Hormones act as chemical carriers, sending signals from the brain to other parts of the body so that an action can take place, informs Tennessee Men’s Clinic. Testosterone is a natural hormone regulating several bodily functions. In men, testosterone is mostly produced in the testicles, while in smaller quantities is also produced by the adrenal glands.
Role of Testosterone in the Body
In men, testosterone is responsible for producing and regulating masculine features. It has a vital role to play during puberty and as adults. It plays a significant role in fertility, muscular development, and metabolism. Testosterone levels are likely to slowly decline by approximately 1-2 % per year after reaching the age of 30.
Effects of Testosterone on Physiology
Men with high testosterone levels may be at a higher risk of sexual dysfunction, cardiovascular complications, mood disturbances, and liver damage. Decreased production of testosterone is caused due to androgen-related disorders, educates Tennessee Men’s Clinic. Men with low testosterone levels may experience erectile dysfunction, subfertility, gynaecomastia (unwanted breast enlargement), fatigue, and decreased muscle and bone mass.
Testosterone- Boosting Supplements
Diet and nutrition play a vital role in maintaining healthy testosterone levels points out. Some supplements which have been found to support testosterone production and help maintain ideal levels are:
- D-Aspartic Acid- This is a naturally occurring amino acid that has been shown to increase testosterone levels, particularly in men with low baseline levels.
- Zinc- Zinc is an important mineral that plays a significant role in various physiological processes, including testosterone production.
- Fenugreek- This is a herb commonly used in conventional medicine for its claimed testosterone-boosting properties.
- Vitamin D- Vitamin D levels have been positively associated with testosterone levels in men. Supplementation with vitamin D can help maintain ideal levels, particularly in individuals with limited sun exposure.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
Testosterone replacement therapy is a form of Hormone replacement therapy. This form of treatment involves the use of artificial testosterone to increase testosterone levels and treat the symptoms of low T. The supplemental testosterone used for TRT comes in various forms, including skin patches, topical gels, tablets, implants, and injectable testosterone.
Benefits and Side Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy combats the effects of testosterone deficiency on bone and muscle mass, mood, and sexual function. Some research also indicates that it may improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health in older men with low testosterone levels, mentions Tennessee Men’s Clinic.
Testosterone replacement therapy has plenty of benefits, but it can cause side effects. These include minor issues such as skin irritation (particularly with gels and liquids), as well as more serious complications such as an increased risk of blood clots and cardiovascular diseases.
TRT may also be risky for cancer patients, particularly for prostate cancer, breast cancer, or other forms of cancer that are affected by androgen levels. These effects are most often seen at higher dosages of testosterone, thus monitoring testosterone levels is vital during the treatment.
For men, maintaining testosterone levels is important, but they decrease naturally over time. Therefore, a powerful procedure for maximizing testosterone levels in men is to integrate a combination of high-intensity interval training, sunlight exposure, cold exposure, and evidence-backed supplements. When tackled appropriately, the adverse effects of testosterone levels on the physiology of men can be managed effectively.