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Testosterone is the male sex hormone responsible for many physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty, as well as sexual function. Men produce much more testosterone than women because they have more cells in their testicles. Various treatments are available to help men increase their natural production of testosterone, including herbal formulas and testosterone injections. Men interested in harnessing this power may explore those options with their physicians. Here is everything you need to know about the healing power of testosterone for men.
How Does Testosterone Works?
Testosterone is an androgenic hormone, which refers to the male sex hormone. Testosterone is converted into estrogen via the aromatase enzyme, the rate-limiting step in estrogen production. Testosterone is produced in large amounts in males from puberty until death.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in body development during puberty and affects muscle mass, bone density, and red blood cell levels throughout life. It also plays a crucial role in regulating male behavior and cognition.
The Roles of Testosterone in the Body
Testosterone is primarily made in the testicles but is also made in smaller amounts by the adrenal cortex. The production of this hormone begins during fetal development, and the placenta produces it throughout gestation. It continues to be produced in large amounts after birth by the testes. Here are some of the roles of testosterone in the body.
1. Develops Bone Growth and Prevents Osteoporosis
Testosterone is responsible for bone growth. The body’s rate of bone growth depends on the concentration of testosterone. Testosterone is converted into estradiol, which causes bones to grow. Due to this process, men tend to have lower rates of osteoporosis than women because they produce less estrogen than women, and so have lower estrogen levels in their bodies.
2. Promotes Increased Muscle Mass and Strength
Testosterone is necessary to maintain muscle mass. It also plays an important role in muscle growth, especially in men. Men have more testosterone than women of all ages, and men less than 18 have even higher levels of testosterone than men of the same age who have children.
3. Increases Libido or Sexual Desire
Men produce much more testosterone than women, which is why men are much more likely to be interested in sex. Men also respond to sexual stimuli more quickly than women. However some people may suffer from an imbalance or low testosterone causing a lack of libido or sex drive due to the inability to maintain an erection. If this is the case, then it is recommended you visit an ED Clinic Ankeny (or one near you) to help discuss all the available options to you, and to help get your erections and confidence back
Why is testosterone deficiency dangerous?
Low Testosterone in adults leads to reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, loss of armpit and pubic hair, shrinking testicles, and heart disease.
How to Increase Testosterone Levels?
Testosterone levels in the body have a strong correlation with physical and mental performance as well as behavior. Here are some of the ways by which you can increase your testosterone levels.
1. Improve Your Diet
Eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet is one of the best ways to increase testosterone levels. This is because eating foods high in saturated fat reduces testosterone levels compared to eating a wholesome diet with lots of fruit and vegetables, good amounts of proteins, and some carbohydrates in whole grains. Some foods that are particularly beneficial for increasing testosterone levels include broccoli, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and pomegranate juice.
2. Combine Cardio With Strength Training
Increasing testosterone levels requires combining cardio and strength training. However, improving your diet after every workout and before bed is highly recommended if you are a fitness enthusiast and want to increase testosterone levels. Before bedtime, you should consume protein-rich foods like eggs, soy, and whey. After every workout, you should consume some protein-rich food within 30 minutes of working out. This will ensure that your body can use what you have ingested in the form of protein during the workout.
3. Get Plenty of Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is important for increasing testosterone levels, mood, and performance. Less than six hours of sleep is known to increase the risk of cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is an important stress hormone that can decrease testosterone levels by 30-50 percent, making it difficult for the body to recover and create new muscle. Also, if you are not getting enough sleep, you consume too much caffeine daily.
4. Take Steps to Reduce Stress
Being under stress will not only cause you to lose muscle, but it will also decrease testosterone levels. Stress releases a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol causes the body to use more glucose as a fuel source and increases fat, which can lead to obesity, which can lead to obesity-related diseases.
5. Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy is a treatment for hormone deficiency that involves oral testosterone gels. Hormonal therapy can be administered once a week, every two weeks, or every three weeks. This form of treatment will also include doses of an androgen blocker. According to a recent study by the Society for Endocrinology, evidence shows that both testosterone therapy and androgen blocker therapy can be used in the same therapy, which means more opportunity for oral therapy.
Testosterone is important for men and women alike. It affects muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell levels, energy levels, mood, strength, and libido. While men produce much more testosterone than women, women also need it to maintain muscle mass. This is where the science behind how Testosterone works come in. It helps one explain the many roles of testosterone in the body and its necessity to maintain a healthy body and mind.