Testosterone - It's a Man thing

Testosterone is a hormone produced by both men and women. Men produce testosterone in their testes, while women produce a much lower amount in their ovaries. For men, testosterone production begins at puberty and plays a role in sperm production and sexual drive. It also has implications for muscle and bone mass, fat storage, energy levels and mood. Testosterone makes a man, a man.

 

Dropping testosterone levels in men are normal - but not fun

 

It is normal for testosterone to drop as a man ages. Men reach their peak level of testosterone around age 25. While women enter menopause with a sudden drop in estrogen, men go through andropause with a more gradual hormonal decline. When men reach 30 years of age, it is normal for them to experience an annual 1-2% decline in testosterone which can surpass 50% before age 75. 

 

When a male reaches the stage where they are deficient in testosterone production (less than 300 nanograms/dl), it is defined as “Low T” or male hypogonadism. This condition can be due to the normal aging process or to opioid or alcohol abuse, injuries to the testes, infections, diabetes, obesity or metabolic syndrome. Low T can also be a result of a poor pituitary gland performance, which disrupts testosterone production.

Low testosterone levels are associated with multiple health symptoms.

• Low sex drive/libido
• Fatigue/tiredness
• Decreased muscle mass
• Weight gain
• Irritability
• Erectile dysfunction
• Mood changes/depression
• Loss of body hair

Strategies for low testosterone

There are some exercise-related activities that can help with testosterone levels. One recent study noted that working out with free weights not only built muscle but helped to increase testosterone levels in relation to cortisol (stress hormone). There is also evidence that regular physical activity can improve testosterone production in overweight and obese men.

The pharmaceutical treatment for Low T is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). In clinical trials, TRT has shown improved sexual drive, erectile dysfunction, mood and bone mineral density. There are downsides to TRT. First, it is not recommended for age related Low T. Second, it does not cure Low T – if one stops treatment the issue and symptoms will return. Third, there are potential side effects which can include increased risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots, enlarged breasts, shrinking testicles and acne.

Natural supplements are often promoted as a safer alternative to TRT. Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D and zinc may have some benefit, but herbal supplements are most touted.

Unfortunately, most of these herbal supplements do not have clinical studies to back up their promoted claims. One natural ingredient stands out when it comes to scientific backing for male sexual health. The patented LJ100® version of the root Tongkat Ali has perhaps the most evidence of any natural supplement with 25 human clinical trials for testosterone production and related benefits.

 

 

 

Testo Charge - Tongkat Ali