In other words, the average level of testosterone for a 45, 55 or 65-year-old man is lower than that of a man of the same age in 2010 — which was lower than that of a man of the same age in 2000!

The question is — why are testosterone levels declining so dramatically? And is there anything you can do to support your testosterone levels?

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Why men’s testosterone levels have dropped

While T levels decline with age, maintaining hormonal balance is more complex. Problems in one area of your health can sneak up and lead to problems in the endocrine system (headquarters for hormonal health).

Three health problems, in particular, have risen to almost epidemic proportions in the U.S. in the past several years, and they all have one thing in common — they can tank testosterone levels…

#1 – Type 2 diabetes

Testosterone is required to help all of the tissues in your body take up blood sugar in response to insulin. It’s no wonder then that men with low T levels are far more likely to have insulin resistance, meaning their bodies have to churn out more insulin to to keep their blood sugar in the normal range.

According to the American Diabetes Association, “If you have Type 2 diabetes, you are twice as likely to suffer from low testosterone as a man without diabetes.”

#2 – Liver problems

Studies show that men with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD (a condition where there is an excess buildup of triglycerides in the liver), have reduced total testosterone.

Untreated, NAFLD can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and after that, possibly cirrhosis. 75 percent to 90 percent of men with these conditions experience extremely low T.

#3 – Obesity

Obesity is also a driving force behind the low T epidemic. One study showed that 30 percent of overweight men had low T, versus just six percent of those with weight in the normal range

Estrogen dominance can cause abdominal weight gain. That’s because elevated estrogen levels signal the body to reduce testosterone production and store more fat.

Estrogen dominance is a condition that occurs when fake estrogens disrupt hormonal balance and surprisingly can cause health problems for both men and women. In men, low T can impact stamina, muscle tone and prostate health as well as weight gain.

How to fight testosterone theft

While men’s testosterone levels have been under assault for quite a while now, you’re not powerless to do something about it…

First and foremost is to ensure you don’t fall victim to any of the three health conditions that make you a target for low T and declining health.

Many of the steps you can take to improve your health can also improve your testosterone levels, including:

High-intensity interval training and resistance training seem to be especially effective at boosting testosterone.

Eating a high-quality diet of protein, fruits and vegetables and healthy fats is also important (a keto diet has shown real benefits for Low T).

Stress management reduces the stress hormone cortisol which can cause weight gain and lower testosterone.

But you also need to face up to fake estrogens which are almost inescapable in our environment. Luckily, there’s a way to flush them out of your body…

The secret is a compound called Di-Indole Methane, or DIM for short, which is found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.

DIM can reduce estrogen levels in the body by stimulating the breakdown of estrogen into beneficial metabolites.

But it takes far more of this little compound than what you can get by sitting down to a dinner packed with veggies.

In fact, it would take a minimum of three pounds of broccoli every day to grab all of DIM’s hormone-supporting benefits. Fortunately, the nutrient is available in supplement form.

Sources:

Why Are Testosterone Levels Decreasing? – Cleveland Clinic

Low Testosterone – American Diabetes Association

8 Major Factors That Cause Low Testosterone Levels – Men’s Health

Low Testosterone (Male Hypogonadism) – Cleveland Clinic

Testosterone in men with advanced liver disease: Abnormalities and implications – Wiley Online Library

Low Testosterone in Males May Warrant Liver Health Assessment and Intervention – NIH

Relevance of low testosterone to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – NIH

Low Testosterone and Your Health – WebMD

Responses of sex steroid hormones to different intensities of exercise in endurance athletes – The Physiological Society

Endocrinological Roles for Testosterone in Resistance Exercise Responses and Adaptations – NIH

Testosterone-Associated Dietary Pattern Predicts Low Testosterone Levels and Hypogonadism – MDPI

Manipulation of Dietary Intake on Changes in Circulating Testosterone Concentrations – MDPI

Low-fat diets and testosterone in men: Systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies – Science Direct

Stress, cortisol, and other appetite-related hormones: Prospective prediction of 6-month changes in food cravings and weight – Wiley Online Journal

The post 3 health conditions that steal your testosterone appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Not only do they increase your risk of developing heart disease and 30 other health conditions and diseases, but they’re also behind the obesity epidemic.

In fact, I wrote about the research that confirmed it’s these foods, not lack of exercise — as previously thought — that’s fueling rising rates of obesity.

But what’s truly disturbing is their impact on reproductive and metabolic health…

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Weight gain is just the beginning

A 2025 study at the University of Copenhagen has confirmed that no matter how little of them you eat, ultra-processed foods lead to weight gain.

Researchers compared the health effects of an unprocessed vs. an ultra-processed diet on the same person, in order to get the most accurate results.

Forty-three men spent three weeks eating each of the two diets, with a cleansing period in between.

The unprocessed and ultra-processed diets had the same amount of calories, protein, carbs, and fats. But half the men were given an extra 500 calories per day.

Regardless of whether those extra 500 calories were involved, men on the ultra-processed diet gained about 1 kg (just over 2 pounds) more fat mass than those on the unprocessed diet.

But it doesn’t end there…

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“Our results prove that ultra-processed foods harm our reproductive and metabolic health, even if they’re not eaten in excess. This indicates that it is the processed nature of these foods that makes them harmful,” says Jessica Preston, lead author of the study.

Men on the ultra-processed diet showed:

• An increase in levels of phthalate cxxMINP, a hormone-disrupting chemical typically found in plastics.
• A decrease in testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone, both essential for sperm production. In addition to affecting fertility, low sperm count impacts a man’s sex drive and can be a cause of erectile dysfunction.
• An increase in LDL (“bad” cholesterol) levels.
• Altered thyroid hormones.
• Altered markers of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress.

And in case you’ve forgotten, chronic inflammation causes the cellular damage behind a range of diseases from cancer to Parkinson’s disease to diabetes, not to mention an accelerated aging process that makes your body old before its time.

“We were shocked by how many body functions were disrupted by ultra-processed foods, even in healthy young men. The long-term implications are alarming and highlight the need to revise nutritional guidelines to better protect against chronic disease,” says the study’s senior author, Professor Romain Barrès.

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The choice is clear

I hope you don’t need any more convincing.

Whole foods are the best alternatives to ultra-processed foods. But for success, ease into eating more of them and fewer ultra-processed foods.

Ultra-processed foods are made to “hook” you, so don’t blame yourself if it’s hard to let them go. That being said, see about ditching the two ultra-processed foods considered the worst ASAP.

According to Heartfoundation.org, whole foods and minimally processed foods, like these, are what we all should be eating:

• Fresh, frozen and canned vegetables and fruit
• Dried, canned and frozen beans and legumes like lentils and chickpeas
• Whole grains like oats, brown rice, barley and quinoa
• Fresh and frozen poultry and meat
• Fresh, frozen and canned fish and seafood
• Milk and plain yoghurt (try sweetening with honey)
• Eggs
• Nuts and seeds.

An easy way to identify ultra-processed foods is that they are quick, easy, and require little to no preparation — the very definition of “convenience foods.”

They include foods like sweetened cereals, soda and white bread; frozen French fries, chicken nuggets and pizza; processed meats, like hot dogs and bacon; pre-packaged baked goods, like cookies and cakes; and microwaveable meals.

Make the choice today and start taking back your health and your longevity.

Sources:

Why ultra-processed diets make you gain fat even without extra calories — Science Daily

Effect of ultra-processed food consumption on male reproductive and metabolic health — Cell Metabolism

Here’s What Eating Processed Foods for Two Weeks Does to Your Body — Time

Five ways to eat less processed food — Heart Foundation

The post Ultra-processed foods: A metabolic and hormonal disaster for men appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

GSM encompasses a collection of genital, sexual and urinary symptoms and signs associated with decreased estrogen and sex steroid levels. These include vaginal dryness, vulvar atrophy and urinary urgency or incontinence.

The vulva refers to the external female genitalia, while the vagina relates to the internal anatomy. For both parts, menopause can cause itching, burning, pain, decreased lubrication and changes in the skin’s appearance.

Not surprisingly, the end result of GSM is a decrease in the frequency of sexual activity for women between the ages of 40 and 70. I mean, who wants to have sex when it hurts?

There are ways to help combat this pain, one of which is by reversing GSM itself. Since GSM is caused by estrogen deficiency, the standard remedy is vaginal ultra-low-dose estrogen therapy. But the breast cancer link can discourage some women from taking this route.

One team of researchers has hit upon another possible solution that may surprise you….

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Sex can improve genitourinary syndrome of menopause

The researchers undertook a study involving more than 900 Japanese women aged 40 to 79 years to explore the link between regular sexual activity and vulvovaginal-related menopausal symptoms. They defined “regular sexual activity” as engaging in sex in the past three months. Having sex in the past year but not in the past three months was considered “lower sexual activity.”

To no one’s surprise, the researchers confirmed the proportion of women having regular sex decreased significantly with age, aligning with the decrease in Female Sexual Function Index scores for sexual desire, arousal and lubrication. The index consists of 19 questions on female sexual function under six domains.

One interesting note: despite the decrease in sexual desire, arousal and lubrication, orgasm and satisfaction were shown not to decline with age.

The study results showed that while some sexual functions and symptoms change with age, they may be maintained in women who engage in more regular sexual activity. Results also demonstrated a lower prevalence of GSM-related symptoms such as vulvar pain, irritation and dryness in women having regular sex.

What to do if worried about estrogen

Dr. Monica Christmas, associate medical director for The Menopause Society, said the study’s findings emphasize the importance of diagnosing and treating GSM.

“Only 2.9% of the participants reported using hormone therapy,” Christmas says. “Local low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy is safe and highly effective at alleviating bothersome vulvovaginal symptoms contributing to pain and avoidance of intercourse.

She adds that “optimal sexual health is integral to overall well-being” and that it is “imperative to recognize the effect these symptoms can have on women who aren’t sexually active.

“Treatment should be offered to anyone with symptoms, whether engaging in sexual activity or not,” Christmas says. “Normalizing use of local low-dose estrogen therapy should be a thing.”

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So far, according to Johns Hopkins, clinical trials have indicated minimal to no systemic absorption of the type of topical estrogen therapy used to treat GSM, resulting in no increased risk of breast cancer recurrence.

But if you’re a GSM sufferer who’s still wary of estrogen therapy, there are things you can do to make sex more comfortable. One of the primary methods is vaginal lubrication.

There are water-based lubricants that you apply just before having sex to reduce discomfort during intercourse. You want to avoid products that contain glycerin or warming properties because they can irritate that sensitive tissue of the vagina. Also, if you’re using condoms, don’t use petroleum jelly or other petroleum-based products for lubrication because they can break down latex condoms on contact.

If this type of lubrication proves ineffective, you can try vaginal moisturizers to restore some moisture to your vaginal area. External moisturizers help the vulva area, and internal moisturizers are inserted into the vagina. These need to be applied every few days, and their effects generally last longer than those of a lubricant.

You can also try pelvic floor exercises to improve vaginal blood flow and tissue elasticity. A pelvic floor therapist can help if needed. Libido-boosting exercises, like hip thrusts, will increase blood flow to the pelvis, mimicking what happens during intimacy. It’s well known that blood flow improves erections for men, but it’s less known that for women, it enhances our pleasure zones.

In addition, make sure you’re managing your stress levels. The stress hormone cortisol decreases testosterone, which significantly impacts sex drive in women. It also negatively affects the body’s production of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a hormone precursor that the body uses to produce estrogen and testosterone.

Sources:

The pleasure prescription: Why more sex means less menopause pain — ScienceDaily

Cross-sectional study of the association between regular sexual activity and sexual function and genitourinary syndrome of menopause–related symptoms — Menopause

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause — Johns Hopkins Medicine

Vaginal atrophy — Mayo Clinic

Experiencing Vaginal Dryness? Here’s What You Need to Know — The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

The post The surprising benefits of regular sex in menopause appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

A lot is known about how diet and exercise can reduce a man’s risk of ending up with prostate cancer. But in terms of the standard treatment, one mystery remains.

Or it did, until a group of dedicated cancer researchers found the answer that had been eluding us…

The testosterone paradox

Many men with prostate cancer are put on hormone therapy (also called androgen deprivation therapy or ADT) to reduce levels of testosterone and keep the hormone from fueling cancer cells.

This is one half of the testosterone paradox…

While blocking testosterone production halts tumor growth in the early stages of prostate cancer, elevating testosterone levels can have the same positive effect in later stages of the disease.

The reasons for this have puzzled experts until a Duke Cancer Institute study uncovered the explanation…

Testosterone: one hormone, diverse cancer functions

The answer turned out to be pretty simple.

When testosterone levels are low, testosterone receptors in cancer cells tend to “go solo.” They activate the pathways that cause cancer cells to grow and spread — effectively paving the way for more cancer growth.

But as testosterone levels rise, the same receptors are forced to work in pairs. This creates a different form of receptor that stops tumor growth.

“Nature has designed a system where low doses of hormones stimulate cancer cell proliferation and high doses cause differentiation and suppress growth, enabling the same hormone to perform diverse functions,” says Dr. Donald McDonnell, in whose lab this experiment was performed.

Late-stage BAT protocol closer to becoming mainstream treatment

Prior to this, oncologists knew that a monthly injection of testosterone given to patients with late-stage prostate cancer — a technique called bi-polar androgen therapy, or BAT — helped to slow the advance of tumors and prolong life in many cases.

But they didn’t know why it worked and that hindered widespread adoption of the treatment protocol.

Now that the mechanisms are clear, the path is open to adopting this as a more mainstream approach to treating advanced cases of prostate cancer, and Dr. McDonnell hopes his study will pave the way.

“Our study describes how BAT and like approaches work and could help physicians select patients who are most likely to respond to this intervention,” he says.

“We have already developed new drugs that exploit this new mechanism and are bringing these to the clinic for evaluation as prostate cancer therapeutics.”

How to reduce risk for prostate cancer

As I mentioned earlier, a healthy diet, especially one rich in cruciferous vegetables, and exercise can contribute to preventing prostate cancer. Exercise may even suppress tumor growth in advanced prostate cancer.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important. But even more crucial is that you don’t carry a load of belly fat, better known as visceral fat.

Visceral fat has a mind of its own. It’s not just fat – it’s an organ that is biochemically active and can disrupt hormones, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) the hormone behind prostate cancer.

So your mission, then, is to keep that spare tire from catching up with you.

Here are a dozen habits that pack on dangerous belly fat. Not surprisingly, they include eating processed foods and drinking soda with aspartame, which actually increases belly fat.

But take a close look – because some of them may surprise you.

Sources:

Study solves testosterone’s paradoxical effects in prostate cancer — Eureka Alert

Androgen receptor monomers and dimers regulate opposing biological processes in prostate cancer cells — Nature Communications

The post The prostate cancer ‘testosterone paradox’ solved appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Low T can lead to everything from depression and memory problems to weight gain and loss of muscle mass.

And according to researchers from Australia and Europe, there’s an even bigger reason to take low-T seriously…

The low T heart problem

A review of 11 studies consisting of more than 20,000 men says low T is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease that can end a man’s life…

The studies in the review followed men for a minimum of five years. The men were between the ages of 49 to 76. And it found beyond a shadow of a doubt that men with the lowest testosterone levels were in trouble.

While a normal range of testosterone in men is considered to be 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), men with levels of 244 ng/dL or lower had up to a nine percent higher chance of dying from any cause compared to men with normal levels.

Even more frightening, men with low T had up to a 32 percent higher chance of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to men without low T issues.

Low T: a weighty issue

If you’re living with low T, losing weight is one of the best ways to fight back. Fat cells lower testosterone by transforming the hormone into estrogen.

But it’s just one way estrogen dominance becomes a problem that can contribute to low T… Xenoestrogens, chemicals found in plastics, pesticides, water and everyday products, are another.

These chemicals act as endocrine disruptors, mimicking the hormone estrogen and disrupting hormonal balance.

In men, estrogen dominance affects testosterone, stamina, muscle tone and body fat. It can also impact prostate health.

In women, it can lead to facial hair, menopause symptoms and weight gain. It can also result in skin, bone, breast and thyroid problems.

Diet can help you clobber both…

In one study, researchers found that overweight men who followed a strict Keto diet for four weeks:

• Reduced their body weight, fat mass and body mass index (BMI) significantly
• Improved testicular function
• Showed a substantial increase in all sex hormones
• Dramatically raised their total testosterone levels

The men stuck to a daily limit of 800 calories, eating little protein and minimal carbohydrates, and instead focused on healthy fats and low-carb veggies.

Of course, the calorie restriction was pretty extreme. But another reason for its success may have been low-carb vegetables — especially broccoli…

Fighting back against hormone theft

Broccoli isn’t only low-carb, it has special benefits because it contains Di-indole methane (DIM).

If you haven’t heard of it, DIM is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables. It doesn’t actually raise testosterone levels, but it puts up a fight against estrogen dominance…

DIM works against “fake estrogens” by binding to the “bad” estrogen metabolites and flushing them from the body.

To get the amount of DIM that research has shown can neutralize the effects of fake estrogens you’d need to eat at least three pounds of cruciferous vegetable DAILY.

Fortunately DIM is also available in supplement form, so you’re not resigned to eating broccoli all throughout the day.

Try to also cut down on your exposure to plastics (especially as water bottles) and look for phthalate-free personal care products.

Sources:

Associations of Testosterone and Related Hormones With All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality and Incident Cardiovascular Disease in Men:Individual Participant Data Meta-analyses — Annal of Internal Medicine

Low Testosterone (Male Hypogonadism) – Cleveland Clinic

Health Benefits of DIM (Diindolylmethane) – WebMD

The post The dangerous side of Low T: Serious heart health risks appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Even worse, low testosterone is associated with everything from poor heart health and blood clots to memory problems and disease-causing inflammation.

This has many men in their 40s and 50s turning to testosterone therapy, despite its risks.

However, according to a study from the University of Western Australia which delved into the health data of over 25,000 men, true issues with testosterone numbers don’t begin until much later than mid-life.

And not only that…

The research found that plummeting testosterone is linked to just five health and lifestyle factors.

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What’s behind low T

#1 – BMI

The research showed that body mass index or BMI (a measurement that combines your weight and height to tell you if you’re overweight) was inversely associated with testosterone levels. In other words, as BMI goes up, testosterone levels go down.

The data also revealed a link between high BMI and elevated levels of a female reproductive hormone in men. The researchers found that only men with a BMI over 32 had higher estradiol (an estrogen hormone) concentrations.

For men, high estradiol can lead to:

• Infertility
• Erectile dysfunction
• Breast development
• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Depression

#2 – Lack of exercise

In addition to BMI, the researchers found that exercise plays a role in whether or not men suffer from low testosterone. In fact, men who engaged in vigorous physical activity for 75 minutes or less per week saw significantly lower testosterone levels, with levels decreasing by 14.7 ng/dL on average.

#3 – Smoking

Men who are former smokers also have something to worry about when it comes to testosterone.

The study showed that smoker’s testosterone levels were approximately 9.8 ng/dL lower than that of men who had never smoked.

#4 – Relationship status

Interestingly, the study also found that married men (those who were otherwise in a relationship) also had significantly lower testosterone levels independent of age.

Those who were in a relationship showed an average or 16.4 ng/dL testosterone drop.

Although the study wasn’t designed to show why this drop happened, the researchers believe it could be due to a higher level of stress that can come with family responsibilities.

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#5 – Health conditions

Finally, the data showed that poor health plays a significant role in men’s testosterone levels.

Health problems linked to low testosterone included:

• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular disease
• Cancer
• Diabetes

When testosterone begins its plunge

However, the study also had some good news.

The researchers say that for most men, testosterone decline didn’t begin until far later than most of us believe.

“One of the findings which we were struck by, was that after allowing for other factors, testosterone levels are in fact stable until the age of about 70 years,” explained lead researcher, Bu B. Yeap, MBBS, PhD. “After that age, testosterone levels declined with age, despite increasing levels of the pituitary hormone that drives testosterone production by the testis.”

And there’s more good news…

Knowing the factors that lead to testosterone loss gives men something they can do to preserve their T-levels despite aging, like maintaining a healthy BMI, staying active and mitigating the risk of other diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Sources:

Testosterone Loss in Older Men: Factors Beyond Age in the Mix – MEDPAGETODAY

High estrogen – Cleveland Clinic

What Happens When Estrogen Levels Are Too High or Too Low? – MedicineNet

Different levels of estradiol are correlated with sexual dysfunction in adult men – Scientific Reports

The post 5 factors that team up to destroy men’s testosterone appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

And while you probably already know that low T goes hand-in-hand with issues like low libido and sexual dysfunction, you might not be aware of how far-reaching its effects truly are.

From decreased energy, poor concentration and depression to increased risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and obesity, low T is a real and present danger to your mental and physical health.

Now, Chinese researchers are shedding light on just why so many men these days are affected by the condition, along with what you can do to keep your testosterone running strong.

Foods that jack up your hormones

The researchers started out with two pieces of information on their side.

The first was that past studies had already linked testosterone deficiency with increased levels of inflammation in the body. Specifically, men with low testosterone have higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines – small proteins that perform a vital function in helping the body heal in the face of injury or infection but become a danger when chronically raised.

Second, the scientists knew that certain foods have the power to increase inflammation, while others can help put out the fire.

Inflammatory foods include pretty much anything you’ll find in a fast-food bag, as well as processed foods, such as bacon, sausage, white bread, pasta and more. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory foods are the ones you can find in Mother Nature’s medicine cabinet, like fresh fruits and veggies.

So they decided to combine that knowledge and then put it to the test.

The team used the dietary inflammatory index (DII) to compare the potential inflammatory effects of the diets of 4,151 men to their testosterone levels.

And what they found will make you look at the foods you eat in a whole new way…

Their research revealed that for men with the most pro-inflammatory diet, the odds of testosterone deficiency are approximately 30 percent higher than for men who eat an anti-inflammatory diet.

That’s right, inflammatory foods can put you at a 30 percent higher risk of low T.

And if that weren’t bad enough, there’s more.

If you eat an inflammatory diet and are also obese, your chance of testosterone deficiency is increased by a whopping 60 percent!

That makes low T closer to a certainty than a risk.

Guarding your testosterone

So if you want to keep your testosterone levels up to keep your libido healthy and ward off chronic disease, give the inflammation-causing foods in your diet a hard miss.

You might also want to watch the amount of protein you consume. A study found that men, whose diets consisted of more than 35 percent protein, experienced a whopping 37 percent drop in testosterone levels.

What else can you do to naturally maintain healthy testosterone levels?

Consider following a low-calorie keto diet, which can help you take your weight down and your T levels way up, according to research presented by the European Congress of Endocrinology.

But it’s not an easy diet to follow. So if that’s not for you, at least eat more of the foods that protect your testosterone levels by providing a compound called Di-Indole Methane, or DIM for short. DIM supports healthy hormone balance by carrying unwanted, artificial estrogens safely out of the body.

Cruciferous vegetables — think broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower — are great sources of DIM, making them powerful allies in the battle against hormone disruptors called xenoestrogens.

Xenoestrogens, as their name implies, are fake estrogens. They mimic estrogen in your body, throwing your natural male hormones out of balance. It can cause something known as estrogen dominance.

And they’re practically impossible to avoid. You come in contact with them every day in the form of plastics, personal care and household products, building supplies, pesticides and even foods, especially takeout foods.

But truthfully, you’d have to eat a lot of cruciferous veggies — like 3 pounds daily. That’s why some people choose to find it in supplement form.

Other reported benefits of DIM on the body include promoting weight loss, boosting antioxidants and improving mood and energy levels.

Sources:

Inflammatory diet linked to testosterone deficiency in men — Wolters Kluwer

New research reveals that a low-calorie ketogenic diet can help testosterone levels in overweight men — EUROPEAN SOCIETY OF ENDOCRINOLOGY

The post The diet that increases testosterone deficiency up to 60% appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

However, the virus isn’t going anywhere. It looks like it’s here to stay, in one variation or another. Will they all be mild? Or is there another in our future that could even be harsher than the first one?

It’s hard to say, but at least researchers have been hard at work to see how any of us could avoid a bout so severe that we end up hospitalized.

For men, it could come down to their testosterone levels…

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Low testosterone raises COVID-19 hospitalization risk

We reported in an earlier issue on at least one data review conducted by U.S. researchers that has revealed low serum testosterone levels could make it more likely for older men to have worse outcomes from COVID-19. It could also explain the higher coronavirus fatality rate among men compared to women.

However, that study didn’t determine whether low testosterone is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 or a result of it. So, the researchers undertook another study to answer that question.

In their second, more recent study, the researchers analyzed data from 723 men hospitalized in two major hospitals in the St. Louis area who tested positive for COVID-19, mostly in 2020 before vaccines were available. All these men had their testosterone levels measured between 2017 and 2021, either before or after they recovered from COVID-19.

Out of those 723 men, 427 had normal testosterone levels and 116 had low levels. An additional 180 men previously had low testosterone but were successfully treated with hormone replacement therapy, bringing their testosterone up to the normal range at the time they developed COVID-19.

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Results indicate men with low testosterone who developed COVID-19 were 2.4 times more likely to need to be hospitalized than men with normal testosterone levels. Also, those men who were once diagnosed with low testosterone but received successful treatment had the same risk of hospitalization as men whose testosterone had always tested in the normal range.

Co-senior author Dr. Abhinav Diwan, a professor of medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, observes that up to a third of men over 30 have low testosterone. “Our study draws attention to this important risk factor and the need to address it as a strategy to lower hospitalizations,” he says.

According to the study’s findings, low testosterone should be considered an independent risk factor for COVID-19 hospitalization. Treating this condition could protect these men from severe disease and reduce the burden on hospitals during COVID-19 waves.

“Low testosterone turned out to be a risk factor for hospitalization from COVID, and treatment of low testosterone helped to negate that risk,” says co-senior author Dr. Sandeep Dhindsa, MD, an endocrinologist at Saint Louis University.

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Hesitancy to treat low testosterone

Usually, men with low testosterone levels aren’t given hormone replacement until their quality of life is clearly impacted by their symptoms. These can include sexual dysfunction, low mood, irritability, memory and concentration problems, fatigue and loss of muscle strength.

The reason most doctors hesitate to treat mild testosterone deficiency is that testosterone therapy carries some health risks, such as an increased chance of developing heart disease.

“In the meantime, our study would suggest that it would be prudent to look at testosterone levels, especially in people who have symptoms of low testosterone, and then individualize care,” Diwan says. “If they are at really high risk of cardiovascular events, then the doctor could engage the patient in a discussion of the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy, and perhaps lowering the risk of COVID hospitalization could be on the list of potential benefits.”

Still, if you’re a man, it’s always a good idea to take steps to protect your body’s testosterone levels, especially since they can decrease as you age.

If your physician is hesitant about hormone therapy, at the least there are steps you could take to keep your levels from further diminishing.

Getting exercise and following a healthy diet are both important steps to supporting testosterone. In fact, the keto diet was found to improve testosterone levels and improve testicular function.

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are especially good for maintaining healthy testosterone levels. These foods contain a naturally-occurring compound called Di-Indole Methane, or DIM for short.

Dim helps fight another way testosterone is zapped: estrogen dominance. This issue is caused by xenoestrogens — hormone disruptors that you come in contact with every day in the form of plastics, personal care and household products, building supplies, pesticides and even foods, especially takeout foods. These slip into your body and mimic estrogen, throwing your natural male hormones out of balance.

You can double your protection against low testosterone and severe COVID-19 by maintaining healthy vitamin D levels. Make sure you’re getting enough of this crucial nutrient through sunlight, diet or supplements.

Sources:

Low testosterone may increase risk of COVID-19 hospitalization for men — Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

Association of Male Hypogonadism With Risk of Hospitalization for COVID-19 — JAMA Network Open

Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19 — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The post Does low testosterone really increase COVID-19 severity? appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

If you’re one of these men, you know that just about the only answer doctors have is that little blue pill. Yet, taking it leaves you open to side effects from diarrhea and stomach pain to anxiety, depression and even loss of bladder control.

Not exactly a great trade-off…

Luckily, you don’t have to choose between living with ED and living with those unwanted side effects.

In fact, overcoming difficulties with erection could be a simple as changing your diet.

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Erectile dysfunction causes, risks and incidence

But what kicks off ED in the first place? And who is most likely to suffer the issue?

Well, you probably already know that age is a factor.

That’s because, with every decade that passes, your risk of ED goes up another 10 percent. Because of this, men in their 50s have approximately a 50 percent chance of being diagnosed with the condition.

It begins due to blood flow problems — mainly in the small blood vessels of the penis.

This makes sense when you consider that strong blood flow is required to produce a strong erection. So if blood flow is restricted, an erection may not be possible at all.

Of course, other conditions play a role in ED, such as hypertension, which doubles your chances of erection problems.

Additionally, declining levels of testosterone and estrogen dominance in middle age also contribute to the onset of ED.

The ED triangle of diet, fitness and blood pressure

So where does that dietary change that we talked about come in and how can it help?

Well, it’s important to note that fitness has been linked to improved survival in men with high blood pressure. And a super healthy diet that includes fish, oils, nuts and lots of fresh fruits and veggies has been shown to both lower blood pressure and prevents heart attacks.

That diet’s name is the Mediterranean diet.

And this got researchers with the European Society of Cardiology wondering…

If the diet improves blood pressure and better blood pressure improves ED, could the diet itself help men everywhere living with the condition?

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So they recruited 250 men with both high blood pressure and ED. They then delved into their dietary habits and how they were linked with fitness, testosterone levels, blood flow, arterial stiffness and erectile performance.

And without a doubt, men who followed a Mediterranean diet were the winners.

The results showed that following a Med Diet resulted in:

• Higher coronary blood flow reserve
• Enhanced testosterone levels
• Better erectile performance
• Lower arterial stiffness

The diet also improved exercise capacity itself. This demonstrated that men with healthier diets were more likely to stay fit — which also plays its own role in improving ED.

So if you’re ready to fight ED the Mediterranean way, take these tips from the Mayo Clinic:

1. Eat fish at least two times per week.
2. Build your meals around veggies, beans and whole grains.
3. Use olive oil for its healthy fats instead of butter.
4. For dessert, go for fresh fruit.

It’s simply healthy eating for stronger, healthier erections.

Sources:

Mediterranean diet shows promise in men with erectile dysfunction — European Society of Cardiology

Erectile dysfunction statistics 2021 — SingleCare

Sildenafil (Oral Route) — Mayo Clinic

Nutrition and healthy eating — Mayo Clinic

The post The diet that fights erectile dysfunction appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Another reason why this nutrient is a hot topic is that vitamin D deficiency is common which, given its critical role in overall health, is a big concern. I’m most interested in vitamin D for yet another reason: its involvement in increasing testosterone levels in men, as well as other general preventative health benefits.

Before I tackle the relationship between vitamin D and testosterone, I need to address several basics, which will clarify the bond between this vitamin and T.

Vitamin D: The basics behind the lost cure

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it is absorbed through the small intestine with dietary fat and is stored in body tissues.

The best way to get vitamin D is from skin exposure to sunlight. That’s when a fascinating transformation process begins. When ultraviolet B rays hit your skin, a type of cholesterol naturally found in the skin, called 7-dehydrocholesterol, absorbs the ultraviolet B rays and is converted to cholecalciferol, the pre-vitamin form of vitamin D3. Cholecalciferol is transported to your liver, where it is metabolized and transformed into hydroxyvitamin D, aka 25-hydroxyvitamin D or 25(OH)D. The kidneys then convert the 25(OH)D into dihydroxyvitamin D, aka 25(OH)2D, the form of vitamin D your body can use.

The required amount of “skin exposure” is different for different people, but generally, the body can produce 10,000 to 20,000 IU of vitamin D in the amount of time it takes for your skin to turn pink. You get the most bang for your buck when exposing a large area of unprotected skin (no sunscreen), such as your back, rather than just your face or arms. Factors such as time of day (best exposure time is between 10 AM and 3 PM), number of times per week of exposure (at least two to three times), skin type, where you live and age (older skin does not synthesize the vitamin well) also have an impact on the amount of vitamin D your body makes.

Vitamin D is also available from two other sources: diet and supplements. When you eat foods that contain vitamin D (e.g., fish such as salmon and herring, fortified beverages such as orange juice and non-dairy drinks, fortified cereals) or take vitamin D supplements, your gut sends the vitamin to your liver, where it is transformed into an active form. However, it’s not feasible to get all the vitamin D you need from food, so unless you are spending enough time outdoors year-round, you will likely need to take a vitamin D3 supplement.

What are normal levels of vitamin D?

Before I talk about normal vitamin D levels and how much vitamin D you need to maintain a healthy amount, you should have a handle on how much vitamin D you already have. Some symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can include aches and pain and general tiredness, but some people don’t experience any symptoms at all. People with a severe deficiency of vitamin D may experience bone pain and weakness, but again, not everyone has these symptoms.

If you think you may have a vitamin D deficiency, ask your doctor to check your vitamin D levels. This involves a simple blood test, which also can be ordered online through reputable laboratories. An optimum blood level of vitamin D, which will be displayed as 25(OH)D on your test results, is 50 ng/mL to 80 ng/mL, according to the Vitamin D Council and some other experts.

Personally, I advocate taking 5,000 IU+ daily (which is also endorsed by the Vitamin D Council). This figure is in dramatic contrast to the recommendation by the Food and Nutrition Board (the U.S. government), which is 600 IU for adults up to age 70 and 800 IU for older adults. If your vitamin D levels are very low, your doctor may prescribe a much higher dose for a short time (typically 50,000 IU) and then send you for another blood test to determine whether your dose should be adjusted.

According to the Mayo Clinic, you’d have to take 60,000 IU daily for several months to get anywhere near vitamin D toxicity.

Generally, people older than 50 need more vitamin D than do younger people. One reason is that as you age, your ability to convert ultraviolet rays to an active form of vitamin D declines, but your risk of BPH, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, serious prostate problems, and heart disease goes up. Aging men need to keep a sharp eye on their vitamin D levels and intake.

Can vitamin D increase testosterone concentrations in men?

The short answer is yes. Several studies suggest vitamin D can increase testosterone concentrations in men. A German research team, for example, gave 54 overweight but otherwise healthy men either a placebo (23 men) or 3,333 IU vitamin D per day (31 men) for 12 months. When the men entered the study, they were vitamin D deficient (average of 30 nmol/L or 12 ng/mL). All the men also participated in a structured weight loss program.

At the end of 12 months, the men who took vitamin D showed an increase in levels to an average of 86 nmol/L (34.5 ng/mL). These same men also had a small but significant increase in mean testosterone levels as well:

• Total testosterone, from 10.7 to 13.4 nmol/L
• Bioactive testosterone (free T plus T loosely bound to albumin), from 5.21 to 6.25 nmol/L
• Free testosterone, from 0.222 nmol/L to 0.267 nmol/L

The men who took a placebo didn’t show any significant changes in testosterone or vitamin D. Based on these findings, the authors concluded that vitamin D supplements might increase levels of testosterone.

More recently, researchers presented study results at the American Urological Association 2015 Annual Meeting explaining that low levels of vitamin D are significantly and independently associated with low levels of testosterone in healthy middle-aged men. They arrived at this conclusion after analyzing blood sample data from 824 men.

Vitamin D levels [25(OH)D] levels were less than 30 ng/mL in 68 percent of the samples, yet only about 11 percent of men with these insufficient levels were taking supplements of vitamin D. This suggests that most men are not aware of the importance of keeping their vitamin D levels up.

When they looked at T levels, the experts found that total testosterone levels were higher among men who had normal levels of vitamin D than in men who had lower levels. Even after the investigators adjusted the data for cardiovascular risk factors, men with low vitamin D levels “still had significantly lower total testosterone than those with normal total testosterone.”

How does vitamin D increase T levels?

Exactly how vitamin D increases testosterone levels or why a vitamin D deficiency is associated with lower T is still a mystery. In fact, at the American Urological Association 2015 Annual Meeting, one of the presenters, Mary Ann McLaughlin, M.D., from the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, noted that earlier research in mice has shown that testosterone levels were lower in animals who had their vitamin D receptors genetically deleted. This, she said, “suggests that there is something about testosterone synthesis that needs vitamin D.” Exactly what that “something” is, is not yet known.

However, the researchers associated with the German study came up with several ideas about how vitamin D increases T levels based on their findings and those of other investigators.

• Experiments in mice have indicated that those who don’t have receptors for the vitamin have abnormally low levels of testosterone.
• Your testicles have receptors for vitamin D, which suggests the vitamin has an important role in the function of this gland.
• Results of a 2013 cross-sectional study found a positive link between blood levels of vitamin D and both total and free testosterone in 1,362 men who participated in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. The authors emphasized that “possible causality and direction of the vitamin D-testosterone association deserve further scientific investigation.”

Impact of vitamin D on estrogen levels in men

The impact of vitamin D on estrogen and men’s health occurs at several levels. For example, vitamin D is known as a signaling molecule, which means it plays a role in regulating various processes, such as calcium balance and bone health as well as male reproduction. Animal studies have shown that vitamin D is essential for estrogen signaling and ensuring sperm move efficiently.

The relationship between vitamin D, estrogen, and testosterone also is important.  In small amounts, male estrogen (estradiol) balances testosterone and plays a role in brain, bone, and sexual health. But when estradiol levels are elevated, as they often are in men who are overweight or obese, then there’s an imbalance between estradiol and testosterone, often resulting in weight and fat gain, muscle loss, reduced libido, and mood changes, and even an enlarged prostate and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Improving one’s vitamin D levels can help with weight loss and reducing estradiol levels, thus moving the estradiol: testosterone ratio toward a balanced state.

Yet one more link between estrogen, vitamin D, and men’s health involves prostate cancer. Research done in cancer treatment and prevention has shown that receptor sites for estrogen and vitamin D work together to promote optimal health. At the same time, there’s evidence that men who have genetically damaged receptors for estrogen and vitamin D are more likely to develop prostate cancer.

Why vitamin D is important for weight management in men

If you are overweight, chances are your T levels are lower than normal. The good news is that dropping excess pounds and managing your weight can give your testosterone levels a significant boost.

In a study of nearly 900 overweight, middle-aged men who had prediabetes, about 50 percent of them with low T levels who lost weight by making dietary and exercise modifications saw a 15 percent rise in their testosterone levels. These men didn’t do anything extraordinary — they simply exercised 150 minutes per week and consumed less fat and fewer calories. Their rewards were higher T levels and 17 fewer pounds after one year.

Vitamin D may also help with your weight management efforts. Evidence of this benefit comes from a study of 400 overweight and obese individuals who also were vitamin D deficient. All of them were placed on a low-calorie diet for six months, but two-thirds of them also took either 25,000 IU or 100,000 IU per month of vitamin D supplements.

At the end of six months, the people who had taken vitamin D had lost more weight and had a greater decrease in their waist size than people who had not taken the supplements.

Another example of a relationship between vitamin D and weight was presented at the American Urological Association 2015 Annual Meeting. Experts explained that men who have low vitamin D levels also tend to have a greater body mass index and a larger waist circumference than men whose vitamin D levels are normal.

So keeping vitamin D levels in a healthful range could be a win-win-win situation: weight loss plus a boost in testosterone levels and better overall health.

Other health benefits of vitamin D for men

I’ve already talked about the importance of vitamin D in increasing testosterone levels, but that’s not the end of the health benefits of vitamin D in men. Whether you want sustained strength in the gym and on the road, more brainpower in the boardroom, better performance in the bedroom, or other overall health benefits, you need to keep your vitamin D levels at optimal levels.

• Keeps your sperm healthy. If you want to keep those little guys in great shape, get enough vitamin D. Optimal levels of this nutrient are necessary to support male fertility and to maintain a healthy sperm count and high-quality semen.
• May have two roles in chronic inflammation. Experts have long believed a deficiency of vitamin D to be a contributing cause of chronic inflammation, a condition associated with serious health problems such as prostatitis, arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. Recent research, however, suggests that low vitamin D may be a consequence of chronic inflammation. In either case, maintaining a healthy level of vitamin D can be beneficial in managing chronic inflammation.
• Supports a healthy prostate. Vitamin D promotes overall prostate health and normal prostate size, which is critical for helping prevent both benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis. Maintaining optimal levels of vitamin D can help control levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). A deficiency of vitamin D also may increase your risk of prostate cancer.
• Promotes muscle strength and integrity. Vitamin D plays a role in promoting muscle strength and integrity in men of all ages. The nutrient has demonstrated an ability to improve muscle remodeling as well as muscle strength and gait along with a reduced risk of falls due to vitamin D’s direct impact on muscle cells.
• Boosts your immune system and ability to fight infections. Yes, vitamin C is good for fighting infections, but don’t forget vitamin D! In fact, there are a growing number of studies indicating that vitamin D can be helpful in treating infections as well, such as frequent respiratory tract infections. In addition, low vitamin D levels are associated with a significantly greater risk of flu and sinusitis. Overall, vitamin D has a positive impact on immune response and can be beneficial for individuals who have autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Helps support erectile function. Since vitamin D is associated with better cardiovascular health and erectile function and blood flow have an intimate relationship, it seems reasonable to assume that this nutrient could also help support erectile function. Some experts have proposed that vitamin D deficiency contributes to erectile dysfunction (ED). Evidence to help support this comes from a study that showed a significant number of men with erectile dysfunction had a vitamin D deficiency and that ED was more common among men who had artery flow problems.
• Maintains bone health. A classic role of vitamin D is its ability to help your body absorb calcium and phosphate, which are necessary for building and maintaining strong bones.
• Protects brain function and against Alzheimer’s disease. If you want to help maintain brain function and memory, keep your vitamin D levels up. Lower intake of vitamin D has been associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, there is “mounting evidence of the detrimental effects” of a vitamin D deficiency on brain function.

Takeaways

Firstly get tested and know your personal levels. Aim for 50 ng/mL to 80 ng/mL. Take to your doctor about taking a super-dose of vitamin D (50,000 IU’s) for a short period if you are below 50 ng/mL – and then going on a maintenance dose of ~5000 IU a day. You may want to also consider a general testosterone support supplement for overall daily health. Vitamin D has so many proven health benefits it’s one vitamin that I consider essential for improving men’s health.

The post When low testosterone is actually a simple vitamin problem appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

The makers and marketers of testosterone therapy hope you believe this myth. But the other side of the coin is more likely the truth: men have low T and/or these classic symptoms because they are overweight, don’t get enough sleep, eat a poor diet, consume too much alcohol, are sedentary, and don’t manage chronic stress.

In other words:

• These classic symptoms that drive men to think they need testosterone therapy are the result of lifestyle choices, not low testosterone.
• While it is true that testosterone levels decline somewhat with age, lifestyle changes and not testosterone therapy is the way to tackle the classic symptoms.

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6 reasons you should avoid testosterone therapy

Here are the six types of men who should not take testosterone therapy unless they have eliminated and/or addressed all the lifestyle factors that could be causing their symptoms. These are the men upon whom all the internet, magazine, and TV ads are focused. Are you one of them?

1. Low T and symptoms: All you need to do is to make lifestyle changes that are relevant to you.
2. Low T and no symptoms: Same thing here… even with no symptoms as yet, you can alleviate them by making lifestyle changes that are relevant to you.
3. Low T, symptoms, and overweight. Make lifestyle changes that are relevant to you, with special attention to becoming lean again. Men who are overweight and who drop their excess pounds can experience a significant rise in their testosterone levels. A study of nearly 900 men with pre-diabetes showed that weight loss reduced the prevalence of low T by nearly 50 percent. Without a doubt, this is the #1 foundation of L-therapy.
4. Normal T and symptoms. Normal T isn’t the be-all-end-all… Make lifestyle changes that are relevant to you and you will probably boost testosterone into the optimal range while you reverse the symptoms.
5. Normal T, symptoms, and sleep-deprived. Make lifestyle changes that are relevant to you, with special attention to stress, relaxation and sleep. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported on the impact on testosterone levels when men were sleep-deprived. The authors found that T levels declined by 10 percent to 15 percent among men who were sleep-deprived for one week. Adequate sleep (7-8 hours nightly) is necessary for the healthy production of testosterone.
6. Cosmetic/vanity reasons: Do you really think testosterone therapy will make you look like the guy in the Cenegenics ads (he’s a doctor, by the way) at 65? Even if such therapy did marginally help, are you willing to risk the serious side effects associated with its use? My friend who takes T for cosmetic reasons is a newly single Newport Beach guy on the dating hunt. He was already 11% body fat before he started T therapy — and he wanted to get to 9%. And you know what — he looks no different! And he is potentially setting himself up for a lifetime of health challenges and side effects.

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Using L-Therapy instead of T-Therapy

The following lifestyle factors can have a hugely positive effect on your testosterone levels. Take a look to see which ones you can change to help improve your testosterone levels and eliminate your symptoms?

• Healthy diet. This term has been co-opted by the mainstream to mean “low fat, whole grains and cardio training.” Don’t believe that load of bull. It’s what’s been making men unhealthy for more than 50 years. Instead, focus on a diet that is based on whole, natural foods and is low in sugar and unhealthy fats. A good example is a Mediterranean diet. In addition, some foods naturally help boost testosterone levels. Two of my friends consistently feed themselves on a diet of highly refined and processed foods and they’re always lagging. Clean up your diet and you will feel the natural energy and sexual boost that follows.
• Regular specific exercise. A combination of intense exercise and strength training (lifting heavy weights) can help boost T levels. Research shows that high intensity interval training (HIIT) can also boost T levels. One of my T-taking friends was constantly exhausted because he was doing a lot of “cardio,” or endurance exercise that has been shown to increase the adrenal load and decrease T. He was exhausted because he was training to hard and too long without adequate rest and sleep. Since cutting back on the long runs and rides he has seen his energy increase and he’s sleeping better as well.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Men who carry excess fat also can have too much estrogen, since this hormone is produced in fat cells. An imbalance in estrogen and testosterone levels is a recipe for classic low-T symptoms. Lose the excess weight (diet and exercise will definitely help) and then maintain your new, healthy weight.
• Stress management. Stress can cause low T because the stress hormone, cortisol, blocks the production of testosterone. Daily management of stress using meditation, yoga, tai chi, progressive relaxation, or whatever works for you, is highly recommended.
• Adequate sleep. Do you get at least 7 hours of sleep each night? If not, then your T levels can decline. Seven to 8 hours of sleep nightly is recommended to help maintain healthy testosterone levels.
• Limit alcohol. Drinking alcohol has two main effects on sex hormones: it lowers testosterone and raises estrogen. That’s a double whammy no guy wants! And alcohol also impairs the liver which is critical for processing estrogen and managing the amount of free testosterone that is made available in our body. Limit alcohol consumption to two drinks or less per day to help keep your liver healthy and your T levels up.
• Take supplements that can help boost nitric oxide and promote better energy and sexual health. Beetroot powder is a good source.

Bottom line

Whether your T is 200 or 1000 ng/dL is irrelevant – what matters is how you feel. I know guys with clinically low testosterone that are bouncing off the walls with energy; and others with high T that act depressed and lethargic. If you are experiencing any of the classic symptoms of low testosterone or you think you need to “treat” low T, the answer you are looking for is not T therapy; it’s L therapy — lifestyle changes. Take a look at what you can personally change that will have the greatest impact on your energy and sexual health — and commit to a program today.

The post 6 reasons you shouldn’t get testosterone therapy appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

It’s also an eating plan that can help you control your appetite, lose weight and even improve your blood pressure and triglycerides.

But before you jump on the protein bandwagon, there’s something you should know.

For men, eating a diet with too much protein and too few carbs can have a dark side — one that leads to low levels testosterone levels and sperm count, as well as a higher risk of erectile dysfunction.

That’s because according to a study from researchers at the University of Worcester high protein diets can play havoc with the body’s hormones, including cortisol and testosterone…

Reducing testosterone by more than one-third

The researchers analyzed data compiled from 27 separate studies involving a total of 309 men, some who followed a high protein, low carb diet and some who ate a more traditional diet higher in carbohydrates.

And what they found will have men everywhere rethinking how much protein they have on their dinner plates.

The results showed that men, whose diets consisted of more than 35 percent protein, experienced a whopping 37 percent drop in testosterone levels.

Yup, over a third of their normal testosterone was wiped out by their dietary choices alone!

According to the doctors at the renowned Cleveland Clinic, this drop in the essential male hormone can lead to major symptoms including:

• Low sex drive
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Memory and concentration problems
• Weak muscles
• Moodiness
• Osteoporosis
• Erectile dysfunction
• Infertility

Low testosterone can also cause loss of body hair, weight gain and breast development.

I don’t imagine that’s what most men who start a high protein eating plan think they’re signing up for!

Supporting healthy testosterone levels

So if you’re concerned about your testosterone levels, consider how much protein you’re eating on daily basis.

“Most people eat about 17 percent protein, and the high protein diets which caused low testosterone were all above 35 percent, which is very high,” says lead researcher Joseph Whittaker, a doctoral student at the University of Worcester. “So for the average person, there is nothing to worry about, however for people on high protein diets, they should limit protein to no more than 25 percent.”

Additional ways to promote healthy T levels include:

#1 – Enjoy the power of the beet

Author of “Your New Prime: 30 Days to Better Sex, Eternal Strength, and a Kick-Ass Life After 40“, Craig Cooper points out that beets and beet powder have been found to increase testosterone, as well as the blood flow that provides for strong erections.

Beets contain boron which is essential for the production of testosterone and increases the levels of free testosterone.

Another “beet secret” for male health is the dietary nitrates that produce nitric oxide (NO). NO encourages healthy blood flow and dilates blood vessels, including those in the penis.  

#2 – Watch out for medications

It’s also important to be aware of medications that may steal your testosterone. These include statins, antidepressants and even chemotherapy agents. Of course, do not stop any medication without speaking to your doctor about a suitable alternative.

#3 – Reduce the threat of estrogen dominance

Finally, be aware of any issues you may have with estrogen dominance as too much estrogen may suppress your testosterone levels. Sadly, this problem is becoming far too common thanks to the high levels of xenoestrogens in our everyday lives from things like industrial pollutants, processed foods, pesticides, plastics, coated cookware and even flavor additives.

You can support a normal hormone balance with a unique compound called Di-Indole Methane found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and in supplement form.

DIM works safely and naturally to help neutralize the xenoestrogens that can cause estrogen dominance, swinging the balance from bad estrogen to good by eliminating estrogen overload.

Remember, while a high-protein diet can come with numerous benefits, for men it can also lead to problems in and out of the bedroom.

Sources:

Low Testosterone (Male Hypogonadism) — Cleveland Clinic

Low-carbohydrate diets and men’s cortisol and testosterone: Systematic review and meta-analysis — Sage Journals

High-protein diets may decrease testosterone levels in men, leading to ED, fertility struggles — Study Finds

Foods that boost testosterone — Sisselman Medical Group

The post Low T and ED? Blame a high protein diet appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Testing testosterone therapy

The research from the University of Adelaide involved a two-year double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of over 1,000 men between the ages of 50 and 74, who were either overweight or obese (and therefore at a higher risk of ending up with type 2 diabetes).

While each man was put on the same diet and lifestyle program — Weight Watchers — the scientists split the men into two groups:

• Group one received testosterone therapy
• Group two were given a placebo

After those two years were up the results showed that 21 percent (or 87 out of 413) of the men in the placebo group had developed type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, just 12 percent (or 55 out of 443) of the men in the testosterone therapy group had been diagnosed with the condition.

This was despite the fact that men in both groups had experienced significant weight loss, with an average loss of approximately seven to nine pounds.

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In the end, Professor Gary Wittert, one of the authors of the study, said: “The results of the study show that, on top of modest weight loss achieved with healthy eating and increased activity, testosterone has some added benefit to prevent or reverse newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.”

OK, did you get that?

Testosterone may help reverse blood sugar problems!

And to top it off, the team says that testosterone delivers other benefits, including:

• Improved muscle mass
• Enhanced sexual function
• Lowered fasting blood sugar
• Reduced body fat

Not bad for a hormone that naturally circulates in your body anyway, right?

Is testosterone therapy right for you?

So, is it time to head off to your doctor’s office and get some of those testosterone pellets?

Well, not so fast…

The researchers also say that in addition to the benefits participants of the study saw with the therapy, 22 percent also experienced an adverse side effect — with their blood becoming “sludgy.”

Because of this, they don’t recommend testosterone therapy as the answer to type 2 diabetes. Instead, they stay sticking with weight loss, a healthy diet and exercise is the way to go.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t use natural means to boost your testosterone, rather than the pellets that cause the sludge.

Natural testosterone boosters include:

1. Resistance exercises — Studies have shown that exercise, especially activities that involve weights, can help raise your testosterone levels.
2. Healthy fats — Research also suggests that getting more healthy fats in your diet (like extra-virgin olive oil) is a good way to optimize testosterone production.
3. Stress reducers — Stress and lack of sleep negatively impact your testosterone. To keep your levels up, work on lowering your stress through diet, exercise and laughing more and getting a good night’s rest.
4. Sunshine vitamin — Vitamin D is also a natural way to increase your testosterone. Take a quality D supplement and get more sunshine in your life.
5. Estrogen–blocking foods — Estrogen dominance can suppress testosterone levels and this can happen as men age. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, have high levels of phytochemicals that naturally block estrogen production.

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And one more vital point…

In order to keep your testosterone optimal, you also have to avoid the xenoestrogens (false estrogens) that up your estrogen, while bottoming out your T-levels.

Sadly, these estrogen inflators are everywhere in the world around you — from plastics and cleaning products, to tap water, canned foods, cosmetics, personal products, home furnishings and more.

So it’s important to carefully read labels and make the healthiest choice possible.

Remember, while testosterone therapy might not be the answer to defeating blood sugar problems, boosting your natural levels could be a big part of the puzzle.

Sources:

Type 2 Diabetes — CDC

Testosterone therapy may help preventing type 2 diabetes — TECHNOLOGY.ORG

Physically active men show better semen parameters and hormone values than sedentary men — NIH

Variations in urine excretion of steroid hormones after an acute session and after a 4-week programme of strength training — NIH

The effects of short-term resistance training on endocrine function in men and women — NIH

The effect of nutritional factors on sex hormone levels in male twins — NIH

Influence of diet on plasma steroids and sex hormone-binding globulin levels in adult men — NIH

Association between sleep and morning testosterone levels in older men — NIH

Neuroendocrine and stress hormone changes during mirthful laughter — NIH

Effects of physical exercise on depression, neuroendocrine stress hormones and physiological fitness in adolescent females with depressive symptoms — NIH

Oleuropein supplementation increases urinary noradrenaline and testicular testosterone levels and decreases plasma corticosterone level in rats fed high-protein diet — NIH

Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men — NIH

Top 8 testosterone-boosting foods — MedicalNewsToday

The post Boosting testosterone could help men ward off type 2 diabetes appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Testosterone replacement therapy has been shown to improve cognitive function, libido and mood, as well as strengthen bones and muscles and increase energy.

Researchers are continuing to examine the many ways in which testosterone influences men’s health. In fact, one recent exploration discovered a link between low testosterone levels in men and severe cases of COVID-19…

Low testosterone more likely in men with severe COVID-19

This study involved 90 men and 62 women who were hospitalized at Barnes-Jewish Hospital between March 2020 and May 2020 with symptoms of COVID-19 and confirmed cases of the illness.

For the study, researchers took blood samples from the participants and measured levels of several hormones, including testosterone, at days 3, 7, 14 and 28, or for as long as the patients remained hospitalized. A total of 28 men and 14 women remained hospitalized beyond day 14.

The hormones measured included testosterone; IGF-1, a growth hormone; and estradiol, a form of estrogen produced by the body.

The study found that men with severe COVID-19 had testosterone concentrations that were 65 to 85 percent lower than those in men with a milder illness. The difference was independent of other known risk factors for COVID-19 severity such as age, smoking, race, BMI and comorbidities.

Among the 66 men with severe COVID-19, testosterone concentrations were lower at diagnosis and days 3 and 7 compared with the 24 men with milder illness. Estradiol and IGL-1 levels were not linked with COVID-19 severity in men. As for the women, levels of testosterone, estradiol and IGF-1 were similar regardless of COVID-19 severity.

The study also found those men who required artificial ventilation or ICU admission or who died had lower testosterone levels than the men who did not experience these outcomes. Out of the men who had severe COVID-19, 25 of them died from the illness.

Making the low-T connection

“The most important causal factor for low testosterone is likely to be severe illness,” says the study’s first author Dr. Sandeep Dhindsa, an SLUCare endocrinologist and director of Saint Louis University’s Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism.

“In addition, it is possible the men with low testosterone prior to getting COVID are more likely to have low testosterone during the illness as well,” Dhindsa adds. “However, we could not test that hypothesis since we do not have pre-COVID samples on these patients.”

Some factors contributing to low testosterone include aging, obesity and diabetes. In fact, testosterone levels in men decline by 1 to 2 percent each year after age 30.

While the findings indicate low testosterone concentrations could play a role in worse outcomes for men with COVID-19, researchers say that further study is needed.

There are other questions raised by the study that could be explored in future research, such as whether men with low testosterone are more likely to get severely ill when they get COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses compared to men with normal testosterone levels. Further studies could also address whether testosterone replacement can help in the recovery process after acute COVID-19 illness, as well as investigate the paradox of low testosterone in blood serum but increased sex hormone signaling in men’s immune cells.

How to support testosterone naturally

The best way to support your testosterone levels is through diet and exercise. Losing belly fat has been shown to boost testosterone, as has brief bursts of high-intensity cardiovascular activity. Some foods that support healthy testosterone include oatmeal, beets, pomegranate, watermelon and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.

Studies show a link between vitamin D deficiency and low testosterone, so make sure you’re getting plenty of vitamin D from sunshine, diet or supplements. Also, getting seven to eight hours of sleep every night helps keep your testosterone levels up.

If your testosterone levels are low enough, you may need to talk with your doctor about testosterone replacement therapy. In an earlier issue, we discussed the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy and what it can and can’t do.

Some people expect testosterone replacement therapy to increase muscle mass, boost sex drive and improve mood, but studies indicate these results aren’t guaranteed. And prolonged use of testosterone replacement therapies has been connected with heart issues and a potentially higher risk of prostate cancer. You should definitely discuss with your doctor whether the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy outweigh the risks for you.

Sources:

Low Testosterone Levels in Men Are Linked to More Severe Cases of COVID-19 — Saint Louis University

Association of Circulating Sex Hormones With Inflammation and Disease Severity in Patients With COVID-19 — JAMA Network Open

Is testosterone therapy safe? Take a breath before you take the plunge — Harvard Health Publishing

The post The hormone that may signal COVID-19 severity in men appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

That’s because according to research, for every single cup of Joe you drink a day, you reduce your risk of prostate cancer even further.

Here’s what you need to know about the power of coffee in cancer prevention…

Guarding against four types of cancer with your daily cup

Past studies have already linked coffee consumption to a lower relative risk of liver, bowel, and breast cancers.

And now with this newest research, it looks like one of our favorite ways to start the morning could actually guard against four of the most common and dangerous forms of cancer at once.

In fact, prostate cancer alone is the second most common cancer, and the sixth leading cause of cancer death in men, with close to three out of four cases occurring in developed countries, like the United States.

Up to 9% reduced risk with the highest consumption

The research, published in BMJ Open, pooled the data of 16 separate studies in order to separate participants into two groups — the low coffee consumers (at less than two cups per day) and the coffee fanatics (at two to nine or even more cups a day).  

The team then compared the amount of coffee each person drank on a regular basis to their cancer risk.

And it came down to this…

Compared with the lowest category of coffee consumption, the people in the highest category of coffee drinkers — our coffee fanatics — benefited from a nine percent reduction in prostate cancer risk.

And for each additional daily cup a person drank, they reduced their risk by another one percent.

The team was even able to identify the effects of coffee drinking on the spread of prostate cancer. And they determined that compared with the lowest intake, the highest intake of coffee was associated with a full seven percent lower risk of localized prostate cancer.

And a high coffee intake reduced the risk of advanced and fatal cancer of the prostate by 12 and 16 percent respectively.

More health benefits of coffee

Of course, the benefits coffee has to offer to your health don’t stop at cancer protection.

The beverage has also been found to:

• Improve glucose metabolism (think better blood sugar)
• Provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects (got to love it when you feel better all over and guard against aging)
• Boost sex hormones including testosterone (for improved libido and healthy sex life)

And the researchers say that all of these effects together may explain the drink’s ability to influence the initiation, development and progression of prostate cancer.

So if you’re a coffee drinker, enjoy! You might be getting more than your morning jolt to wake you up, you could be grabbing some cancer-fighting power too.

Higher coffee intake may be linked to lower prostate cancer risk — EurekAlert!

The effects of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee on sex hormone-binding globulin and endogenous sex hormone levels: a randomized controlled trial — NCBI

The post Coffee lovers benefit from lower prostate cancer risk appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

However, while those occasional ups and downs may be nothing to worry too much about, if you’ve found that your libido is chronically lagging, there could be something more going on.

And even though it’s easy to just fall into a rut, a healthy sex life has too many benefits to give up on…

Did you know that for women, having sex often may actually delay the onset of menopause?

For both men and women, a healthy sex life means:

• A sharper mind
• Reduced heart disease risk
• Better blood pressure

That’s why we’ve put together a list of seven of the top sex-drive killers that could be to blame for your lack of interest in the bedroom…

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#1 — Stress

Stress can quickly kill any sexy feelings you used to have. In fact, whether it’s issues at home, the office or in your relationship, stress can quickly take a toll on your sex life. This means that often one of the first steps to restoring a healthy sex drive is to find effective ways to manage your stress.

This can be as simple as going for a run, taking a hot bath, reading a good book or practicing meditation.

#2 — Alcohol

Some people feel that a little alcohol can grease the wheels so to speak and help get that bedroom time started. But while one drink might be OK for you, too much can sink your sex drive.

That’s why it’s important to limit the amount of alcohol you consume before hitting the sheets.

#3 — Lack of sleep

Remember that example that we talked about earlier about how new parents tend to go through a period of decreased sex drive? Well, it’s about more than simply having kids and being busy.

Much of those libido issues can center around a simple lack of sleep since fatigue can quickly take sex off the table. So, if you’re feeling like your libido has left the building, take a look at your sleeping patterns and any trouble you have falling or staying asleep. It’s also important to consider conditions like sleep apnea that could be adding to your libido problems.

#4 — Medication

It’s well known that a number of types of prescription drugs can put a damper on your desires. Some of the tops culprits include:

• Finasteride is commonly used for an enlarged prostate or hair loss
• Antidepressants such as SSRIs that interfere with arousal
• Blood pressure medications can interfere with erections and ejaculation in men and decrease desire and cause difficulty in achieving orgasm in women

If you’re taking any of these drugs and have seen a decrease in your libido, it’s important to consider talking to your doctor to see whether you can better manage your condition without side effects.

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#5 — Obesity

Being overweight or obese can kill your sex drive in numerous ways.  Not only can it damage your body image and lead to low self-esteem, obesity can also reduce testosterone levels and lead to inflammation throughout your body.

This is why many men find that obesity and erectile dysfunction go hand in hand.

#6 — Low T

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone. And as men age, levels of this hormone can drop which can lower your sex drive. Low T can even reduce your ability to have satisfying sex.

Luckily there is a treatment for Low T plus natural ways that can help boost your levels like:

• Getting enough sleep
• Exercising
• Reducing stress
• Raising your vitamin D levels
• Eating a balanced diet of whole foods, balanced between fats, carbs and proteins

#7 — Estrogen dominance

Just like low levels of testosterone can kill your libido, high levels of estrogen, can cause both men and women to lose interest in sex and interfere with sexual desire.

Sadly, estrogen dominance has become more and more common thanks to man-made chemicals found in our air, water, food, homes and even automobiles called Xenoestrogens. Since they act like estrogen in your body, they can disrupt your natural hormone balance.

A natural way to promote healthy hormone balance is to get adequate amounts of Di-Indole Methane (DIM) in your diet or through supplementation. DIM, a compound found in cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, latches on to the fake estrogens and removes them from the body. DIM supports more energy, a healthy weight, sound sleep, firm skin, strong muscles and a healthier sex drive.

There’s no age limit on enjoying a healthy sex life. It has too many health benefits of its own to give it up. So, heed the tips above, and don’t take a lackluster libido lying down…

Sources:

1. How do you boost testosterone naturally? — MedicalNewsToday
2. How does testosterone affect sex drive? — WebMD
3. Men: Is Obesity Affecting Your Sex Life? — OAC
4. 7 Meds That Can Wreck Your Sex Life — AARP
5. Finasteride — WebMD
6. Will Taking Antidepressants Kill My Libido? — genesight
7. Lack of sleep ‘kills a man’s sex drive’, study concludes — The Telegraph
8. Alcohol Abuse and Your Sex Drive — destination hope
9. Is stress killing your libido? How to increase your sex drive — Global News
10. Low Libido And Erectile Dysfunction Treatment — Southern California Center for Anti-Aging
11. Sex Drive Killers Slideshow — WebMD

The post 7 reasons your sex drive (and your health) may be lagging appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

It’s often said by annoyed women in rooms filled with mostly men… locker rooms, boardrooms, my living room when my husband and his friends watched football with a Corona in hand… clearly before the time of coronavirus.

But truth be told, there’s probably not nearly as much testosterone in those rooms as there should be. And it shows…

Why the testosterone shortage?

New research suggests that one out of four men over 30 have low testosterone (low T) levels. But only one out of every 20 men have clinical symptoms linked to such a deficiency… things like erectile dysfunction and a decreased sex drive. But low T puts you at risk in more places than the bedroom…

Testosterone is the elixir of life, an antidote to the worst health issues that plague us today — heart problems. You might think it’s just men who need to protect their testosterone levels as much as possible. But women need it too… but only about 1/10th as much.

Unfortunately, modern medicine sets the acceptable range for men’s testosterone between 270 and 1,070 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)… regardless of age. That’s a very wide range.

Following this logic, you could be in your 40s or 50s with a testosterone level of 280… a number that should only be acceptable for a man in his 80s or 90s… but because you’re in the “normal” range your doctor will tell you you’re good to go.

This is not unlike thyroid hormone… just because you’re in the normal range according to your doctor doesn’t mean it’s enough to get the job done. And here’s why…

A very protective hormone

Testosterone, a very protective and anti-aging hormone,

Testosterone reduces the tendency of blood to clot, reduces cholesterol and triglycerides, reduces blood glucose levels and decreases visceral fat mass. It is also an antagonist to estradiol (estrogen), preventing it from causing feminizing of the male body and bone loss in women.

You already know testosterone, for men and women, diminishes with age unless we protect it with supplementation.

But that natural decrease isn’t your only concern: Our highly acidic Western diet supplies us with too many estrogen mimics, which lead to the need for protection from estrogen dominance.

So, you can see, with everything you’re fighting against, why it’s not in your best interest to just settle for levels that are “in range” … but to strive for optimal levels. For men, the goal should be testosterone levels closer to 800 than 300. For adult women, the levels should be closer to 70 ng/dL.

Natural testosterone booster

DIM, short for di-indole-methane, is a plant compound that works against estrogen mimics by binding to excess estrogen in your body and flushing it out.

DIM also protects men from loss of testosterone by eliminating the fake estrogens that can lead to man boobs and belly fat, soft, flaccid muscles, fatigue and sexual dysfunction.

The good news for women… DIM doesn’t block natural estrogen production. Instead, it makes fake estrogens more soluble in your urine. It won’t upset levels if they’re already normal. For those who are living with Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism, estrogen dominance can aggravate your uncomfortable symptoms. That’s why I take it every day in addition to my thyroid support supplement.

The best part is, you can get more DIM through diet or supplementation…

Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy and Brussels sprouts contain DIM. But as always with “modern” food production, there are fewer of these nutrients in our mass-produced “produce,” eliciting the need for supplementation with DIM for the protection of testosterone.

100 mg is a good amount of DIM. In order to counteract the constant pressure of the forces pulling testosterone from your body.

The post The common testosterone thief targeting men and women appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Yup, every single year a half million men walk out of their doctor’s office after being told that they’re living with low T.

And, it’s likely that that number represents only a drop in the bucket of the true statistic since far too many men never even get tested and write off the symptoms from the lack of hormones as simple aging, including:

• Decreased energy
• Low libido
• Increased body fat
• Reduce bone mineral density
• Sleep disturbances
• Depression

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And, when you look at that list, it’s easy to see how that could happen.

Unfortunately, low T can lead to far more than feeling older and more out of shape than you would like. In fact, studies have linked low levels of testosterone in men to a higher risk of death from heart disease and other causes.

Even worse, those dangers don’t necessarily go away if you decide to turn to testosterone therapy.  According to Harvard Men’s Health Watch, men on testosterone therapy long-term, “Appear to have a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, like heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from heart disease.”

This means that while you need to get your testosterone back up to protect your heart, you also need to do it naturally, without testosterone therapy in order to get any heart health benefits.

And, one of the best ways to raise your testosterone is to lose weight.

Now, however, a brand new study is sending out a warning that if you plan to increase your testosterone by increasing your weight loss, there’s one diet you should avoid…

Fat and cholesterol hormones

Prior to this study, there was almost no research whatsoever on how specific diets could affect serum testosterone, so men had to simply take a shot in the dark when they chose a weight loss plan. So, a multi-university team set out to change that…

They analyzed data on more than 3,100 men from a nationwide health study and compared their diet to their serum testosterone level.

And, they found that one diet stood out — and not in a good way…

The team discovered that men on a low-fat diet had serum testosterone levels that were on average 14.5 points lower than men not on a fat-restrictive diet.

In other words, a low-fat diet and low testosterone go hand-in-hand.

Why?

Well, according to the researchers, it’s likely due to the fact that testosterone is a steroid hormone derived from cholesterol and therefore changes in fat intake have the ability to alter testosterone levels.

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Keeping the fat

This means that if you want to boost your testosterone, you need to lose the fat without skipping the fat.

This makes going keto a great choice for men needing to up their T levels since it can provide the weight loss you need while still keeping the fat and cholesterol (that serves as testosterone building blocks) as part of your diet.

In fact, studies have proven that the keto diet is a good way to raise testosterone levels while lowering body fat.

If you haven’t heard of keto before, here’s a quick crash course on the diet.

• Foods to avoid – Skip the sugars, grains, starches, fruits, beans, root vegetables, condiments, and alcohol.
• Foods to eat – Instead, base your meals on healthy oils, meats, fatty fish, eggs, butter, cream, unprocessed cheeses, nuts and seeds, avocadoes, and low-carb veggies (like cauliflower, asparagus, and peppers).

You can also boost testosterone levels by:

• Getting enough sleep – Just a week without enough sleep can drop your testosterone by a whopping 15 percent.
• Staying active – A study in the European Journal of Applied Physiology proved that higher levels of physical activity lead to higher T levels.
• Supplementing – Vitamin D supplements can also help boost your testosterone levels.
• Check your medications – Many prescriptions drug, including statins, contribute to drops in testosterone so be sure to consider the medications you’re taking.

In addition to these steps to enhance your natural testosterone production, it’s also important to address any estrogen issues as well since numerous man-made chemicals, called xenoestrogens, can upset your natural hormone balance. This can lead to a condition known as estrogen dominance.

Di-Indole Methane or DIM, a phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, and cauliflower can help. It works by latching onto the “fake estrogens” in your body, neutralizing them, and carrying them safely out of your body — supporting healthy hormone balance.

As each year passes, you run a higher risk of suffering from low T as well as the symptoms and dangers that come with it. Protect yourself by choosing the right diet and using the tips above to raise your testosterone naturally while sweeping away the fake estrogens in your body that destroy your hormonal balance.

Sources:

1. Low-fat diet linked to lower testosterone levels in men — EurekAlert
2. Low Testosterone (Low-T) — MedicineNet.com
3. Low serum testosterone and mortality in older men — The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
4. Is testosterone therapy safe? Take a breath before you take the plunge — Harvard Health
5. The Effects of Ketogenic Dieting on Body Composition, Strength, Power, and Hormonal Profiles in Resistance Training Males — The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
6. Ketogenic diet and testosterone increase: Is the increased cholesterol intake responsible? To what extent and under what circumstances can there be benefits? — HORMONES
7. How do you boost testosterone naturally? — Medical News Today

The post The weight loss trap that tanks testosterone appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

He looked to be a very fit mid-50 something and was there for testosterone replacement therapy.

Of course, I’m not proud of eavesdropping but I’m always interested in the health choices people are making and how it’s working out for them.

When I heard him say that he wanted to talk to the doctor before he got the testosterone pellets because he was concerned about a new study he had read, my research instincts kicked in and I had to learn more…

The growing trend

If you haven’t heard of it before, testosterone replacement therapy is a rapidly growing market – one that’s expected to hit $1 billion by 2024 in the U.S. alone.

Although it’s used in women as well, in men the therapy is supposed to:

• Support enhanced sexual function
• Overcome problems with erectile dysfunction
• Boost muscle growth
• Maintain adequate red blood cell levels
• Promote well-being

Put simply, it’s supposed to make men feel young again.

Unfortunately, that study the man was talking about has demonstrated that, just like HRT for women, male testosterone replacement therapy is not without its risks…

Strokes, mini-strokes, and heart attacks

The study, published in The American Journal of Medicine, found that aging men with low testosterone levels who take testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) are at a greater risk of experiencing an ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) or myocardial infarction.

The risk of these strokes, mini-strokes, and heart attacks is especially great during the first two years of use.

In fact, after analyzing the medical records of over 15,400 men, the researchers found that users of TRT had a 21 percent greater risk of cardiovascular events compared with non-users.

“Our findings show that the use of TRT was associated with an increased risk of stroke, TIAs, or cardiac arrest during the first two years of use,” noted Christel Renoux, MD, PhD, Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital; and Departments of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, and Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.

“There is limited evidence on the long-term clinical benefits of TRT to effectively treat the modestly declining levels of endogenous testosterone levels of aging but healthy men. We strongly recommend that clinicians proceed with caution when considering prescribing TRT and first discuss both the potential benefits and risks with patients.”

Natural help for maximizing male function

These increased risks show that for the majority of men, testosterone replacement therapy is not the way to go to remain vital and boost sexual function as they age. If you’ve been considering the therapy, natural options that can be used instead include:

#1 – Resistance training

While any type of exercise supports healthy testosterone levels, lifting weights is especially effective.  Studies show that increasing the weight load on the big muscle groups (hips and quads) boosts short-term testosterone production. So, it’s a good idea for men to hit the gym on a regular basis in order to feel that youthful vigor again.

#2 – Manage stress

When your stress hormone, cortisol, goes up, testosterone goes down. That means you should reduce the things in your life that cause stress. Better easier said than done, I know. This 2-minute trick can help with both, according to Dr. Amy Cuddy: Just two minutes in a “power posture” position results in an average 20 percent jump in testosterone and an average 25 percent drop in the stress hormone cortisol. Examples of power poses are reaching your arms overhead like a victor; leaning back in a chair with your hands behind your head like a confident CEO; standing with your hands on your hips, chest out, like Superman.

#3 – Avoid Xenoestrogens

Fake estrogens abound in the world around you and can throw off your hormonal balance, tipping you toward female rather than male hormones. These xenoestrogens are found in everything from plastic dishware and water bottles to pesticides and even your water system.

Avoid as many as possible by eating organic and using only glass, ceramic, or stainless steel kitchenware and a high-quality filtration system.

For those you can’t avoid, consider a Di-Indole Methane (DIM). DIM is a phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables that latches onto xenoestrogens and carries them safely out of your body to support healthy hormone balance.

Sources:

1. Testosterone Replacement Therapy Market to Grow US$ 1.0 billion by 2024 — MarketWatch
2. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can increase men’s risk of stroke and heart attack — EurekAlert!
3. Serum testosterone, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels, mental reaction time, and maximal aerobic exercise in sedentary and long-term physically trained elderly males — International Journal of Neuroscience
4. Physically active men show better semen parameters and hormone values than sedentary men — European Journal of Applied Physiology
5. Variations in urine excretion of steroid hormones after an acute session and after a 4-week programme of strength training — European Journal of Applied Physiology
6. The effects of short-term resistance training on endocrine function in men and women — European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology
7. Acute suppression of circulating testosterone levels by cortisol in men — The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
8. Relationships between testosterone, cortisol and performance in professional cyclists — International Journal of Sports Medicine
9. Stress, adaptation, and disease. Allostasis and allostatic load — Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
10. P-Curving a More Comprehensive Body of Research on Postural Feedback Reveals Clear Evidential Value for Power-Posing Effects: Reply to Simmons and Simonsohn (2017) — Psychological Science
11. Xenoestrogen — ScienceDirect

The post Testosterone therapy may hurt men’s hearts appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

In fact, one particular hormone, testosterone, could be behind a number of symptoms you’ve been writing off as a normal part of the aging process. You see, although testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, it’s actually important to both men and women’s health.

It controls:

• Sex drive
• Body fat distribution
• Bone mass
• Muscle strength
• Red blood cell production

So, as your testosterone goes down, so does your libido and energy levels. Your muscles and bones can become weaker, your body fat can go up and you can end up with more rolls around your belly.

Both my husband and I had some “issues” in these areas, but we resolved them nutritionally (I’ll share more about that in just a bit).

But, if those symptoms I just mentioned sound familiar to you, and you’re a thrill-seeker, I’ve got a different kind of remedy to tell you about…

Taking a leap

A new study, published in the journal Biological Psychology, has found that you can raise your testosterone by skydiving…

Since testosterone is a hormone that is reactive to exciting and rewarding activities, researchers at Iowa State University theorized that it would rise in response to the experience of skydiving.

Past studies had looked only at stress response and the hormone cortisol when it came to taking a thrilling leap from a plane, but the Iowa team felt that since skydiving is both thrilling and stressful, that testosterone and cortisol could actually work together.

They studied the physiological and hormonal reactions of 44 skydivers, collecting saliva samples both before and after their jump to measure the two hormones. They also wore a device to monitor their heart rate before, during and after the jump.

They saw that testosterone increased leading up to the jump and then recovered afterward. This reactivity was especially pronounced among those who scored higher for being “thrill seekers.” The researchers also found that higher testosterone occurred along with greater cortisol reactivity and higher heart rate.

It’s important to note also that the reactivity of testosterone didn’t go up in men alone. In fact, the testosterone increase was similar across the board in both men and women.

And, according to the researchers, the rise in testosterone reactivity could have a greater physiological impact, with bigger benefits for women.

“Testosterone has gotten a bad reputation, but it isn’t about aggression or being a jerk. Testosterone helps to motivate us to achieve goals and rewards. For those who find skydiving desirable (and are willing to do it), testosterone reactivity reflects those thrilling reward,” said study author Elizabeth (Birdie) Shirtcliff, an associate professor at Iowa State University.

To jump, or not to jump

So, if you want to grab a quick testosterone shot, should your next outing include skydiving?

Well, Shirtcliff went on to say, “An important caveat is that the study was conducted on people who enjoy – and sought out – skydiving. The results should not be extrapolated to people where the thought of skydiving makes their stomach churn and palms sweat.”

It seems then that if you’re an adventurous spirit who would love to take a leap from 14,000 feet, the answer might be yes.

But if that doesn’t sound like you, it’s possible that other activities that give you that same sense of thrill could. Maybe your kind of excitement is riding roller coasters, jet skiing or swimming with dolphins.

Of course, there are less dramatic ways to support testosterone, like taking nutrients. Some known to help out with testosterone, include:

• Dimethylglycine (or DMG) – Created by your liver from the amino acid, glycine, DMG acts as a building block for your hormones.
• Di-Indole Methane (DIM) – A phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables, DIM helps keep your hormones balanced to prevent estrogen dominance.

You should also know that natural testosterone boost can be found by limiting alcohol intake, getting enough high-quality sleep and regular exercise, and by eating foods that encourage testosterone production such as beets, watermelon, Brazil nuts, oats, bananas, pineapple, and fish oil.

Loss of testosterone can cause multiple symptoms associated with aging from increased body fat and osteoporosis to lack of sex drive and even erectile dysfunction.

However, from thrill-seeking activities to natural supplements and food, there are easy ways to kick your hormone function back into gear and feel like you again.

Sources:

1. Understanding How Testosterone Affects Men — National Institutes of Health
2. New study reveals how skydiving impacts your testosterone and cortisol levels — PsyPost.org
3. 5 natural ways to increase testosterone — Easy Health Options®

The post Need a testosterone boost? Do something thrilling appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

They praised testosterone replacement therapy for many unwanted symptoms and signs associated with aging-related hormone declines and published their clinical practice guidelines.

So, you may be thinking you want to try it.

Let’s start at the beginning and see what makes someone a good candidate for testosterone replacement, review the potential adverse effects, and see what important blood tests to manage replacement therapy are necessary…

Who is a candidate for testosterone therapy?

According to a report in a 2014 Journal of Sexual Medicine, a synthesis of international experts emphasized the diagnostic limitations of using a serum testosterone level as the only reason for replacement therapy and revealed that symptoms of low testosterone are the foremost criteria for determining this.

What are the symptoms of low testosterone in men and also in women? Let’s look at these. In men, low testosterone is seen by the following symptoms and signs:

• Fatigue, overall lack of energy
• Difficulty with concentration and memory; brain fog
• Loss of motivation at work and in life, mildly depressed mood
• Irritability (increased anger, agitation, or loss of patience)
• Reduced muscle mass and strength
• Increased body fat, gynecomastia (enlarging breasts), decreased body hair
• Decreased interest in sex or drive
• Erectile dysfunction, delayed refractory period (time it takes to have sex again)
• Hot flashes
• Infertility
• Insomnia
• Thinning dry skin

In women, low testosterone is seen by the following symptoms and signs:

• Reduced muscle strength and tone, easy fatigue with exercise
• Difficulty losing weight
• Decreased interest in sex
• Difficulty concentrating, mood swings, low mood, anxiety
• Hair loss

Therefore, if one or more of these symptoms deserve improvement, you are likely a candidate for testosterone replacement.

According to the Endocrine Society, there is overwhelming evidence of benefits of Testosterone therapy, but you must have “…unequivocally and consistently low serum T concentrations” in order to fit their criteria for replacement therapy. Therefore, a serum free testosterone level is the first and main blood test to have performed. If your level is close to or below the normal lab reference range, then there will be little question of benefit from testosterone replacement therapy.

Related: Six reasons you shouldn’t get testosterone therapy

However, if your testosterone level is in the middle to high end of the range, consider ways to increase testosterone uptake into your organ tissues. These methods include:

• Lose excessive body weight; primarily through aerobic exercise plus strength training, and consuming only nutrient-rich foods.
• Eliminate refined sugar from your diet
• Consume plenty of healthy fats (not only from avocados and nuts but also saturated fats at 50-60 percent of your diet. Examples are olive oil, coconut oil, grass-fed meats, real butter).
• Take a protein powder supplement daily; from whey, rice, or pea protein.
• Take Vitamin D to maximize your level (and then have it tested by your doctor)
• Take Zinc 25 mg twice daily
• Reduce stress

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Lab tests needed

There are certain blood tests you’ll need since there are interactions between testosterone and other sex steroid hormones in the body. These include:

• LH (luteinizing hormone): this tells us if your testosterone is low due to insufficient signaling hormones from the brain, or insufficient production in the gonadal or adrenal organs
• SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin)
• Estradiol: this can build up due to the excessive activity of the aromatase enzyme. If too high, it can be suppressed using the aromatase-inhibitor Arimidex (anastrozole). This will boost testosterone.
• DHEA-S: this can be supplemented if it is low
• DHT (the metabolite of testosterone responsible for acne, hirsutism and hair loss)

Also, there can be other unwanted side effects in men and women who supplement with testosterone. The following blood tests are needed periodically:

• CBC: complete blood cell analysis. High red blood cell counts (polycythemia) increases blood clotting risk
• PSA: to monitor prostate activity
• Hemoglobin A1c to detect the presence of diabetes or metabolic syndrome

Managing adverse effects of testosterone replacement

There may be side effects of testosterone therapy. The good news is that there are ways to counteract such unwanted side effects.  For example:

• Acne:  many medications help this from topical antibiotics and tretinoin to IPL (intense pulsed light) or microneedling.
• Breast swelling or tenderness: effect should lessen in time; pain reliever medicines can be used.
• Hirsutism: facial hair growth in women affects 5-8% of adult females. If this develops with adequate testosterone replacement then consider
  • IPL long-term hair removal
  • Spironolactone (Aldactone) pills daily
  • Vaniqa (eflornithine) topical cream
  • Supplements found to help reduce hirsutism are diindolylmethane (DIM), N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), green tea, spearmint, licorice, reishi mushroom, saw palmetto, black cohosh and or chaste tree extract.
• Hair loss: Rogaine (minoxidil) is an over the counter scalp application daily; Propecia (finasteride) are prescription pills.

As an aside, if you read the January 2014 PLOS article which proposed that testosterone replacement in men after having a myocardial infarction increases their risk for a repeat event, the international experts referenced earlier found this not to be credible.

To long term health and feeling good,

Michael Cutler, M.D.

Sources:

1. About the Endocrine Society — Endocrine Society
2. Morgentaler A, Khera M, Maggi M, Zitzmann M. Commentary: Who is a candidate for testosterone therapy? A synthesis of international expert opinions. — J Sex Med. 2014 Jul;11(7):1636-45.
3. Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline — The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
4. Unluhizarci K, Karaca Z, Kelestimur F. Hirsutism – from diagnosis to use of antiandrogens. — Front Horm Res. 2013;40:103-14. PubMed PMID: 24002408

The post Are the benefits of testosterone replacement for you? appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

That may be why a lot of men are hesitant to use them. But there’s SOOO much more to essential oils than a pleasant smell and some pretty packaging…

They have medicinal benefits that apply to women AND men. If you’re a man who’s used peppermint oil to ease a headache, lavender oil to relieve anxiety or tea tree oil to clear your skin, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

But if you ARE a man who’s fully embraced the benefits of essential oils (frilly packaging be damned), there’s something you should know…

These oils are potent substances that act as effective forms of medicine. And like any potent substance that can make significant changes to your body, they come with a risk of side effects. Particularly for men…

Several studies show that essential oils can disrupt male hormones and maybe even make young boys develop breasts.

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Essential oils throw hormones off-kilter

A 2018 study found that several chemicals in essential oils can increase estrogen and inhibit testosterone.

Researchers from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) isolated eight common components in lavender and tea tree oil. Then they applied these components to human cancer cells in a test tube.

They found that all eight components promoted estrogen while blocking testosterone in these cells.

Related: The signs and dangers of estrogen excess for men

But hold up… why did the NIEHS decide to look at the hormonal impact of essential oils in the first place?

Well, because past research found that compounds in lavender and tea tree oil could mimic estrogen and block testosterone in human cells. And there were also the boys developing breasts…

A child hormone specialist at the University of Colorado at Denver began seeing more and more young boys with a condition called gynecomastia (a.k.a. male breasts). Gynecomastia is rare and it’s usually hard to pin down a cause.

But this doctor noticed a similarity among his patients. One boy’s mother was applying healing balm to his skin that contained lavender oil. Another was using shampoo and hair gel that contained lavender oil and tea tree oil. And another used soaps and lotions containing lavender oil.

When the boys stopped using these products, so did their abnormal growth of breast tissue.

Are essential oils dangerous to adult men?

Now, researchers don’t know what effect these essential oils could have on the hormones of full-grown men… or women, for that matter. But any substance that alters your hormonal balance could be dangerous.

The answer isn’t to rid your house of lavender and tea tree oil, though. Researchers say the chemicals they tested in lavender and tea tree are also found in at least 65 other essential oils. So, the problem’s bigger than just these two oils.

You should, however, treat essential oils like you would any other form of potent medicine… with caution. Use them, but don’t overdo them. Using them in your shampoo, lotion, hair gel, and cologne or perfume may be too much, for example.

You should also do follow safety guidelines when using essential oils, like:

• Researching oils before you use them. Understand their potential uses and side effects. Your library likely has a comprehensive essential oil guide you can borrow.
• Keeping undiluted essential oils away from your skin. These oils are extremely concentrated and can cause serious skin irritation. Some oils come pre-diluted with a carrier oil. If an oil is not diluted, buy your own carrier oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil or almond oil.
• Being cautious when using essential oils on young children. Avoid using undiluted oils on young children and do your research before doing any DIY aromatherapy on kids. Essential oils used on children should only be a fraction of the concentration used on adults, and that concentration should be calculated using body weight.
• Not using essential oils on pregnant women without the guidance of a health professional. Pregnant women are advised to use lower essential oil concentrations and avoid certain oils altogether (like camphor, rosemary, sage, and savin oil). Rather than worry about doing anything that will negatively affect the baby or mother’s health, it’s better to work with someone who knows what they’re doing.
• Not taking essential oils internally without the guidance of a health professional. Whenever you’re ingesting a substance as potent as an essential oil, don’t wing it. Contact someone who’s trained in the medicinal use of essential oils, so you don’t experience any serious side effects.

Sources:

1. More evidence essential oils ‘make male breasts develop’ — BBC News
2. Oils ‘make male breasts develop’ — BBC News
3. Chemicals in lavender and tea tree oil appear to be hormone disruptors — Endocrine Society
4. Essential Oil Safety — Aromatherapy Trade Council

The post Can essential oils really cause male breasts? appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Let’s now look at ways to manage estrogen excess (or estrogen deficiency, which also can cause declines in sexual arousal and erectile function).

Treatment of estrogen excess  

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There are dietary/lifestyle and natural therapies to keep estrogen in balance with testosterone in men.

First, be aware that the following associations with increased estradiol in men where it is not needed:

1. Excess body fat. It is generally understood that estrogen is generated and stored in body fat tissue, with some varying effects depending on the location. Fat tissue contains aromatase so that testosterone can be converted into estradiol easily there.
2. In men, low levels of testosterone are associated with increased visceral fat. This is the fat located around your internal abdominal organs. This kind of fat (VAT) is known to increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
3. Hyperinsulinemia increases estrogen
4. Zinc deficiency contributes to aromatase activity, which increases estrogen
5. Inflammation, stress, alcohol consumption all encourage aromatase activity
6. Osoproterenol (a heart medication)

These foods and supplements help catabolize (breakdown and decrease) estrogen:

• Cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates which are transformed naturally into the bioactive compounds Indole-3-carbinol (IC3) and 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM). These metabolize estrogen and decrease its activity. Cruciferous vegetables include bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, turnip greens, etc.
• IC3 (e.g. 200 mg daily) and DIM (e.g. 100 mg daily) supplementation
• Vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamine), folate, betaine, and choline help with methylation, which is important for estrogen metabolism. Foods such as chicken, eggs, fish, shellfish, beets, quinoa, and spinach are high in these important nutrients.
• Forskolin (Indian coleus) at 250 mg of 10% forskolin extract taken twice daily for 12 weeks proved to increase testosterone levels and lean muscle mass while reducing body fat.

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The following are known to decrease the aromatase activity to help decrease estradiol. If needed, consider supplementation with one or more of the following:

• Flaxseed
• Procyanidins
• Flavonoids
• EGCG
• Epilobium
• Vitamin c
• Chrysin
• Stinging nettle

If you have one or more of the symptoms of low testosterone as I previously reported, then have your blood estradiol and testosterone levels checked by your doctor or by tests offered online. If supplements and lifestyle interventions do not effectively improve your blood tests, then consider the following medicines known to decrease estradiol:

• Metformin
• Aromatase inhibitors such as anastrazole (Arimidex), exemestane (Aromasin) and trozole (Femara)

What about estrogen deficiency in men?

As mentioned earlier, estradiol has both inhibitory and stimulatory influences on male sexual function. One recent study looked at estrogen’s role in regulating body fat and sexual function in men and found that when estrogen was too low, symptoms included dramatic declines in sexual arousal and erectile function. As you would predict, even men with estrogen deficiency (like women) will have decreased bone strength and increased risk for fractures. This is another reason why it is best to have your blood estradiol and testosterone levels checked.

After all this, you can see that treatment for estrogen excess is not so clear-cut. It takes monitoring levels of both estrogen and testosterone to get it balanced.

Sources:

1. Schulster M, Bernie AM, Ramasamy R. The role of estradiol in male reproductive function. — Asian J Androl. 2016;18(3):435-40.
2. Marin P. Testosterone and regional fat distribution. — Obes Res. 2010;3:s609–s612.
3. Seidell JC, Bjorntorp P, Sjostrom L, Lvost H, Sammerstedt R. Visceral fat accumulation in men is positively associated with insulin, glucose, and C-peptide levels, but negatively with testosterone levels. — Metabolism. 1990;39:897–901.
4. Godard MP, Johnson BA, Richmond SR. Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men. — Obes Res. 2005 Aug;13(8):1335-43. PubMed PMID: 16129715.
5. Vandenput L, Lorentzon M, Sundh D, Nilsson ME, Karlsson MK, Mellström D, Ohlsson C. Serum estradiol levels are inversely associated with cortical porosity in older men. — J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Jul;99(7):E1322-6. PubMed PMID: 24694340.

The post 6 surprising causes of estrogen overload in men appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

The apparent basis for this practice is a 1939 study in which researchers exposed different areas of men’s bodies to UV light until the skin reddened. After five days, testosterone levels rose by 120 percent when the light was focused on the men’s chest. A 200 percent increase in T levels was seen after eight days of exposure to the genitals, which reportedly was due to a boost in the production of the cells that produce testosterone (Leydig cells).

Red light differs from sunlight in that it is made up of light wavelengths that range from 600 to 950 nanometers (nm). Ultraviolet light has wavelengths from 10 nm to 400 nm, which is shorter than visible light and longer than X-rays.

Red light is said to stimulate the creation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is intimately involved with energy production and to also boost the activity of the Leydig cells in the testes.

That’s because red light penetrates deeper into the skin than other visible light colors. When skin cells absorb red light, it can make them grow up to 200 percent faster, which means collagen and elastin (two basic components of skin) develop more rapidly than normal. This is a major reason why red light therapy is frequently used to treat eczema, rosacea, acne, psoriasis, and other skin problems.

Warnings about red light to boost testosterone levels

Currently, there are no FDA-approved light therapy devices to increase production of testosterone. Since red light therapy is generally considered to be low risk, you can find devices online like this one.  Most are typically marketed for cosmetic reasons (e.g., reducing wrinkles, treating psoriasis, acne, and age spots) or to speed up wound healing. There are men though that are using these same devices with a lot of success by shining the light directly on their testicles — as long as the light source does not generate heat on the area.

One concern is heat. Some red light therapy devices can generate a great deal of heat, which can damage your testicles. Anyone who might be interested in trying red light therapy for raising testosterone (or other uses) should be sure to get a device that is certified to be safe. Fortunately, there are several low-heat options on the market.

Other light therapy for testosterone

Fast forward many decades and there reportedly have been numerous studies into the impact of light — but not necessarily red light — directed on the testes and resulting increase in testosterone levels. A 2013 study, for example, found that constant exposure to light from birth to early puberty stimulated the secretion of testicular testosterone in golden hamsters. Adolescent rats exposed to constant light for 70 days exhibited greater gonadal activity.

At the 2016 meeting of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, a researcher reported on the results of a pilot trial in which 38 men with low libido were placed into one of two groups: one received bright light therapy from a lightbox and the other was exposed to a lightbox that had less bright light. The lightboxes were like the ones used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that responds well to this light therapy.

After two weeks of daily exposure for 30 minutes, the authors found that the testosterone levels of men who were exposed to bright light increased by 300 percent, and their libido increased by the same percentage. The lightbox works by triggering the pineal gland (in the brain), which produces the hormone melatonin. This action results in the production of more testosterone.

It’s important to know there are numerous natural ways to boost testosterone levels, including diet, exercise, stress management and getting sufficient sleep. Red light therapy may be another one of them, although there is little scientific proof. More conventional light therapy using a lightbox has demonstrated some success thus far.

Sources:

1. Biswas NM et al. “Effect of continuous light on spermatogenesis and testicular steroidogenesis in rats: possible involvement of alpha 2u-globulin.” — Nepal Medical College Journal 2013; 15(1): 62-64
2. Myerson, A. “Influence of ultraviolet radiation on excretion of sex hormones in the male.” — Endocrinology 1939; 25:7-12.

The post Should you try red light therapy to boost testosterone? appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

But is much of this just marketing hype designed to get men into testosterone replacement therapy?

Do testosterone levels really matter that much?

It appears they don’t in many cases, and here’s why.

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Is there better than ‘normal’?

First of all, the commercials and ads don’t tell you that the normal levels of testosterone for men cover a very wide range, from about 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) of blood.

Men who raise their testosterone from 400 to 600 ng/dL may not experience much of an improvement; that is, an increase from one number in the normal range to another is not a big deal, according to endocrinologist Dr. Shalender Bhasin, who also teaches at Harvard Medical School. Men who see the best improvement are those who boost their T levels from the below-normal range to normal.

For example, the results of a multicenter study published in JAMA showed that men whose testosterone levels rose from about 230 to 500 showed an improvement in libido. But there was no difference among men who boosted their levels from 300 to 500.

This suggests men who are already within the normal range should not expect any significant improvement if they take steps to enhance their T levels when it comes to sex drive.

But what about boosting testosterone levels so men can experience an improvement in muscle size?

This is attractive to men who are engaged in bodybuilding, and men can expect to see positive results regardless of where their T levels were before they made attempts to increase them. However, use of testosterone replacement does not seem to help frail older men when it comes to muscle strength where it matters to them, such as being able to walk farther or get out of chairs easier.

What’s the story on low testosterone in men?

Testosterone levels naturally begin to decline around age 30 in men, and the drop is about 1 percent per year. Approximately 5 percent of men in the age range of 50 to 59 have low T levels accompanied by symptoms of fatigue, lack of sex drive, and loss of muscle strength, according to a few small studies. Yet if you believe the ads, there are many more men who could benefit from taking testosterone replacement therapy.

The Food and Drug Administration has stated that testosterone replacement should be reserved for the few men who have T levels less than 300 ng/dL, including those who have a pituitary tumor, damaged testicles, or other medical conditions that drive T levels down.

That is, men who are truly deficient in testosterone because of a medical situation have a legitimate reason to take testosterone therapy and help restore their hormone levels. In fact, insurance companies generally require doctors to provide two morning testosterone readings showing values less than 300 ng/dL, plus symptoms of low testosterone, before they will agree to reimburse men for this treatment strategy.

In addition, there are cases in which testosterone replacement is not recommended, such as men who have experienced a heart attack or stroke within the last six months or who are at high risk for prostate cancer.

Yet some doctors will write a prescription for testosterone replacement for men who are in the normal range if they complain of fatigue and low sex drive. Sometimes the extra hormone boost works; other times it doesn’t produce any results. For some men who say they feel better, there is also the possibility that it is a placebo effect. The problem is, doctors can only take the word of their patients if they say there is an improvement.

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How accurate are testosterone readings?

Testosterone readings can vary significantly depending on the time of day, the age of the individual, and other factors such as body fat, exercise, and lack of sleep.

For example, testosterone levels are usually highest around 8 A and lowest around 8 PM. The same man who has his T levels checked at 8 AM in the doctor’s office or at the last appointment of the day at 5 PM will show different levels. Depending on his age, the reading may be 200 points higher in the AM than in the PM (40-year-old men may show such a dramatic difference when compared with a 70-year-old man).

Other factors that can have an impact on testosterone levels (causing them to raise or lower) include participation in vigorous exercise (e.g., cycling long distance), obesity, having the flu or other viral illnesses, insufficient sleep, chronic alcohol abuse, and even cheering on your favorite sports team (but levels return to normal within 30 minutes of the last factor).

It’s also important to note that every lab that tests for testosterone has its own methods of calculating the results, and the differences can be significant between one lab and another. You may not have any control over which lab our samples are sent to, but you can discuss the results and the typical normal ranges of that lab with your healthcare provider.

The post How much do testosterone levels really matter? appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

You know the one for the phone where he’s walking through in that perfect black suit looking really fit and handsome…

The best part is when he walks in front of the man in front of a grill and they say, “He even gave the term “dad bod” a new meaning.” And the man looks at David and then down at his own body. Ever since we saw it for the first time, my husband likes to ask me whether he has the old “dad bod” or the new one.

And, while it really is a funny commercial, if you look around, it’s just not as funny. That’s because there seem to be a lot more men today with less muscle mass and more body fat — in other words, the old “dad bod.”

But, why is that? What’s behind that middle age spread for men?

The answer? Low T…

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What is Low T?

You’ve probably already heard of it…

Low T is the common term for a man who’s suffering from low testosterone levels.

You see, testosterone is the male sex hormone responsible for regulating sex drive (libido), bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm.

And, when their levels are too low, men can experience everything from fatigue, irritability and depression to erectile dysfunction and low sex drive… And, you guessed it the loss of muscle and weight gain that are behind the “dad bod.”

Even worse, once that body fat settles around a man’s belly, it creates a vicious cycle since belly fat itself is a testosterone-buster.

That’s because body fat contains aromatase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogens, the main sex hormones in women. Having extra estrogens floating around a man’s body triggers it to slow its production of testosterone. And the less testosterone they make, the more belly fat they accumulate.

It’s a vicious circle.

But, there is hope…

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Testosterone boosters

There are things that can be done to boost testosterone levels.

These include:

• Lift Weights – Vigorous resistance exercise triggers a big burst of testosterone. Stick to heavy weight lifting that targets multiple muscle groups.
• Sleep – A study at the University of Chicago study found that averaging 5 hours of shut-eye decreased men’s T levels by up to 15 percent, proving the importance of getting enough rest to a healthy testosterone level.
• Eat Protein – The amino acids found in protein are vital to synthesizing testosterone. Aim for 1 gram of protein daily per pound of body weight.
• Don’t Skip the Fats – Although you may be tempted to go for an egg-white omelet to lose weight, the saturated fats found in egg yolks and red meat contain cholesterol, a crucial precursor to testosterone production. Make sure that approximately five to 10 percent of your daily calories are from saturated fats.
• Avoid Estrogen Dominance – The chemicals floating around in our air, food, water, homes and cars are called Xenoestrogens and they can lead to a condition called estrogen dominance. To combat that, you need more Di-Indole Methane (DIM) in your diet, naturally found in cruciferous vegetable. DIM latches onto the “fake estrogens” in your body, neutralizes them and carries them safely out of your body — supporting a testosterone/estrogen balance.

The post The vicious cycle that makes a ‘dad bod’ appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

This is known as andropause, and can often lead to very low testosterone levels — and symptoms such as reduced muscle strength, low sex drive, lack of energy, decreased motivation, decreased self-confidence, and more.

Let’s look at the hormones involved in pronounced andropause, and the use of other hormones (in addition to testosterone) to treat this condition.

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What is testicular hypofunction?

When a man’s testosterone (T) levels decline with age, or if a younger man’s testosterone levels are found to be low, it is called testicular hypofunction. For several reasons relating to genetics and our environment, this condition is becoming more prevalent in recent decades.

It doesn’t feel good to experience any of these symptoms of testicular hypofunction:

• low sex drive; difficulties getting erections; weak or short-lasting erections
• loss of strength or muscle mass; increased body fat; hot flashes
• decreased motivation; decreased self-confidence; lack of energy
• reduced body hair; breast/body fat enlargement; reduced muscle mass
• nervousness; irritability and mood swings; depression; difficulty remembering things

The treatment for this has been only testosterone replacement until recent years.

In 2017 researchers conducted a literature search on PubMed.com for medical alternatives to testosterone replacement therapy for testicular hypofunction; they also searched for studies that addressed the effects of an optimal diet, exercise, and stress reduction on testicular hypofunction. They concluded that “These alternatives to testosterone therapy can increase testosterone levels and should be considered before [giving] testosterone therapy.”

Other researchers found that the main reason for testicular hypofunction is not a lack of testosterone hormone per se, but rather, decreased stimulatory hormones in the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary) called gonadotropins. Testicular hypofunction is caused by insufficient stimulation by the hypothalamic-pituitary hormones in approximately 85% of cases, according to the European Male Aging Study (EMAS).

Added to this, the cells responsible for making testosterone in the male testicles (Leydig cells) become fewer in number and less responsive to these brain stimulatory hormones as men age.

Therefore, while testosterone supplementation (via shots, creams, or gels) has been the mainstream treatment for this, often this treatment alone is not effective for reversing symptoms or creates undesired side effects such as impaired fertility.

Related: Are the benefits of testosterone replacement for you?

Moreover, testosterone therapy has other risks and complications.  For example, there is the potential of abuse, unintended testosterone transfer to a female partner, polycythemia (too many red blood cells), pituitary suppression, too much estrogen production, and the pain of ongoing intramuscular injections or testosterone pellet insertions.

In fact, the only FDA approved treatment for testicular hypofunction has been testosterone replacement therapy (exogenous testosterone), and not the restoration of endogenous testosterone production using other hormones. Let me share about these other hormones that do this. Although these are not yet FDA approved, they are legal to be prescribed by a treating physician.

Additional hormones to treat testicular hypofunction

Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid): By blocking the estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus and the pituitary, this increases the stimulatory hormones gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) which significantly increase testosterone production by the testes. This was shown by a study of older male subjects who took 50 mg Clomiphene Citrate twice daily. In another study, subjects took 100 mg Clomiphene Citrate daily normalized testosterone levels and increased in libido, sexual potency, and even a general sense of well-being for 12 months on therapy, and for an additional 5 months after discontinuation of therapy.  Although Clomiphene Citrate consistently increases testosterone and but also estrogen, you can take Arimidex to block the conversion of testosterone to estrogen (see Anastrozole below).

Anastrozole (Arimidex): This blocks the conversion of testosterone to estradiol in men. Therefore, it increases testosterone levels by as much as 144% while lowering serum estradiol levels. Dosing can be from ½ mg every other day to 1 mg daily.

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin): this hormone mimics LH, one of the stimulatory hormones that make testes produce testosterone. Therefore, it is known to increase intra-testicular testosterone production. An early study of twice-weekly HCG injections of 5000 IU caused lean body mass to improve, testosterone (145%) and estradiol (157%) levels to increase, but gonadal stimulatory hormones and testicular volumes decreased significantly. Also, HCG injections last approximately 2-3 days in your body. The dose now used most predominately by hormone physicians is 250 IU every day or 500 IU twice weekly, along with testosterone replacement therapy. Unfortunately, the effects of significantly boosting testosterone levels are seen in only about half of men.

The effectiveness of HCG and safety of these three hormones used to treat testicular hypofunction in younger and also in aging men has not been clearly established; is off-label use; and is used by, but not universally accepted by, hormone replacement doctors.

To feeling good as we age,

Michael Cutler, M.D.

The post Testicular hypofunction: A newer look at causes and treatment appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

One problem (and there are several) with this scenario is that while testosterone replacement therapy may raise your T levels, there is absolutely no guarantee it will help address any of the other issues typically associated with low testosterone.

In fact, a report in Human Reproduction noted that “recent evidence has demonstrated that testosterone drugs do not substantially ameliorate these symptoms and…that their long-term use may be associated with severe adverse effects.”

It’s worth mentioning up front that testosterone replacement therapy is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for certain medical conditions only, including hypogonadism. In the vast majority of cases, however, men who are using testosterone supplementation are doing so off-label.

Another issue is that men tend to believe testosterone supplementation is safe because it is natural. However, the only truly natural way to boost T levels is through lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. In addition, there are two types of testosterone replacement — synthetic and bioidentical. The latter form of T supplementation is considered to be safer than the synthetic approach, but side effects are still possible.

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Promises of testosterone replacement therapy

Let’s take a closer look at the promises associated with testosterone replacement therapy. First, can it boost your T levels? Research indicates that it can, but so can placebo, and without the risk of side effects. For example, in a clinical study of 274 men who had low testosterone, half took a testosterone replacement product (AndroGel 1.62%) daily for 16 weeks while the other half took a placebo. By the end of the study, testosterone levels had returned to “normal” in 82 percent of those who took the supplement, but it also reached healthy levels in 37 percent of men who took the placebo.

Testosterone replacement therapy and sexual function

Use of testosterone replacement therapy may increase your sexual function but only if you truly have abnormally low T and your sex drive is low as well…

In a German study, the authors noted that men with hypogonadism who took supplemental testosterone experienced a mild positive effect on sexual functioning from taking the hormone. However, in men with normal T levels, supplementation does not appear to have much of an impact on sexual function.

For example, a review appearing in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society article reported that based on their findings, “testosterone supplementation cannot be recommended at this time for older men with normal or low-normal testosterone levels and no clinical manifestations of hypogonadism.”

One reason for this response may be that when the body is given testosterone, it transforms some of it to estrogen, and higher levels of this hormone may cause a reduction in sex drive, which is opposite of the desired result.

Testosterone replacement therapy, addiction and infertility

Once you start taking testosterone supplements, it is possible you will need to continue taking them for the rest of your life. That’s because use of supplemental T causes your testicles to shrink and your natural production of the hormone to cease — sometimes temporarily or sometimes permanently, depending on how long you have been taking the hormone.

Essentially, choosing to take testosterone replacement may result in your making a deal with the devil — and having to shell out hundreds of dollars every month for the rest of your life. If you choose to boost your T levels naturally with lifestyle changes, however, you can avoid these challenges.

Another negative concerning testosterone replacement is a decline in sperm production, which in turn decreases fertility. For many older men, this is not an issue. However, if fatherhood is on your wish list, then you need to reconsider your use of T replacement.

Testosterone replacement, mood and cognition

Studies of the impact of testosterone replacement on mood have yielded mixed results…

However, in a new review from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the authors concluded that “Overall, available data are not suggestive of a clear benefit of testosterone supplementation in multiple domains of cognition and in mood.” A 2008 review also noted that most research does “not support testosterone as a broadly effective antidepressant,” and that there is “little support for a pervasive influence of testosterone on mood.”

Testosterone replacement therapy and muscle strength

It’s a common belief that testosterone supplementation increases muscle mass, but some of the research findings are inconclusive…

A review in 2003, for example, reported that a link between testosterone and strength was not conclusive. Even if testosterone does allow men to add a few extra pounds of muscle bulk, strength is acquired through training, not solely the presence of bulk.

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Testosterone replacement and other issues

Although evidence indicates that testosterone therapy doesn’t cause prostate cancer, there is some research showing it may speed up the growth of an existing prostate cancer or make it worse.

Another issue to consider regarding testosterone replacement is that you need to keep it away from women and children because their contact with it can result in unwanted hair growth.

Let’s not forget the side effects associated with the use of T replacement. In addition to the challenges already noted, the side effect list includes development of acne, sleep apnea, heart failure, hair loss, liver problems, breast growth, increased risk of heart disease, worsening of urinary tract symptoms, and blood clots. Approximately 40 percent of men who take testosterone replacement develop polycythemia, a condition in which the blood cell count rises and thickens the blood. This in turn can raise your risk of stroke, blood clots, and heart attack.

On a final note, testosterone replacement therapy has not been studied long-term, so there is still much we don’t know about the eventual development of side effects.

Basically, at least for the time being, use of supplemental testosterone can be beneficial for men who have been diagnosed with clinical hypogonadism (low T levels and symptoms), but for other men it’s a huge mistake, especially since some doctors are prescribing it without even testing a man’s T levels and based solely on hearing about vague symptoms, such as low sex drive or low energy.

The post Testosterone replacement therapy: What it will and won’t do appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

The word “normal” is one of them.

With that in mind, one of the most often asked questions in the field of men’s health is “what are normal testosterone levels in men?”

Both the media and health professionals are capitalizing on this question by talking about “low T” and urging men to turn to hormone replacement therapy to boost their testosterone levels.

But before men should even consider taking steps to raise their testosterone levels (which can be done in a number of natural ways), we return to the basic question: what are normal testosterone levels in men? Here is the not-so-simple answer.

What are the forms of testosterone?

First of all, there is more than one form of testosterone:

• One is bonded with sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which is the most common type and makes up about 65 percent of total testosterone. The testosterone attached to SHBG typically cannot be separated from the hormone, so this T is not considered to be bioavailable. Testosterone that is bioavailable is the form that is used by the body.
• One is bonded to the protein albumin, making up about 35 percent of your total testosterone. This testosterone is considered to be potentially bioavailable because it can be “coaxed” away from the protein.
• One is free, which means it is not attached to any protein. Free testosterone makes up about 2 percent of total T and is the form that is completely bioavailable to be used by the body. Free testosterone travels throughout the bloodstream and can bind to receptors in the muscles, brain, and other organs.

Getting your testosterone levels checked

After you undergo the simple blood test that measures your testosterone levels, your doctor will give you the results represented by three different numbers:

• Total testosterone. This represents the total amount of testosterone that is circulating throughout your body, so it includes both types of bonded T plus free T
• Bioavailable T, which consists of testosterone attached to albumin plus free T
• Free T

Now comes the complicated part. The definition of “normal” testosterone varies, depending on the expert and the testing lab used. The good news is that there are general guidelines for “normal” testosterone. Here are the generally accepted normal ranges of total, free, and bioavailable T, given in nanograms of testosterone per deciliter (ng/dL) for different age groups:

Total T:

• 240 to 950 ng/dL for men age 19 years and older

Free T:

• 5.05 to 19.8 ng/dL for men 25 to 29
• 4.86 to 19.0 ng/dL for ages 30 to 34
• 4.65 to 18.1 ng/dL for ages 35 to 39
• 4.46 to 17.1 ng/dL for ages 40 to 44
• 4.28 to 16.4 ng/dL for ages 45 to 49
• 4.06 to 15.6 ng/dL for ages 50 to 54
• 3.87 to 14.7 ng/dL for ages 55 to 59
• 3.67 to 13.0 ng/dL for ages 60 to 64
• 3.47 to 13.0 ng/dL for ages 65 to 69
• 3.28 to 12.2 ng/dL for ages 70 to 74

Bioavailable T:

• 83 to 257 ng/dL for men 20 to 29
• 72 to 235 ng/dL for men 30 to 39
• 61 to 213 ng/dL for men 40 to 49
• 50 to 190 ng/dL for men 50 to 59
• 40 to 168 ng/dL for men 60 to 69

No ranges have been determined for men age 70 and older. Clinically low total testosterone levels are recognized as less than 220 to 300 ng/dL.

Bottom line on normal testosterone levels in men

Here is the bottom line when it comes to answering the question, what are normal testosterone levels in men.

• The range of “normal” is wide, which accommodates the fact that every man’s needs are different.
• While a man’s total testosterone level can be within the normal range, free T levels can be low, which can result in symptoms of low T.
• The testosterone level men should be most interested is in the bioavailable number. If men can boost their bioavailable testosterone level, they should expect an increase in energy, sex drive, and muscle strength as well as better mood and well-being.

The post Testosterone levels: What’s normal? appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

These natural testosterone boosters can be incorporated into your lifestyle and provide you with additional health benefits overall, ranging from better heart health to more vitality, improved mood, sharper cognition and more self-esteem. Best of all, these are fundamental lifestyle changes you need to make before turning to drugs or other expensive options. So what are they?

1. Exercise and weight loss

Whenever people talk about weight loss, the two factors that get the most attention are diet and exercise. When we talk about boosting testosterone levels, the exercise and weight loss combination gets high billing as well, and here’s why.

Research into the relationship between obesity and low testosterone has found that:

• Obesity is a major cause of low testosterone
• Males of all ages can be affected by low testosterone associated with obesity
• Men can reverse testosterone declines by losing excess weight

A 2016 Australian study reported that obese men who lost weight on either a high-carb or high-protein calorie restricted diet experienced a significant rise in testosterone. Yet one more study noted that among pre-diabetic men older than 40 who lost weight, the incidence of low T declined by 50 percent. 

You may need to work with a healthcare professional or trainer to develop an exercise routine for weight loss. Certain exercises can boost testosterone while other forms of exercise can actually decrease your energy and T levels. Focus on short, intense, interval (HIIT) and weight training which has been shown in the studies to boost T levels in men.

For example, a new study in the European Journal of Applied Physiology reported that levels of testosterone rose immediately as well as 30 minutes after athletes engaged in HIIT. Another research effort showed that men who participated in HIIT showed a significant increase in testosterone and an improvement in their testosterone-to-cortisol ratio when they completed the exercise. An Italian study found that adding resistance exercise to HIIT also resulted in an increase in testosterone.

2. Sunshine and vitamin D

Vitamin D is often called the sunshine vitamin because the body begins making the nutrient when the sun’s ultraviolet B rays make contact with the skin. At that point, a cholesterol in the skin called 7-dehydrocholesterol absorbs the rays and transforms the cholesterol into the pre-vitamin form of vitamin D3, called cholecalciferol. The cholecalciferol travels to the liver, where it is converted into hydroxyvitamin D, also known as 25-hydroxyvitamin D or 25(OH)D. That’s when the kidneys take over and convert 25(OH)D into dihydroxyvitamin D, aka 25(OH)2D, a form of vitamin D the body can utilize.

Most people have low or deficient levels of vitamin D because they don’t get enough healthy exposure to the sun and/or they are not ingesting enough vitamin D from food and vitamin D supplements. One consequence of insufficient vitamin D intake is low testosterone.

A recent study has shown a significant increase in total, bioactive, and free testosterone levels among healthy men who were taking vitamin D supplements (3,332 IU daily for one year) when compared with no increase among men not taking the supplement.

How much vitamin D should you take? First, have your vitamin D levels checked with a simple blood test. Depending on the extent of any deficiency, your doctor may make a specific recommendation, although many men can manage a deficiency with about 5,000 IU daily. Your healthcare provider will guide you on the right dosage for you.

3. Get more sleep

The link between sleep and testosterone levels is often overlooked, yet it is an essential relationship to recognize. Getting adequate sleep on a regular basis is critical for the natural production of testosterone. A study appearing in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that among healthy men, those who slept less than five hours per night for one week had lower levels of testosterone (by 10 to 15%) than when they got sufficient sleep.

The authors of the study point out that low testosterone is also associated with fatigue, decreased strength, low energy, and poor concentration, so low T isn’t the only health consequence of skipping out on enough sleep.

Testosterone does decline slightly as you age but the studies have shown that testosterone decline is not a direct consequence of aging. Lifestyle and other factors play a huge part in declining testosterone levels, and many of these are within your control.

The post 3 ways you can increase your testosterone appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Take the following quiz to see if you have any of the symptoms…

In the last three to seven years:

1. Has a physician diagnosed you with low testosterone?
2. Has your sex drive dropped?
3. Have your erections decreased in frequency and quality?
4. Have you lost noticeable amounts of strength or muscle mass?
5. Have you gained more than ten pounds?
6. Have you had difficulty maintaining a stable weight?
7. Has your energy dropped?
8. Have you found it necessary to shave less often?
9. Do you feel less engaged, committed, and excited by your career, family or hobbies?
10. If you are trying to conceive, have you and your partner had a difficult time becoming pregnant, or have you been diagnosed with a low sperm count?
11. Do you feel less sharp and focused?
12. Has your mood gotten worse?
13. Have you contracted diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure or high cholesterol?
14. Do you routinely sleep less than seven hours a night?
15. Do you often feel stressed, anxious and overwhelmed?
16. Do you avoid exercise?
17. Do you consume soy products (tofu, soymilk, protein powders containing soy) more than once a week?
18. Do you drink out of plastic bottles containing BPA?
19. Do you consume foods containing environmental toxins such as inorganic meats?
20. Do you use self-care products that contain environmental toxins? (Look for unpronounceable chemical names, particularly in shampoo.)
21. Do you avoid social situations, particularly those involving meeting new people?
22. Do you eat a low-carb or low-fat diet?

Any “yes” answers to questions 1–13 indicate that your testosterone levels may be dropping or have dropped

Any “yes” answers to questions 14–22 suggest that you may be in danger of causing your T levels to decline.

Don’t panic

There are things you can do to boost your testosterone and start feeling like yourself again. For starters…

Cold Therapy: Currently there’s no hardcore science to back the practice of cold therapy for boosting testosterone production or low T treatment. But I believe in it enough that I spend my days on the verge of being cold some way or another. Here’s why: In a three-year study of 6,455 men, researchers found that sperm volume, quality, and motility were significantly higher during the winter months. Because the same hormones involved in sperm production also affect testosterone, it seems that cold may help boost testosterone manufacturing as well. Consider an ice bath.

Take selected supplements: You may be familiar with commercials and ads for supplements that claim to raise testosterone levels. Unfortunately, many of those promises are not true. However, there are certain natural supplements that have been shown to help boost testosterone levels, including beta-sitosterol, branched-chain amino acids, fenugreek, green tea extract, magnesium, and vitamin D, and zinc.

Have sex often: Frequent participation in sexual activity can raise your testosterone levels. An investigative team evaluated the saliva samples of a group of men and found those who participated in sex recently showed a 72 percent increase in testosterone levels.

Read more tips and information about how to boost low testosterone naturally in my book: “Your New Prime: 30 Days to Better Sex, Eternal Strength, and a Kick Ass Life After 40”.

The post Is low T your problem? Take the quiz appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Often when we, meaning doctors, talk about testosterone you only hear about it from the point of view of how it benefits male health.

Today, I need to address that, but I hope the women in my audience will be patient with me because I plan to talk about how it affects you in my next post.

But keep this in mind: men are the worst about taking care of their own health. So this information may be helpful to a special man in your life that may be experiencing problems with his testosterone levels.

How can I raise my testosterone level?

This is what a male patient asked me recently. But before I could answer, I had to ask him a question:

“What symptoms of low testosterone do you have?” I asked because I wanted to know his real reason for wanting to raise his T level.

He listed just a few of the following symptoms of low testosterone:

• Decreased sex drive or interest in sex, erectile dysfunction, infertility
• Sex refractory period (time it takes to have sex again) delays
• Increased body fat, gynecomastia (enlarging breasts)
• Reduced muscle mass and strength
• Fatigue, overall lack of energy
• Difficulty with concentration and memory; brain fog
• Loss of motivation at work and in life, mild depressed mood
• Irritability (increased anger, agitation, or loss of patience)
• Insomnia
• Decreased body hair

Some of these symptoms are shared by both sexes, including:

• Decreased interest in sex
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue, exhaustion
• Difficulty losing weight
• Mood swings, low mood
• Anxiety
• Hair loss

What are my options?

My first thought was to just prescribe testosterone replacement to my patient. Why not?

Because testosterone supplementation always drops a man’s sperm count, interfering in his fertility. It can also increase estrogen causing secondary low testosterone and making him feel worse. Moreover, there can be unwanted side effects in men and women who supplement with just testosterone to raise testosterone levels:

• Acne
• Disturbed breathing while sleeping
• Breast swelling or tenderness
• Swelling in the ankles
• High red blood cell counts (aka polycythemia) which increases clotting risk

For these reasons my second thought went to ways to naturally increase testosterone.

More people are a little adverse to these suggestions because they are mostly old-fashioned lifestyle changes — probably not what someone wants to hear when they are under the impression that a quick-fix pill will do the trick.

The lifestyle changes that can naturally increase testosterone levels are:

• Eliminating refined sugar from your diet and if needed, lose weight. This means eating more nutrient-rich foods
• High-intensity exercise and strength training
• Taking vitamin D to maximize your level (and then have it tested by your doctor)
• Taking Zinc 25 mg daily
• Reducing stress
• Consuming plenty of healthy fats (not only from avocados and nuts, but also saturated fats at 50-60 percent of your diet. Examples are olive oil, coconut oil, grass-fed meats, real butter).
• Taking a protein powder supplement daily; from whey, rice, or pea protein.

Another option I could offer him is “testosterone booster” supplements. But before I could do that, I had to do my homework and find out if they actually work? They will tell you these products contain natural ingredients that “should” help trigger your body to naturally increase testosterone production.

That is somewhat encouraging, but I wanted to see some scientific proof to support what they were saying… So, I searched pubmed.com to learn more.

I discovered that D-Aspartic Acid (2000 mg), an amino acid, is touted as the most important ingredient to naturally increase testosterone. We know that animal testis contains high levels of D-aspartate and that D-Aspartate indirectly stimulates sperm development through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.

We also know that it up-regulates testosterone production in Leydig (in testis) cells as shown in test tube studies.

But unfortunately, no clinical trials have been reported to show that D-Aspartate can naturally increase testosterone levels in humans.

Note the difference between what is reported online about these ingredients by those whose aim is to sell you a product, and the much more legitimate reports in the scientific literature on the effectiveness of an ingredient.

For example…NMDA (N-Methyl-D-Aspartic Acid) is marketed as “The Most Potent NMDA Testosterone Product on the Market!” But in a study of NMDA reported on pubmed.com, the authors concluded that, “The supplementation of NMDA had no preferential effect on augmenting testosterone or decreasing estrogen, cortisol, and prolactin… when compared to placebo.”

In other words, taking the supplement didn’t appear to help any more than taking a placebo, which you know is typically a harmless pill that won’t provide benefits other than psychological ones.

There are other supplements reported to naturally increase testosterone, with varying levels of scientific research to support their use. You may find these products in a “proprietary blend,” in which the dosages are not revealed. You can find more detail on some of them listed below in a previous post I wrote on erectile dysfunction, or you can read more online about the testosterone-boosting value of each of these:

• Vitamin K
• Mucuna Pruriens
• Stinging Nettle Root
• Coleus Forskohlii
• Fenugreek
• Oyster Extract
• Siberian Ginseng
• Tribulus Terrestis
• Luteolin
• L-citrulline
• horny goat weed
• Korean ginseng
• Catuaba bark
• Cnidiu
• Damiana
• Dodder seed
• Ginkgo biloba
• Muira Puama
• Passion Flower
• Suma
• Rehmannia
• Shilajit
• Tongkat Ali
• Tribulus Terrestris

Clomid (clomiphene citrate) and Androxal (enclomiphene citrate)

You may have heard of this for enhancing ovulation in women seeking to become pregnant. But for men with a low testosterone level, it has some real advantages over testosterone supplementation, or along with testosterone.

Let me explain why…

First off, for men who need a testosterone boost and who want to preserve fertility, Clomid boosts natural testosterone levels and also preserves sperm production.

Second and more importantly, for the many men who are past their child-raising years who need more testosterone, Clomid blocks the rise of estrogen that often occurs when taking testosterone. Testosterone is naturally converted into estrogen, which then secondarily turns off the natural hormones (FSH, LH) that stimulate testosterone production. This is called secondary hypogonadism, one of the most common causes of low testosterone in men, along with obesity which stimulates excess estrogen in men. Clomid is the answer to this problem. Clomid is relatively inexpensive and can be taken at 25 mg daily.

A similar molecule to Clomid, enclomiphene (Androxal), is also an oral therapy that treats the cause of secondary hypogonadism (which is inadequate pituitary hormones) and preserves reproductive status, plus improves overall metabolic blood test profiles.

Now you have more options if you are seeking to naturally increase testosterone levels. In my next article, I will discuss safe and effective ways for women to boost testosterone and get the best combination of overall hormone balance.

To feeling good often,

Michael Cutler, M.D.

Sources:

1. http://thesupplementreviews.org/testosterone-boosters/

2. http://thesupplementreviews.org/testosterone-boosters/testotek-review/

3. Tomita K, Tanaka H, Kageyama S, Nagasawa M, Wada A, Murai R, Kobayashi K, Hanada E, Agata Y, Kawauchi A. The Effect of D-Aspartate on Spermatogenesis in Mouse Testis. Biol Reprod. 2016 Feb;94(2):30. PubMed PMID: 26658710. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26658710

4. Santillo A, Falvo S, Chieffi P, Di Fiore MM, Senese R, Chieffi Baccari G. D-Aspartate Induces Proliferative Pathways in Spermatogonial GC-1 Cells. J Cell Physiol. 2016 Feb;231(2):490-5. PubMed PMID: 26189884.

5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26189884

6. https://www.apsnutrition.com/products/nmda-100

7. Willoughby DS, Spillane M, Schwarz N. Heavy Resistance Training and Supplementation With the Alleged Testosterone Booster Nmda has No Effect on Body Composition, Muscle Performance, and Serum Hormones Associated With the Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis in Resistance-Trained Males. J Sports Sci Med.

8. 2014 Jan 20;13(1):192-9. PubMed PMID: 24570624. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24570624

9. Katz DJ, Nabulsi O, Tal R, Mulhall JP. Outcomes of clomiphene citrate treatment in young hypogonadal men. BJU Int. 2012 Aug;110(4):573-8. PubMed PMID: 22044663. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22044663

10. Liel Y. Clomiphene citrate in the treatment of idiopathic or functional hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in men. A case series and review of the literature. Endocr Pract. 2016 Nov 16. Pubmed PMID: 27849376. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27849376

11. Kaminetsky J, Werner M, Fontenot G, Wiehle RD. Oral enclomiphene citrate stimulates the endogenous production of testosterone and sperm counts in men with low testosterone: comparison with testosterone gel. J Sex Med. 2013 Jun;10(6):1628-35. PubMed PMID: 23530575. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23530575

The post Can you trust the claims testosterone supplements make? appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Every one of the 10 natural testosterone treatments discussed here have been shown scientifically to work. The secret is to put all of these tips into play if you really want results.

That may not be as hard as it sounds, because you may be following some of these tips already. If you’re not, then it’s time to kick these 10 natural testosterone treatments that work into gear.

1. Adopt fast, quick cardio. Studies show that the best exercise to raise testosterone levels is fast, brief cardiovascular activities, and especially HIIT (high-intensity interval training). HIIT requires a mere 20 minutes per day and works roughly like this: (1) choose an aerobic activity, such as running, jumping rope, or cycling; (2) work full-out for 30 seconds; (3) work at a moderate pace for 90 seconds; (4) repeat #2 and #3 seven more times; (5) you are done.

In a group of young athletes who engaged in HIIT, researchers observed that testosterone levels rose immediately as well as 30 minutes after exercise. Another study noted that adding resistance exercise to HIIT increased both testosterone and cortisol.

2. Banish your belly fat. Abdominal fat is where the male hormones testosterone and androstenedione are transformed into estradiol. The more belly fat you have, the more your T levels will decline. Once you banish your belly fat, your testosterone levels can begin to rise again.

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In one study, obese men who lost weight while on a calorie-restricted diet showed an increase in T levels. Another study noted that obese men who lost 17 pounds experienced a 15 percent rise in their T levels.

3. Take selected supplements. You may be familiar with commercials and ads for supplements that claim to raise testosterone levels. Unfortunately, many of those promises are not true. However, there are certain natural supplements that have been shown to help boost T levels, including beta-sitosterol, branched-chain amino acids, fenugreek, green tea extract, magnesium, and vitamin D, and zinc.

For example, a new Australian study explored the impact of a fenugreek extract supplement on 120 healthy men aged 43 to 70. After taking the supplement for 12 weeks (600 mg daily), there was a significant rise in both free and total testosterone levels, as well as sexual function, when compared with placebo.

4. Tame stress. Chronic, unmanaged stress is accompanied by high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that depletes the body of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). DHEA is necessary for producing testosterone, so the formula is high cortisol = low DHEA = low T.

In a study of men age 30 to 55, investigators evaluated the impact of psychological stress on serum levels of testosterone. They found that men who had high psychological stress had significantly lower T levels when compared with their low-stress peers.

You can tame your stress as well as high cortisol if you engage in stress reducing activities on a regular basis. Try meditation, progressive relaxation, visualization, exercise, dance, yoga, or tai chi, for example.

5. Zone in on Zzzzzs. If you want to replenish your testosterone levels, be sure to get seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Research has shown that insufficient sleep results in a drop in testosterone levels. A University of Chicago Medical Center study, for example, reported that young men who got a mere five hours of sleep per night saw a 10 to 15 percent decline in their T levels. A downward slide in testosterone levels is more likely to occur as you get older.

If you suffer with insomnia or are having difficulty getting enough sleep, evaluate your sleeping environment, lifestyle habits, and use of medications. Identify the factors that are preventing you from enjoying a full night’s sleep and make adjustments and habits.

6. Eat clean foods. Your food and beverage choices have a significant impact on your overall health as well as your testosterone levels. This is especially true when choosing animal products, including meat, poultry, fish, and dairy, as they typically harbor contaminants such as steroids, hormones, dioxins, antibiotics, and pesticides. Therefore, if you do eat these foods, choose organically produced items only.

Sugar is another food that can effect T levels. A Massachusetts General Hospital study reported that eating sugar can cause a 25 percent drop in both total and free testosterone levels. Avoid processed foods and read labels carefully when making your purchases.

7. Cash in on cruciferous veggies. You’ve probably heard it before, but here it is again: cruciferous vegetables are among the healthiest food choices you can make. If you didn’t know they can help enhance testosterone levels, then here’s how it’s done.

Broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, and other cruciferous veggies contain indole-3-carbinol, a precursor to diindolylmethane (DIM). The combination of these two phytonutrients works to control estradiol levels, a hormone that can cause a decline in testosterone levels. In essence, DIM helps raise levels of free testosterone. So eat your broccoli and Brussel sprouts often.

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8. Have sex often. Frequent participation in sexual activity can raise your testosterone levels. An investigative team evaluated the saliva samples of a group of men and found those who participated in sex recently showed a 72 percent increase in testosterone levels.

While partnered sexual activity is associated with a greater increase in testosterone, sexual activity in general can result in a rise in T levels. Always practice safe sex and keep the lines of communication open with your sexual partner so you can keep the home fires burning.

9. X out xenoestrogens. Your daily surroundings are a haven for xenoestrogens, compounds that can disrupt your endocrine system; that is, your testosterone and other hormone levels. Among the most common xenoestrogens you can encounter are bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates, both of which are found in a wide range of plastics, personal health products, foods, building materials, and more.

The authors of a recent (April 2016) report explained that “phthalates are… linked with reduced levels of serum testosterone.” This study was followed by one from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry in Atlanta, Georgia, which noted that exposure to BPA and another common xenoestrogen, benzophenone-3, has been shown to significantly lower total testosterone in young males.

10. Humans are social animals, yet sometimes men tend to be lone wolves, retreating into a pattern of loneliness. Various research has noted an intimate relationship between loneliness and higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. A Northwestern University study, for example, found that young adults who felt lonely during the day woke up with an increased cortisol response the next morning and that experiences of loneliness during the day were associated with rises in cortisol among those who also had high chronic stress.

Socializing often with family and close friends and sharing your innermost feelings, thoughts, and concerns can help reduce stress and thus cortisol levels. In turn, you can better maintain a healthy testosterone level when cortisol is reduced. Socializing also enhances levels of oxytocin, a hormone associated with empathy and feelings of comfort and belonging.

Sources:

1. Caronia LM et al. Abrupt decrease in serum testosterone levels after an oral glucose load in men: implications for screening for hypogonadism. Clinical Endocrinology (Oxford) 2013 Feb; 78(2): 291-96

2. Di Blasio A et al. Acute and delayed effects of high intensity interval resistance training organization on cortisol and testosterone production. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 2016 Mar; 56(3): 192-99

3. Doane LD, Adam EK. Loneliness and cortisol: momentary, day-to-day, and trait associations. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2010 Apr; 35(3): 430-41

4. Escasa MJ et al. Salivary testosterone levels in men at a US sex club. Archives of Sexual Behavior 2011; 40:921

5. Ft. Wayne Physical Medicine. The benefits of DIM.

6. Francis KT. The relationship between high and low trait psychological stress, serum testosterone, and serum cortisol. Experientia 1981 Dec 15; 37(12): 1296-97

7. Kilian Y et al. Markers of biological stress in response to a single session of high-intensity interval training and high-volume training in young athletes. European Journal of Applied Physiology 2016 Sep 10

8. Leproult R, van Cauter E. Effect of 1 week of sleep restriction on testosterone levels in young healthy men. JAMA 2011; 305(21): 2173

9. Lopez DS et al. Association of urinary phthalate metabolites with erectile dysfunction in racial and ethnic groups in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2004. American Journal of Men’s Health 2016 Apr 1

10. Moran LJ et al. Long-term effects of a randomized controlled trial comparing high protein or high carbohydrate weight loss diets on testosterone, SHBG erectile and urinary function in overweight and obese men. PLoS One 2016 Sep 1; 11(9): e0161297

11. Rao A et al. Testofen, a specialized Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract reduces age-related symptoms of androgen decrease, increases testosterone levels and improves sexual function in healthy aging males in a double-blind randomized clinical study. Aging Male 2016 Jun; 19(2): 134-42

12. Scinicariello F, Buser MC. Serum testosterone concentration and urinary bisphenol A, benzophenone-3, triclosan and paraben levels in male and female children and adolescents: NHANES 2011-2012. Environmental Health Perspectives 2016 Jul 6

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Do you need to adopt every one of these tips? Ideally, yes, if you want results. Each of the ten recommendations are doable and will not only help raise testosterone but also your overall health and quality of life. You may choose to get a buddy and the two of you work on them at the same time, keeping each other honest. Hopefully you can enlist help and encouragement — even participation — from your family or other loved ones.

Here are 10 natural testosterone treatments that work with an explanation as to why they are effective…

1. Lose the belly fat.Belly fat is where testosterone and another male hormone, androstenedione, get converted into the female hormone estradiol. The formula is simple: the more belly fat you have, the more testosterone get transformed to estradiol and the more your T levels drop. At the same time, the higher your estradiol levels rise, the more likely you are to accumulate excess fat around the middle and elsewhere. When you lose the belly fat, you can begin to enjoy higher T levels.

One study found that obese men who lost seventeen pounds showed a 15 percent increase in their testosterone levels. A 2016 Australian study also reported that obese men who lost weight on either a high-carb or high-protein calorie restricted diet experienced a rise in testosterone. Yet one more study noted that among prediabetic men older than 40 who lost weight, the incidence of low T declined by 50 percent.

2. Reduce and manage stress.While a healthy amount of stress keeps your mind sharp and engaged and you feel a sense of purpose, vitality, and adventure, chronic stress can do the opposite—and also reduce your testosterone levels. That’s because prolonged, unmanaged stress is accompanied by high amounts of the stress hormone, cortisol, which in turn depletes the body of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA is an essential ingredient for producing testosterone. Therefore, the higher your cortisol levels, the lower your T. Try meditation, yoga, or tai chi to help reduce your stress and anxiety levels.
3. Exercise right: with fast, brief cardio.If you don’t have an hour or more per day to run on a treadmill, bike 20 miles, swim laps, or jog around the neighborhood, that’s okay. The best exercise for raising T levels is fast, brief cardio, which includes high-intensity interval training, or HIIT. Briefly, HIIT involves working full-out for 30 seconds, going at a moderate pace for 90 seconds, then repeating the sequence 7 more times. The entire exercise session takes about 20 minutes. You can use any cardio activity you want for HIIT; for example, rowing, running, cycling, jumping rope, treadmill or an elliptical machine.

A new study in the European Journal of Applied Physiology reported that levels of testosterone rose immediately as well as 30 minutes after young athletes engaged in HIIT. Another research effort showed that men who participated in HIIT showed a significant increase in testosterone and an improvement in their testosterone-to-cortisol ration when they completed exercise. An Italian study found that adding resistance exercise to HIIT also resulted in an increase in testosterone with a corresponding rise in cortisol.

4. Choose supplements wisely.Late-night TV commercials, banner spots on the internet, and magazines are popular territories for ads hawking products that promise to increase your testosterone levels and erase all the symptoms associated with low T. However, there are only a few supplements for testosterone that have been adequately studied scientifically and in clinical trials to support these claims.

When choosing these supplements, be sure to buy from a reputable manufacturer and one that can verify the purity and potency of their products. Supplements with evidence of T-boosting abilities include beta-sitosterol, branched-chain amino acids, fenugreek, green tea extract, magnesium, vitamin D, and zinc.

5. Get adequate sleep. Seven to eight hours of sleep per night are needed to replenish your testosterone levels. Any less and your T numbers can drop. For example, a University of Chicago Medical Center study found that young men (average age, 24) who slept just five hours per night experienced a 10 to 15 percent decline in their testosterone levels. The older you are, the more likely you are to suffer from this drop in T levels.
6. Select clean healthy foods.Few men realize the direct impact food choices can have on your T levels. Men who feel the need to have a burger or steak on occasions should limit their choices to grass-fed, organically produced meats, because conventionally produced products can harbor hormones, steroids, antibiotics, and dioxins (from the pesticides in animal feed) that can lower T and have a negative effect on reproductive health as well.

The same is true for dairy products; choose those made from organically raised animals only and stick with limited amounts, since high intake of calcium is associated with prostate cancer risk. Organic dairy foods also contain branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which have been shown to help boost T levels when combined with strength training.

Sugar (glucose) consumption can result in a 25 percent decline in total and free testosterone levels in men, according to a Massachusetts General Hospital study. Processed foods also should be suspect, as most contain lots of hidden sugars.

7. Eat more cruciferous vegetables.The vegetables in this category (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, among others) are unique because they contain significant amounts of indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a precursor to diindolylmethane (DIM). This combination of plant nutrients (phytonutrients) helps manage estradiol levels, which lower testosterone.
8. Avoid xenoestrogens.These compounds are also known as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and they are very much a part of our everyday lives. Once they are ingested or otherwise taken into the body, they can boost your estradiol levels and reduce your testosterone levels. Among the xenoestrogens that have been the subject of significant research for their impact on human health in general and hormone disruption in particular are phthalates and bisphenol-A (BPA).

An April 2016 report in the American Journal of Men’s Health, for example, noted that “phthalates are endocrine-disrupting compounds…linked with reduced levels of serum testosterone.” A subsequent study from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry in Atlanta, Georgia, reported that exposure to BPA and benzophenone-3, another common environmental xenoestrogen, was associated with significantly lower levels of total testosterone in adolescent males.

9. Engage in sexual activity as much as possible.Engaging in sexual activity can boost your testosterone levels quite high. But sometimes sexual activity itself isn’t necessary for T to rise. A study appearing in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that male students (18-24 years) who spoke with physically attractive women for five minutes experienced a 14 percent increase in their T levels and a 48 percent increase in their stress hormone, cortisol.
10. Socialize more.Men have a tendency to be lone wolves, but having a few good, close friends and family members with whom you can share your innermost thoughts and feelings is important for testosterone. How? Research shows that people who slip into loneliness have elevated stress hormones, which can also reduce cognitive and motor functions. In fact, experts concluded that being lonely is twice as harmful as being obese or as bad as not engaging in physical exercise.

Socializing is a powerful stress reliever and also boosts levels of oxytocin, the empathy hormone, and is associated with greater feelings of connection. Socialize more… and your body will respond in healthy ways.

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No.

And if you have low levels of one type, it can mean a huge increase in risk for fast-growing prostate cancer.

The first thing you need to know is there are two types of testosterone — free and bound.

Most of the testosterone in the body is tied up by either albumin or a molecule called serum hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Only a small percentage of your testosterone is actually free to roam around the body doing its work of protecting your heart, growing muscles, and keeping your prostate healthy, just to name a few.

Too much SHBG lowers the amount of free testosterone you have.

And low free testosterone can turn your prostate from one that is being watched for cancer into one that has fast-growing prostate cancer. Researchers discovered this recently while looking at total testosterone  and free testosterone levels, and who gets the deadliest type of prostate cancer.

Results show that men with free testosterone levels of less than 0.45 ng/dL had a higher rate of getting fast-growing prostate cancer than patients with free testosterone levels of more than 0.45.

In fact, if you have low free testosterone you have a 430 percent greater risk for the deadlier kind of cancer.

“(Our) results suggest low levels of testosterone are associated with more aggressive prostate cancer. This contradicts long-held beliefs that high testosterone is risky for prostate cancer, and low testosterone is protective,” says researcher Ignacio San Francisco, M.D. “In borderline cases, the presence of low values of free testosterone may help determine whether it is more prudent to initiate treatment rather than continue observation.”

One way to avoid ever having low free testosterone is to eat red meat. It has saturated fat, which correlates with higher testosterone in men, and it has zinc, which helps you produce free testosterone.

But make sure you eat grass-fed meat, which has more b-vitamins. Not only do they help in the process of synthesizing testosterone, but b-vitamins help you absorb zinc … which helps you make more testosterone.

What happens when you don’t eat meat? A study of vegans versus omnivores measured each group’s testosterone and SHBG. The vegans had 23% higher SHBG and 3% lower free testosterone.

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1. Doing long, slow aerobic exercise

Long, slow aerobic exercise, like long-distance running and cycling, or long workouts of ninety minutes or more, can cause testosterone to flatline or drop. Some long-distance cyclists even have to get on testosterone therapy simply to get their levels back up to something approaching normal. (Hours on a bike saddle, with all that weight where the sun don’t shine, can also lead to erectile dysfunction — yet another reason to limit your long-distance exercise!) Low T in endurance athletes is a double whammy, because it can also lead to osteopenia and osteoporosis — low bone density — which makes these athletes more vulnerable to fractures forming during their sport of choice. I hate to knock any particular form of exercise, especially since so few of us get enough of it anyway. But if you’re concerned about low T, stay away from all those junk miles.

2. Eating low-fat 

There’s a reason that injectable testosterone is administered in an oily solution: it’s fat-soluble. Cutting fat out of your diet — or even lowering it substantially — can reduce T levels. One study indicated that a diet consisting of less than 40 percent fat (with that fat coming mostly from animal sources) can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels. Another study showed that increasing fat consumption from 20 percent of total calories to 40 percent increased testosterone levels significantly. Conversely, following a low-fat, high-fiber diet (ironically, the type of diet that was strongly recommended for optimal health even up to a decade ago), reduces testosterone by 12 percent. While 40 percent is an awfully high percentage of your diet to come from fat calories, this fact certainly drives home the point that dietary fat is important. So make (the right) fat your friend include Omega 3 fatty oils, avocados, and my favorite, coconut oil.

After the Great Dietary Fat Scare of the 1980s and 1990s turned out to be overblown, the Twenty-First-Century Carb Crackdown quickly took its place. Carbs stand accused of all manner of crimes, from expanding waistlines to brain fog to, invariably, diabetes and obesity.

When it comes to overly processed junk food (corn syrup–laden desserts, Wonder Bread, Saltines, sugary cereals), I couldn’t agree more: that stuff’s nutritionally bankrupt crap. But legitimate whole-wheat products, eaten in moderation, are another story entirely — the much- maligned bread and pasta included, which have caused all kinds of objections.

A recent study in the journal Life Sciences found that men who ate a high-carb diet for ten days had higher testosterone and lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) than men who ate low-carb during the same period. If you exercise regularly (or perhaps plan to start exercising regularly soon), a low-carb diet is an even worse idea. In 2010, researchers studied the effect of low-carb dieting on athletic performance and found that after just three days of low-carb dieting, most subjects were unable to complete a cycling test. After three days back on carbs, they completed the test with ease.

Low-carb dieting, then, results in lower T, higher cortisol, and a drop in athletic performance. And since exercising hard and heavy is one of the most potent ways to up your testosterone, eating low-carb is, effectively, another double whammy against your T levels.

But don’t take this advice as a license to chow down on carbs of any kind: consumption of an exceptionally high-carb meal results in a temporary drop in circulating testosterone. Moderate carb consumption seems to be the way to go.

4. Eating soy

Stroll through the aisle of your average GNC or Vitamin Shoppe and you’ll see tons of protein powders loaded up with soy. There’s a reason: soybeans are cheap and plentiful, and it’s easy to grind them up and make them into protein-filled powder (usually called soy protein isolate on the label) that consumers think will help them build muscle.

My advice is to stay away. After years of back-and-forth wrangling, researchers have demonstrated conclusively that if you’re trying to hold on to your cojones, skip the soy. In active men, soy protein lowers T and raises cortisol — the stress hormone that most of us al- ready have plenty of. Estrogen levels may also be affected, and not in a good way: one study (in which subjects admittedly ate soy in huge quantities) showed that some of the male subjects developed breast enlargement and nipple discharge. Yikes.

Read the labels on your protein powder, and skip the tofu at the local vegetarian joint.

5. Boozing it up

Here’s irony for you: many of the behaviors we associate with a certain type of over-the-top masculinity — staying up all night, wreaking havoc of various kinds, and, yes, boozing — are associated not with high T, but with low T. So the next time you meet an obnoxious, hard- drinking hell-raiser, just know he’s probably compensating.

Plenty of studies confirm this, including a recent one that discusses the effect of alcohol on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis — the hormonal network that affects male reproduction. Turns out that alcohol not only lowers T but generally lowers fertility as well — a fact that may have been welcome news back when you were a tipsy teenager looking for action on a Friday night, but probably not so much now that you’re an adult trying to hang on to your testosterone.

Other reasons alcohol is tough on testosterone: it promotes weight gain and causes damage to the liver. Packing on weight, as I discuss earlier, increases estrogen and lowers testosterone, while overtaxing the liver — an organ also responsible for metabolizing testosterone — can dampen your levels still further. That makes booze a double — or even a triple — whammy against healthy testosterone levels.

I’m not going to preach total abstinence here — life is short and many of us enjoy a drink now and then. But I will say that the less alcohol you drink, the better off your testosterone will be: Studies have indicated that even two drinks a day can depress your levels, and that’s why I regularly do “alcohol fasts” to increase my T. And drinking beer, specifically, is a huge mistake: Hops, a key ingredient in the brewing process, is so effective at increasing estrogen that it’s currently being studied as a way to treat hot flashes in menopausal women.

These are the by-the-book recommendations for guys who want to minimize the effect of booze on their testosterone. Some guys enjoy beer or vodka sufficiently that they’ll sacrifice a little testosterone to get an occasional buzz. As with any health advice, there’s a balance to be struck.

I probably don’t need to add that drinking lots of alcohol is also a great way to pack on a gut, lose fitness and focus, and, if you go far enough with it, ruin your life. We’ve all known guys (and women, and young people) who have let the bottle steal vital years from their lives. If you have a problem with alcohol, get help for it.

I recently had my blood work done and it showed another 11% increase in my testosterone to 893 ng/dL over the last 6 months — which is about 20% above the normal range for a 20 year old (I’m 53) — so I must be doing something right! You can read about my tips for increasing your energy and testosterone naturally as you age in my free eBook by clicking here.

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The hormones involved include cortisol, thyroid, DHEA, aldosterone, growth hormone, progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen.

In this article, I will discuss which hormones you should have checked and managed by a physician experienced in natural hormone balancing if you have found it difficult to manage your weight.

Excess hormones promote weight gain

The hormones cortisol, estrogen, insulin, and aldosterone have many important functions. However, if these are elevated you may be experiencing their weight-promoting effects. Here are signs and symptoms to consider so you know whether or not to have them checked and balanced.

Cortisol: This hormone is secreted naturally and appropriately in times of mental, emotional or physical stress to protect you. However, if you allow yourself to be under prolonged or chronic stress (by continuing to allow stressful causes to be the focus of your attention, rather than focusing on what is wanted and feeling good), cortisol will take its toll on you in many ways, including increased abdominal fat and puffy face (“moon face”). It can progress to even depositing abnormal fat on your shoulders and upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”). Excess cortisol also interferes with normal thyroid function and impairs production of growth hormone and testosterone, all of which mean excess body weight.

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Insulin: You know this hormone is high in people with type 2 diabetes. Yet it is elevated in many times more people than in diabetics, a condition known as metabolic syndrome (“pre-diabetes”), a condition now estimated to affect one in four American adults. Insulin causes energy storage in the form of fat, usually on the abdomen, hips and thighs. When it surges in the non-diabetic person, it drops blood sugar and triggers the craving for caloric intake, often in the form of simple carbohydrates such as pasta, bread, cereals or sweet foods. Without nutrient-rich high-fiber food to go along with simple carbohydrates, the body secretes even more insulin, completing a vicious cycle. Getting enough cortisol, thyroid hormone, testosterone, and growth hormone also help to normalize insulin levels.

Estrogen: Testosterone can easily be converted into to estrogen in the adrenal glands. In both men and women this causes abnormal weight gain: breast and abdominal fat in men (testosterone deficiency); droopy breasts and overall body fat in women. Other causes of estrogen excess include lack of exercise, a diet low in fiber but high in unhealthy fats and simple carbohydrates, and taking or being exposed to too much estrogen (including xenoestrogens).

Aldosterone: This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands. Elevated levels of aldosterone cause water retention, which can make you heavy but not necessarily fat. Be aware that water retention can also be from a failing heart or kidneys.

Insufficient hormones lead to weight gain

There are other important hormones that can easily lead to abnormal weight gain when low or under-functioning. These are thyroid hormone, DHEA, testosterone, progesterone, growth hormone, aldosterone and cortisol. I’ll describe these and what to look for.

Thyroid hormone: This hormone can be under-functioning even if blood levels indicate thyroid levels in the normal range. That’s because thyroid hormone drives metabolism in practically all your body tissues, so you are dependent not only on levels circulating, but also whether it is actually effectively working at those receptor sites. I have found that a low basal body temperature along with signs and symptom of fatigue, swollen face in the morning, leg edema (see also high aldosterone), cold hands and feet, dry skin, enlarged thighs and calves, or excessive weight, etc., respond well to natural thyroid replacement without causing hyperthyroidism.

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Testosterone: Especially in men, enlarged feminized breasts, abdominal obesity and waning libido usually turn out to be testosterone deficiency. For women, low testosterone can also contribute to low interest in sex, poorly toned muscle and sagging breasts.

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone): This precursor to testosterone can be low, thereby contributing to signs of low testosterone, especially abnormal belly fat.

Progesterone: When progesterone levels are low (relative to estrogen) this may cause a woman’s breasts to begin growing again after they stopped growing after adolescence, and be painful prior to menstruation. Other premenstrual syndrome symptoms (belly bloating, heavy or painful periods, irritability, etc.) and increased breast and body weight indicate a need to balance progesterone.

Growth hormone: An increase in belly fat or generalized body fat could be caused by a low level of growth hormone, as with low testosterone and/or low DHEA levels.

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Big Pharma wants you to think so.

They’re calling it “hypoactive sexual desire disorder.”

Never mind that nature has provided many ways to boost libido – and that modern chemical toxins are probably to blame in the first place. Meaning that another chemical is the last thing you need as a woman.

But, Sprout pharmaceuticals has convinced the FDA that there is a gender bias for drugs, and that if you’re a woman with low sex drive it means you have a deficiency of their failed (twice rejected by the FDA) antidepressant.

And the FDA has now approved their flibanserin drug.

It comes with a warning of fainting and low blood pressure.

Other side effects of the drug include insomnia, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, upset stomach and dry mouth.

Odds are you don’t need a drug to help you get the passion back in your love life.

A much easier solution to boost libido without any side effects is a gentle boost of naturally produced testosterone.

Dr. Michael Cutler has written to you several times about the huge role testosterone plays for women as well as men.

His no. 1 safe and effective way to gently increase your body’s natural production of testosterone is with the herb tribulus terrestris.

This herb isn’t that well known in the West, but has been used in the oldest systems of medicine on earth – Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine – to treat libido problems for thousands of years.

That’s one long-term real world trial.

So if you have low libido, simply go to your doctor and have your testosterone checked. A healthy level for women is in the 25-85 range. If you are low, you can take a standard extract (40% saponins is standard) once a day and it will help your body “get your groove back” completely naturally.

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Let’s make it clear from the beginning that testosterone therapy is appropriate for only a small percentage of men, including those who have been diagnosed with hypogonadism (below-normal T levels). Yet in reality, tens of thousands of men are being prescribed or are using testosterone therapy simply because they are experiencing symptoms of low T, symptoms that can be addressed effectively and safely by adopting simple lifestyle changes and thus avoiding the potential pitfalls of using testosterone therapy.

What does the testosterone treatment study show?

A total of 147,593 men with low total testosterone values were evaluated. Of these, 56,833 (40%) received testosterone therapy, consisting of intramuscular treatments (40%), topical therapy (38%), or both (22%). Follow-up of both treated and untreated men ranged from 2.8 years to 3.2 years. One percent (1,439) of the men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and of these, 313 had aggressive forms of the disease.

An analysis of the data showed that:

• Incidence of prostate cancer per 1,000 person-years was 2.27 among men who received testosterone treatment and 2.60 among those who never received treatment
• Use of testosterone therapy was not associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer overall or aggressive prostate cancer when compared with not receiving testosterone therapy
• The lack of an association between receiving and not receiving testosterone therapy and prostate cancer risk remained regardless of which type of testosterone the men were administered

Does testosterone therapy reduce aggressive prostate cancer risk?

The authors of another recent study looked at the incidence of prostate cancer among 656 men with hypogonadism. More than half (360) of the men elected to undergo testosterone therapy while the remaining 296 declined and served as the controls. Seven (1.9%) of the men in the testosterone treatment group developed prostate cancer compared with 12 (4.1%) in the control group.

When the men underwent radical prostatectomy, the surgeons discovered the following:

• Among the men who had received testosterone therapy, the primary Gleason score was 3. All of the men had a tumor grade of 2 as well as negative surgical margins and lymph nodes.
• Among the men who did not receive testosterone therapy, the main Gleason score was 3 in 3 men, 8 in 4, and 5 in 1. Tumor grade was 2 in 5 men and 3 in 7. Seven men had positive lymph nodes and seven had positive surgical margins.

Based on these findings, the authors concluded that “Long-term treatment with testosterone in hypogonadal men may reduce the incidence of prostate cancer and protect against high-grade prostate cancer.”

What are the dangers of testosterone therapy?

While many men are lured by the ads and promises of better vitality in and out of the bedroom if they take testosterone therapy, the majority of men would fare much better if they focused on natural methods of raising their energy levels. Use of testosterone treatment is associated with serious side effects, including:

Risk of addiction. Use of the hormone can alter brain chemistry, causing men to experience withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to stop, including mood swings, restlessness, irritability, insomnia, reduced libido, depression, and cravings for more testosterone.

Heart attack and stroke. Testosterone therapy can cause polycythemia, a disease that increases red blood cell volume. This in turn thickens the blood and thus raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Stops natural testosterone production. Use of testosterone therapy causes the body to stop making its own supply of the hormone.

Other side effects. Men who take testosterone therapy often find they experience hair loss, acne, enlarged breasts, mood swings, worsening of sleep apnea, urinary symptoms, smaller testicles, and aggression.

While it’s good news that use of testosterone therapy does not appear to increase a man’s risk of prostate cancer and may even reduce the chances of getting an aggressive form of the disease, use of this hormone treatment should be limited to men with abnormally low testosterone.

The post The real dangers of testosterone therapy appeared first on Easy Health Options®.

Low testosterone levels can lead to weight gain, lost muscle mass, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Some studies show that men with low testosterone have an increased risk of early death, particularly from heart disease. So it’s important to accurately diagnose the condition and related risk factors. If it is reduced testosterone, TRT may be necessary.  However, this treatment comes with risks and it’s important to remember there are also gentler options. We can restore vital energy and hormone balance without taking the pharmaceutical route.

Testing

As men age, our testosterone gradually declines naturally. However, dramatic drops can be problematic. Fortunately, there’s a blood test to measure testosterone levels.

If your testosterone numbers are below 300 ng/dL, it could be cause for concern. While pharmaceutical testosterone treatments can help, they can also cause side effects such as enlarged prostate. In addition, most men with prostate cancer are advised against TRT, as this can exacerbate the condition.

Natural approaches

One of the main complaints associated with low testosterone is reduced vigor. Fortunately, there are a number of foods, botanicals and supplements that can increase energy and vitality and help balance testosterone production.

One food that’s long been associated with increased vigor is lamb, particularly lamb bone soup. For those who don’t eat meat, nuts are good choice, particularly walnuts. In traditional Chinese medicine, these foods are associated with the reproductive system and kidney energy.

For a more direct approach, there are several herbs known to boost the male vitality system. The herb ginseng, particularly red ginseng, as well as eucommia can help increase hormone levels. A type of wild yam called Shan Yao can support the body’s production of testosterone precursors. Epimedium (with the telltale name of horny goat weed), can increase low testosterone.

In addition, zinc deficiency has been associated with testosterone loss, so be sure to include this mineral. Wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, oysters, beef and lamb are good sources.

We should also be thinking about our mitochondria, cell organelles that produce the majority of cellular energy. We can boost their function with the nutrients L-carnitine and co-Q10, which supports healthy testosterone levels. Adaptogenic botanicals astragalus and ashwaganda also help.

I also recommend medicinal mushrooms, particularly cordyceps and reishi, which can enhance energy and vigor and support testosterone balance. The mushroom formula Ten Mushroom is a blend of organically grown varieties including cordyceps and reishi, to help promote overall vitality and nourishment to the body’s vital systems.

Lifestyle

Energy, vitality and hormone balance can also be boosted with lifestyle adjustments. Get more sleep, exercise regularly and if overweight, lose extra pounds. Also, pay attention to metabolism. Low glycemic foods, such as vegetables and nuts, provide steady energy and don’t cause the glucose peaks and crashes we get from eating too many simple carbohydrates.

If you think you have low testosterone, seeing your doctor could head off some serious medical issues. In the meantime, a combination of diet, exercise and natural supplements can help restore vital energy and improve quality of life.

For more health and wellness information, visit www.dreliaz.org

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