Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is responsible for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, libido and mental sharpness. Testosterone is really what gives men their drive!
Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, and this drop has been dubbed the male menopause.
Low testosterone can manifest itself in many way, including tiredness, low libido, erectile dysfunction and confusion/brain fog.
While it is expected that men's testosterone levels will decrease with age, between 2-5% of men will have clinically low testosterone levels that will significantly impact their lives, and will need medical treatment. This is called hypogonadiam, and can be present from birth or may develop later in life.
The majority of this blog will cover the normal drop of testosterone we expect to see, and how men can naturally boost their own testosterone.
However, if you have any of the symptoms mentioned above and they are severely affecting your life - you will need to discuss this with a GP. Other symptoms that someone with clinically low testosterone/ hypogonadism may experience are
decreased muscle mass and strength
Increased body fat
Loss of body hair including facial hair
Shrinking testicles
hot flashes and sweats
Infertility
Development of breast tissue
Loss of bone mass
Anaemia
Fatigue
Depression and Anxiety
Loss of morning erection
General feeling of being unwell
Your GP will determine if you have clinically low testosterone levels by doing a blood test. Only men with symptoms consistent with hypogonadism will be offered a test - it isn't a normal test offered to men. In order to ensure the correct diagnosis, and to allow for hormone fluctuations, you will usually have 2 tests, each test a few weeks apart.
Treatment for hypogonadism involves replacing the hormone testosterone with topical gels, injections and patches containing the hormone. Men will require treatment generally for life, and periodic blood tests.
Many men will experience erectile dysfunction, that is not associated with clinically low testosterone, and will respond to medication for erectile dysfunction, such as viagra. However, if you have been using drugs for erectile dysfunction and they aren't working, you should see your GP, as you may be one of those men who does have clinically low testosterone/hypogonadism.
For the vast majority of men that will have mild testosterone deficiency (that doesn't require medical treatment or blood tests), there are a number of things they can do to avoid deficiency and symptoms.
We cannot reverse aging - which is the main culprit for levels dropping, but we can look at other risk factors.
Obesity is a big risk factor for decreasing testosterone levels, so remaining fit and active and following a good diet, will really help all men. Type 2 diabetes is also a risk factor for low testosterone, and this again goes hand in hand with diet and exercise.
Resistance training, and high intensity training have shown to improve testosterone levels. A diet rich in vitamin D (sunlight, fish and supplements), healthy fats (such as avacados and olive oil) and zinc (red meat and nuts and shell fish) all support testosterone production. We also know that high body fat, particularly visceral fat can contribute to lower testosterone levels. So it is important that men follow a calorie controlled diet.
Stress and lack of sleep can all cause hormone imbalances, so it is clear, that sleep hygiene is important. Natural supplements such as magnesium can also help with sleep.
There are a few supplements that I have identified that can help with the normal drop in testosterone.
As we said, a diet rich in Vitamin D and Omega Fish oils can help with testosterone levels, and we know in Ireland, we probably don't get enough of either
I'm a big fan of the Revive Range, and Mastermind is on of my favourite supplements as it not only contains fish oils and Vitamin D but it can boost mental sharpness. Remember, we are all deficient in Vitamin D, but if you want to check this - we are offering Vitamin D finger prick blood tests in Melvin Pharmacy! See attached link.
Vitamin D – Melvin Pharmacy Ltd
Revive Mastermind 30 Sachets – Melvin Pharmacy Ltd
If sleep or anxiety is a major issue for men, I'm a huge fan of R&R relax from the FabU range by Laura Dowling. It can be used by men or women, and contains magnesium, ashwagandha (not just good for female hormones, but also male) and vitamin D. Follow the link here for more details.
Fab U R&R Capsules 60 – Melvin Pharmacy Ltd
I'm also a big fan of One Nutrition Magnesium Biglycinate, as it passes the brain barrier and is highly bioavailable, which means it really does work for sleep!
One Nutrition Pure Magnesium Biglycinate – Melvin Pharmacy Ltd
And new to the market, and creating a storm is FabU Andropause Shrooms for men. This is the first type of its kind on the market, containing many supplements known to increase mental sharpness, increase libido and give men back their mojo.
FabÜ Shrooms Andropause for Men – Melvin Pharmacy Ltd
FabU Shrooms Andropause For Men 60 Capsules is a blend of vitamins, mushrooms and active ingredients formulated in Ireland. With Lion’s Mane Mushroom and Shilajit combined with Zinc, Selenium and B vitamins. It supports testosterone levels, energy production, cognitive function and mental performance.
FabU Andropause is suitable for men with low testosterone and hypogonadism, and can be taken with medication for low testosterone and viagra and other drugs for erectile dysfunction.
If you are concerned you may have clinically low testosterone levels please chat with your GP. But please remember, mild symptoms are unlikely to indicate hypogonadism, and may be associated with normal aging. But as this blog shows, theres lots of things you can do to help with the symptoms.
Useful links
Low Testosterone (Testosterone Deficiency): Symptoms and Treatment
