What is testosterone?
Testosterone is considered the key male sex hormone regulating fertility, muscle mass, fat distribution and red blood cell production. Testosterone is associated with sex drive and plays a role in sperm production. Levels of testosterone tend to drop with age. The brain and pituitary gland control testosterone levels once produced this hormone travels through the blood to carry out its numerous functions.
Testosterone in females
While thought of as a predominately male hormone, females produce small amounts of testosterone in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Along with estrogen, testosterone has a role in the maintenance of female reproductive tissue, bone mass, and influences behavior.
Testosterone in males
Males have much higher quantities of testosterone and it initiates the development of sex organs and is essential for sperm production. This hormone also signals the body to make new blood cells, ensuring that muscles and bones stay strong after puberty and enhances libido. Testosterone regulates the secretion of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Low testosterone levels can cause symptoms like:
- Reduction in muscle mass
- Loss of body hair
- Mood disturbances
- Concentration issues
- Loss of sleep
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
What factors decrease testosterone levels
There are many potential causes of decreased testosterone levels. Some factors may include:
- Menopause in females
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Surgical removal of the ovaries
- Aging
- Obesity
- Excess estrogen
- Alcohol abuse
- Metabolic disorders
- Chemotherapy
- Poor diet
Natural ways to boost testosterone
There are several natural methods of increasing testosterone. In addition to exercise, reducing stress, maintaining a healthy sleep cycle and a nutrient-rich diet, here are ten nutrients to consider that help to boost testosterone:
- Shilajit – Commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, this sticky substance found in rocks in the Himalayas helps to balance sex hormones. Shilajit helps in restoring libido, soothing inflammation, and controlling mood swings. The bioactive ingredient, fulvic acid, seems to be responsible for its numerous health benefits.
- Eurycoma Longifolia – Also called longjack or Tongkat Ali, this herbal supplement comes from roots of a green shrub native to Southeast Asia. While there are many benefits, one of those may be helping to increase testosterone levels and improving low testosterone symptoms. Also, Eurycoma longifolia may stimulate sexual arousal and improve erectile dysfunction.
- Tribulus – Native to Asia, the plant grows in locations worldwide where the temperature supports its growth. This plant enhances sexual function for females. For males, it may improve erectile dysfunction and infertility.
- Maca Root – Maca has become increasingly popular in recent years. This plant is a cruciferous vegetable native to Peru and is generally dried and used in powder form. Maca root has many nutritious benefits like being rich in vitamin C, copper, and iron. Maca has shown improvement in hormonal balancing, improving libido, fertility, relieving menopause symptoms, and mood.
- Deer Antler Velvet – Deer antler velvet is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and may otherwise be known as velvet antler and antler velvet. Deer Antler velvet is made from immature deer antlers where in this stage, they contain protein, fat, minerals, and hormones. This supplement is said to improve libido, erectile dysfunction, and may even improve mood.
- Horny Goat Weed – Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, also known as Epimedium and yin yang Huo, this plant shows promise with keeping bones strong, protecting nerves, immune system support, and erectile dysfunction. A component of horny goat week, icariin, shows promise in treating erectile dysfunction.
- Fenugreek– Fenugreek is a plant native to India and North Africa that is grown and consumed worldwide. Fenugreek has been used for many years and has become popular for its use in treating low testosterone. Compounds known as furostanolic saponins found in fenugreek are believed to increase the production of testosterone.
- Boron – A mineral which may be beneficial in increasing muscle and bone strength, improving mental clarity, focus and concentration and decreasing inflammation. Boron decreases sex hormone-binding globulin, which binds to testosterone and makes it inactive. By reducing sex hormone-binding globulin, testosterone becomes “free” and gives the body the ability to maximize testosterone. Additionally, short term use of boron helps reduce estrogen.
- L-Arginine – L-arginine is an amino acid, which aids in building protein, releasing nitric oxide, which helps to improve blood circulation. L-arginine’s vasodilator effects may be effective in treating erectile dysfunction.
- L-Citrulline – Another amino acid naturally produced by the body, l-citrulline is converted to l-arginine by the kidneys. While boosting testosterone levels may be one of its effects, l-citrulline does improve blood flow and levels of nitric oxide, both of which will help with erectile dysfunction.
Recommended Supplements by INEVO Body
Testevo – Supports total and free testosterone levels
Libido Max – Supports vitality, stamina and estrogen detoxification
Prostate Protx – Supports urinary flow and production of testosterone in the testicles
PaleoXCore – Supports nitric oxide levels and boosts blood flow