Can Men Regulate Their Testosterone Levels Naturally?

The decline in testosterone (T) levels happens naturally to men with age, which might start earlier than you imagine. Even though it’s a natural process, the lack of T in your blood can have some nasty effects. That’s when many men start looking for test boosters that work. However, there are also natural ways to mitigate the problem. 

Checking Your Levels

Healthy men in their 20s lose about 1% of this hormone yearly, a rate that reaches 2% in their 30s. Health problems and lifestyle choices can lead to a much more accentuated decline. Yet, excluding such issues, men usually start noticing a faster decrease at age 35 and above. 

The NHS conducted a trial with 790 men aged 65 or above. The test followed T levels and general health conditions while taking hormone supplements. The subjects were evaluated on cognition, bone strength, vitality, anemia, and cardiovascular health. While the supplements led to some positive results, risks are also involved. Also, the test was inconclusive about long-term effects in this age group.

Nevertheless, it’s important to stress that clinical exams must be taken to confirm a severe testosterone deficiency. Blood tests can also be inconclusive if you take only one isolated test because T levels vary during the day, even among healthy men. So, more than one test might be necessary to confirm the deficiency.

Testosterone Destroyers

Many factors can contribute to a premature decline in testosterone. It can be caused by other health problems, like kidney or lung diseases, infections, obesity, and metabolic disorders. Alcohol and drug abuse are also proven to have severe consequences on that front. Some medical treatments can also have low-T as a side effect.

Chemotherapy drugs, corticosteroids, and opioids are related to a sharp decrease in testosterone. In 2007, the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism published research showing that the testosterone decline in obese males is comparable to 10 years of age. Factors like sleep deprivation, stress, anxiety, and depression are also linked to such deficiency.  

Symptoms

While the lack of sex drive and erectile dysfunction are the main red flags for most men, there are other tell-tale signs to observe. Low-T isn’t only an inconvenience. It can also harm men’s health, with potentially serious consequences when overlooked. Moreover, some symptoms can affect your life quality badly. Pay attention to the signs below.

Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are pretty common in women during menopause but are also a symptom in men with low T levels. A hot flash is that unexpected sensation of warmth, causing heavy sweating, night sweating, and blushing. 

Hair Loss

Baldness is hereditary but can also be a symptom since testosterone is responsible for hair growth. In this case, you might also notice decreased facial hair and slowed hair growth.

Weight and Body Fat

We already told you how obesity can damage your T count. Increased body fat, a larger waistline, and more breast tissue are common signs. Enlarged breasts are called gynecomastia.

Muscular Strength and Bone Mass

Regulating muscular strength and bone resistance are some of the main functions of this hormone. The lack of testosterone can lead to osteoporosis in the long run. Low-T is also linked to excessive fatigue, even after long hours of rest or sleep. 

Memory, Concentration, and Mood

Lack of testosterone also leads to a decrease in mental capacity. Men with low T can also experience memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings. 

Putting T in Your Diet

Testosterone boosters can be powerful allies in regulating your T levels if taken carefully and under professional guidance. However, there are other options on the table. While a balanced diet is desirable for many reasons, there are some items you can include in your plate to boost your hormones naturally. Check some of them below.

Vegetables

Include dark leaves and legumes in your diet. Peanuts, peas, and beans can improve testicular function. Those foods are rich in magnesium and zinc, which are related to high testosterone levels. A Taiwanese study showed that men consuming dark leaves and legumes have healthier T levels than those who don’t.

Honey

Eating honey triggers the production of luteinizing hormone, reducing the oxidation process of Leydig cells. Although tests relating to testosterone levels were inconclusive, it’s still a healthy option, as it also has antibacterial properties.

Fish

Fish oil and fat are rich in omega-3, which can improve the production of this hormone. Several studies showed that fish oil helps men’s body to synthesize testosterone more efficiently. Other beneficial effects include improved athletic performance and resistance. 

High Flavonoid Foods

Flavonoids can help prevent hypogonadism, one of the main problems behind low T count. You can find flavonoids in vegetables like hot peppers, onion, broccoli, kale, spinach, and rutabagas. 

Talk to Your Doctor

While the symptoms of low testosterone are beyond inconvenient, you shouldn’t rush to a pharmaceutical solution before looking for professional help. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms, as they can conceal other health problems. 

T boosters can surely help, but they shouldn’t be taken excessively, and even more so, without guidance. Moreover, there are natural and healthy ways of keeping a desirable T count and improving your life quality.

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