Men’s Health Month: All About Testosterone
Written by Dr. Jordan Valdez, ND, RD
We can’t discuss men’s health without having the notorious testosterone taking the lead. Afterall, it is at the core of every man's performance, health, and overall vitality. So let’s dive in.
Testosterone - what is it, what does it do, and how does it work?
Testosterone is a hormone in the body required for normal human function. Although both males and females make testosterone, it plays a dominant role in males. It’s involved in the development of male organs (e.g. penis, testicles, prostate gland), features (e.g. hair patterns, voice deepening, musculature), and fertility (e.g. sperm production).
In males, testosterone is made inside of the testes (and androgens, male hormones that can be converted into testosterone, are made in the adrenal glands) from cholesterol. Once made, testosterone is released into the bloodstream where most of it travels bound to a protein (sex hormone binding globulin or albumin) and a small amount of it travels in free form.
When testosterone is bound to SHBG, it is not available for use but serves as a storage form. When testosterone is bound to albumin or in its free form, it is available for use ( aka bioavailable testosterone) and can exert its powerful anabolic (building) and androgenic (masculine) effects on tissues such as the testes, bone, muscle, and prostate gland.
Testosterone - what are the symptoms of low testosterone?
Low or suboptimal testosterone levels can lead to a wide variety of symptoms and increased disease risk, which can significantly impair day-to-day functionality, quality of life, and longevity. Signs, symptoms, and complications of low or suboptimal testosterone:
● Low sex drive
● Erectile dysfunction
● Decreased sense of confidence and wellbeing
● Decreased motivation
● Depression, irritability, moodiness
● Difficulty with concentration and memory
● Fatigue
● Loss of muscle mass
● Increased fat mass
● Decreased hemoglobin, mild anemia
● Decreased body hair
● Osteoporosis (thinning of bones)
● Gynecomastia (breast development)
● Infertility
● Increased risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome
● Increased risk of Alzheimer disease
● Associated with increased death from heart disease
Basically, low testosterone levels can make men weaker, softer, depressed, and uninterested in sex. Unfortunately, these effects are often normalized and accepted as a side effect of aging.
Testosterone - what should I know about lab testing?
As you can see, testosterone has a very strong influence on the male body. Men feel their best when their testosterone is at an optimal level. What is optimal? This varies and depends on each individual, a general range is 600-1000 ng/dL. To find out what your current level is, you can get lab testing done (blood work). Lab testing can be done at any age but is especially encouraged if you suspect low/suboptimal testosterone levels or if you are aged 40 and over.
Lab testing provides valuable information that can be used to diagnose and treat deficient and insufficient testosterone states. It can also help you determine the testosterone level that you feel best at and allow you to recognize trends over time! Maintaining awareness of testosterone levels with regular (at least once per year) testing is highly encouraged for men’s wellness and can empower you to make healthier choices.
*Testing should be done by a qualified healthcare provider and ideally in conjunction with a detailed medical history and physical exam. Additional testing may be ordered to assess overall health and identify root cause(s) of imbalances.*
Testosterone - what causes low and suboptimal levels?
Unfortunately, most men’s testosterone levels are not at optimal levels and the conventionally defined normal range of testosterone is far from optimal. Testosterone deficiency is defined as male hypogonadism, which affects almost 40% of men aged 45 and older (likely underestimated and underreported). Testosterone deficiency is a well-established, and fairly common, medical condition with harmful effects on male sexuality, reproduction, general health, and quality of life.
Classic causes and contributors of hypogonadism include genetic disorders, surgery, trauma, or certain diseases. However, the majority of hypogonadism (up to 89%) is not accounted for by any of these conditions. Factors of modern-day likely account for the majority of cases: poor nutrition/lifestyle, chronic stress, inflammation, and constant exposure to endocrine-disruptors and environmental toxins. For example, exposure to phthalates (chemicals in plastics and personal care products) can block normal testosterone production.
Furthermore, testosterone levels naturally decline with age, starting after age 30 and continuing at a rate of 1% per year throughout the rest of life! Interestingly, age-related testosterone decline may be a result of comorbidities that increase with age, rather than age itself, which include depression, elevated BMI, metabolic syndrome/type II diabetes, smoking, chronic disease, marital status, stress, and sleep.
Testosterone - what can you do to optimize your levels?
There is plenty that can be done to minimize the decline of testosterone and keep levels in optimal range. The foundations are healthy nutrition and lifestyle, although higher level interventions may at times in addition (such as herbal therapy, peptide therapy, and testosterone replacement therapy).
● Quality sleep: one study showed that getting only 5 hours of sleep per night decreased testosterone levels by 10-15%.
● Stress management: cortisol and testosterone have an inverse relationship. Stress reduces testosterone due to its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
● Weight management: obesity and insulin resistance – and accompanying inflammation - are associated with low testosterone. Excess fat increases the conversion of testosterone into estrogen.
● Regular exercise: strength training at moderate and high intensities maximizes testosterone levels and protects against diseases of aging.
● Good nutrition: vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, and selenium are important for androgens and sperm production. An organic, whole food, mediterranean style diet is encouraged.
● Detoxification support: certain toxicities, such as heavy metals (e.g., cadmium), are associated with low testosterone.
● Immune support: supporting a strong immune system can prevent frequent and/or severe illnesses, which are associated with low testosterone.
● EMF exposure: EMF from electronic devices (e.g. phone, laptops), especially when exposed directly to the genital area, are associated with low testosterone and infertility.
● Substances/medications: excessive use of alcohol/drugs, as well as the use of certain medications (e.g. opioids), are associated with low testosterone.
● Prevention: addressing current health diseases and disorders can prevent associated testosterone decline.
In summary, optimizing your testosterone is a major part of being able to live out your fullest potential for a flourishing business, social, and personal life. If you don’t already have your ideal physique, supreme cognition, maximum sexual function, ample fertility, and overall vigor - let’s see if your testosterone levels are part of the problem. Getting your levels tested is the first step!
If you are ready to get started focusing on men’s health and testosterone, reach out to the EmpowerMed team of naturopathic doctors today. We take a collaborative approach to natural medicine, partnering with patients to help them achieve their unique health and wellness goals.
Contact us today at 760-456-7501 or use our booking link to schedule.
EmpowerMed Clinic is located just off the I-15 and Carroll Canyon within the Fitness Quest 10 Wellness Center of Scripps Ranch, San Diego County, CA. We serve the communities of North County San Diego, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Mira Mesa, Ramona, Scripps Ranch, Santee, and more.