Andropause

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a key male sex hormone. However, it is also present in females but at a much lower level. During puberty, testosterone is responsible for the deepening of the voice, the growth of male sexual organs, and the development of pubic hair. It also plays a role in sperm production.

What functions is testosterone responsible for?

• Regulating sex drive

• Increasing bone mass

• Fat distribution and storage

• Muscle growth

• Red blood cell production

• Sperm production

What happens to testosterone levels as we age?

Testosterone levels generally peak during adolescence and early adulthood. As we age, testosterone levels begin to decline. Levels typically decline about 1% each year after age 30 or 40. For older men, it is important to distinguish if a low testosterone level is due to aging or hypogonadism. Hypogonadism hampers the ability to produce normal amounts of testosterone due to a problem with the testicles or with the pituitary gland that controls the testicles.

What are the symptoms of testosterone deficiency?

• Reduced sex drive

• Erectile dysfunction

• Reduced facial hair growth

• Loss of lean muscle mass

• Fatigue

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone is to men what estrogen is to women. As men age, testosterone levels begin to drop. According to the Mayo Clinic, levels decrease by 1% each year starting around age 30 or 40. Every man will experience a decline in testosterone levels, but symptoms and severity will vary from person to person. These changes will occur over a long period of time with changes often appearing subtle. Testosterone decline can lead to multiple changes in the body including:

  • Erectile dysfunction (problems with erections)
  • Decreased libido (low sex drive)
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Increased body fat (especially abdominal fat)
  • Loss of muscle size and strength
  • Difficulty with concentration and memory loss

If you feel that you might need testosterone replacement, speak with your doctor or one of our pharmacists to find out if treatment is right for you. If treatment is recommended, then we suggest trying treatment (with a prescription from your doctor) for a few months while monitoring your symptoms.

We offer multiple options for Testosterone and DHEA supplementation including:

  • Topical Cream
  • Topical Gel
  • Intramuscular Injection
  • Troche (dissolved between the cheek and the gum)

If you feel like you may be experiencing low testosterone, then you can use the ADAM Questionnaire to identify your symptoms and talk with your doctor. The ADAM Questionnaire was developed by St. Louis University in 2000 and has been published in the International Journal of Impotence Research. It is widely used as screening tool for androgen deficiency (low testosterone).

Get your ADAM Questionnaire (PDF)

What are the potential risks and side effects of Testosterone therapy?

• Worsening sleep apnea

• Causing acne or other skin reactions

• Stimulating noncancerous growth of the prostate

• Enlarging breasts

• Limiting sperm production or causing testicles to shrink

• Stimulating too much red cell production, which contributes to the increased risk of blood clots

What over-the-counter supplements can help boost testosterone levels?

• Vitamin D

Vitamin D may help boost your testosterone levels. A recent study in Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology found a link between vitamin D and testosterone levels. They found that men with a vitamin D deficiency had lower testosterone levels. It looks like Vitamin D isn’t just for your bones and immune system.

• Ashwaganda

Ashwaganda is an evergreen shrub, but the roots and fruit have medicinal properties. A 2019 study examined the effects of ashwagandha on hormone levels in males aged 40–70 years with overweight and mild fatigue. One group received a placebo while the others received ashwagandha. The researchers found that the testosterone levels of the participants taking ashwagandha increased by 14.7% more than they did among the placebo group.

• D-aspartic acid

D-aspartic acid is an amino acid. It plays a role in testosterone production and release. An older study showed that a daily dose of D-aspartate led to an increase in testosterone levels.

• Fenugreek

Fenugreek is plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. A meta-analysis of trials investigating the effect of Fenugreek on males suggests that it may have a significant effect on testosterone levels. A study involving the effects on females has produced similar results. The extract led to a significant increase in testosterone levels and sexual desire compared to placebo.

• DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is naturally occurring in our bodies and is made by the adrenal glands. DHEA actually helps produce other hormones like testosterone and estrogen.

How can I boost testosterone levels naturally?

• Sleep

An older study found that a lack of sleep actually resulted in lower testosterone levels the following morning.

• Weight Loss

Males with obesity have lower testosterone levels. Losing weight may help increase levels.

• Diet

Research has shown that males that eat diets lower in fat have lower levels of testosterone, regardless of body mass index (BMI) and physical activity level.

• Sunlight

Sunlight is a source of Vitamin D for our bodies. Research may have found a link between Vitamin D and testosterone levels. Higher vitamin D levels could lead to high testosterone levels.

Sources:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/best-testosterone-supplements?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MNT%20Weekly%20News&utm_content=2020-09-16&utm_country=&utm_hcp=&apid=35886403&utm_term=MNT%20Weekly%20News#supplement-list

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/testosterone-therapy/art-20045728

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-dhea/art-20364199

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2834355/