weight, cattle are fed with supplements containing hormones. And 80% of the hormones that are added to pig feed to quickly increase the amount of fat are female.
Weight normalization
How to increase testosterone production in men? Overweight men need to get rid of extra pounds. It has been proven that obese men have lower levels of testosterone production. Male sex hormones in adipose tissue are converted into female ones. Therefore, sports and proper nutrition are the companions of a real healthy man.
Physical exercise
Weight training has been proven to increase testosterone levels. Main recommendations:
- the optimal duration of training is an hour,
- number of workouts - 2-3 per week,
- it is necessary to train the large muscles of the back, legs, chest,
- take the weight so that you can do the exercise 8 to 10 times, the last one with effort.
Get rid of bad habits
Under the influence of alcoholic beverages, testosterone is converted into estrogen. Any kind of alcohol negatively affects the process of hormone production, and beer contains analogues of some female sex hormones. The exception is high-quality dry red wine, which is healthy in moderation.
Physical activity increases the level of male hormones. Limiting the amount of sugar in the diet
Elevated sugar levels lead to a decrease in testosterone production. In addition, the abuse of sweets leads to weight gain. Therefore, it is necessary to limit the amount of sugar and fast carbohydrates (these are pasta, bakery products).
Normalization of sleep
Healthy sleep is very important for men's health. Interestingly, most hormones are produced during deep sleep. That is why lack of sleep leads to a sharp decrease in testosterone levels.
Avoid stress
Stress negatively affects the body as a whole, and also contributes to the production of the hormone cortisone, an antagonist of male sex hormones. Try to maintain a stable emotional state.
Regular sex life
An active sex life stimulates the production of male hormones and has a beneficial effect on the entire body, this is a pleasant and effective way to increase testosterone in men. If there is no constant sexual partner, do not forget about safety, as STIs are dangerous for men's health and often cause complications. It is also noted that simple communication with the beautiful half of humanity significantly increases testosterone levels.
sunbathe
The sun is not only a source of vitamin D. Studies have shown that the sun's rays stimulate the production of testosterone. So don't forget to sunbathe in summer.
Win!
Testosterone is the hormone of winners. Rejoice even in your insignificant achievements, enjoy life in all its manifestations.
A little about drugs
Preparations containing hormones can only be prescribed by a doctor! Medications that increase testosterone in men are prescribed by specialists in the case when the hormone level is below 10 nanomoles per liter:
- Testosterone in injections is prescribed for violation of the sex glands. Side effects - fluid and salt retention in the body, swelling, increased sexual desire.
- Oral preparations (tablets).
- Gels.
- Testosterone patch.
Means that increase testosterone levels in men can only be prescribed by a doctor, since long-term use of such drugs can provoke the development complications:
- inhibition of hormone production by the body,
- the development of gynecomastia (this is a pathology in which the mammary glands swell),
- there is an increasing risk of developing pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, oncological.
Increased testosterone levels
signs increased testosterone in men:
- increased body hair
- well developed muscles
- increased sex drive,
- impulsiveness, such men are very aggressive,
- on the head, unlike the body, a bald spot may appear.
The consequences of increased testosterone in men can be testicular tumors, infertility. The reasons elevated hormone levels
- testicular tumors,
- pathological processes of the adrenal glands,
- heredity,
- taking drugs containing hormones,
- excessive physical activity.
Sources:
- A. Gladkova «Hormonal regulation of sexual function in men». Kharkov, 1998.
- S. Krasnova. "Hormonal therapy", 2007.
