Testosterone is and has always been a pivotal hormone for maintaining overall health. It has recently become a popular topic for fitness enthusiasts and health coaches, especially in developed countries like Australia where modern stressors have led to increasingly lower levels for men in particular. It is not just stress that affects testosterone levels, however, as it can be affected by factors like aging, diet, and lifestyle. The bid to maintain and even boost testosterone levels has become a huge topic of debate, sparking an interest in effective novel and natural solutions.
In this article, we will delve into crucial details concerning testosterone, its effects on the body, and potential remedies for when levels are low or unoptimized.
Understanding Testosterone: Insights into Health Effects
Testosterone is a sex hormone present in both men and women. In men, it is essential for the development of reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics. In women, it contributes to ovarian function, libido, and bone density. Additionally, testosterone regulates key aspects of the endocrine system for both sexes, impacting sex drive, fertility, bone health, metabolism, muscle strength, mood, stress, as well as the health of skin, hair, nails, and more.
What is Total testosterone Composed of?
Total testosterone is composed of three segments. On average, approximately 95% of all testosterone in the body is bound to proteins, with around 50% bound to albumin and about 45%% bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). The remaining 2-3% is present as free (unbound or unattached) testosterone.
Out of all 3 components, the most beneficial and versatile form of testosterone for the body is the free, unattached kind. Free testosterone plays a vital role in essential functions, including enhancing libido, promoting muscle growth, facilitating hair growth, and increasing overall strength. The body efficiently utilizes this free testosterone present in the bloodstream, as it is more bioavailable and is readily utilized by tissues in the body, without being impeded by binding proteins like SHBG or albumin. This ensures that these critical bodily functions operate smoothly and unhindered.
What happens when testosterone levels decline?
As underscored briefly earlier, testosterone levels decline steadily as we age, affecting the reproductive system and other endocrine subsystems. Some may even experience premature testosterone decline in their 30s or 40s due to chronic stress and other factors.
On average, as individuals enter their mid-thirties, total testosterone levels may decline by approximately 1.6% annually, with free testosterone potentially declining by about 2-3%. By the ages of 40-80, total testosterone levels may be around 50% or half of those typically observed in individuals in their 20s.
It's important to note that these figures represent statistical averages, and the extent of testosterone decline can vary significantly among individuals due to factors such as lifestyle, diet, health conditions, and activity levels.
Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, usually peaking between 5 – 9AM.
Indicators of Low Testosterone Levels
While some decline in testosterone levels is natural with aging, there are circumstances and conditions that cause the body to produce an insufficient amount, even in healthy and fit individuals or young adults. When the body lacks adequate testosterone, it leads to a condition called hypogonadism. Doctors now widely recognize late-onset hypogonadism, a medical condition associated with typical aging symptoms.
Low testosterone levels can manifest in various symptoms and have widespread effects on physical and mental well-being. Individuals with low testosterone may experience persistent fatigue, mood swings, and diminished energy levels. Muscle mass and strength tend to decrease, contributing to a sense of weakness. Decreased libido is a common sign, affecting one's overall interest in sexual activity. Bone health is impacted, leading to decreased bone mass and mineral density, increasing the risk of fractures. Mood changes, including feelings of depression, anger, irritability, or difficulty focusing, are also prevalent. Skin issues such as dryness, thinning, and increased wrinkles may occur. An increase in abdominal fat mass and a reduction in cognitive function are additional consequences. Diminished erectile quality, particularly at night or in the morning, can affect sexual health. Individuals may also notice a loss of body hair, collectively highlighting the multifaceted impact of low testosterone on physical, emotional, and sexual aspects of life.
Should I Be Concerned?
If you think you are experiencing signs of low testosterone, consult your doctor for advice or consider a testosterone blood test for better insights into your health.
Managing Low Testosterone
Two broad solutions are available if you're diagnosed with low testosterone levels:
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a prescribed treatment administered by certified doctors. TRT can come in various forms and options include skin patches, gels, oral therapy, buccal tablets, and injections, offering a range of methods for individuals. TRT is typically a long-term treatment and its effectiveness often relies on consistent and ongoing use.
- Natural solutions to boost testosterone include regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, supplementation with natural testosterone-boosting supplements, managing overall stress, prioritizing quality sleep, and consuming less alcohol.
Effective Strategies for Boosting Testosterone Levels
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Consider herbal supplements like Tongkat Ali that can help boost testosterone levels. Modern offerings like standardized hot-water root extract is backed by multiple research studies and clinical trials, with reported increases of up to 122% in both men and women. Tongkat Ali is also known to aid with increasing metabolism, promoting healthy weight loss, improving mood, reducing the impact of stress, and promoting better sleep quality.
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Ensure a consistent 6 to 8 hours of sleep daily to avoid reduced testosterone levels. A University of Chicago study demonstrated a significant 15% drop in testosterone levels after just 7 days of insufficient sleep (averaging 5 hours per night).
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Effectively managing stress is crucial, as cortisol, the stress hormone, is inversely linked to testosterone levels, i.e. more cortisol generally means reduced testosterone. Effective strategies you can do to help at home include calming breathing exercises or the use of meditation techniques to promote calm and relaxation.
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Avoid excessive alcohol consumption –too much too quickly, like five or more drinks over a two-hour period, has been linked to lower testosterone and increased cortisol. Moderating alcohol intake is an effective way to help restore healthy testosterone levels, as overuse damages Leydig cells in the testes responsible for testosterone production.
- Overweight individuals may consider adopting a more active lifestyle by hitting the gym or trying exercises that naturally boost testosterone. Clinical endocrinology research suggests that those who are overweight may have up to 50% less testosterone.
Parting Thoughts
The good news for Australians is that, if you suspect that you have low testosterone levels, there are plenty of effective options available! Whether it's pharmaceutical treatments like TRT or a natural approach with supplements like Tongkat Ali, you should choose what suits you and your lifestyle or needs best. For some, combining regular exercise with the right supplements might just be the best strategy to help restore optimal testosterone levels over the long term.
If you’d like to dive into more detail on the myths and facts of testosterone and how it can impact your health, check out this video by urologist Dr John Ludlow from Holland Hospital in West Michigan, US. The aging process is a natural and inevitable one, but with the right tools and knowledge, we can all do our best to make it as smooth and painless as possible, optimal testosterone levels included.
If you are interested in experiencing how standardized hot-water root extract can help boost testosterone levels, try our dose-optimized capsules, available anywhere in Australia.
Learn More or Contact Us
Learn more about the best Tongkat Ali in Australia here, or email us at enquiry@akarali.com.au if you have any queries or concerns.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Annie George