Testosterone is a key male sex hormone that
regulates fertility, muscle mass, fat distribution, and red cell production.
Testosterone levels tend to drop with ageing; testosterone supplements are
prescribed only for specified conditions, and not to counter the natural,
age-related decrease. Replacement therapy is available, but it has its own
risks and side effects.
Testosterone is produced primarily by the
testicles in the Leydig cells. Females also produce testosterone usually in
smaller amounts; usually in the ovaries and adrenal glands. The pituitary in
the brain regulates testosterone levels, and this testosterone assists in the
development of mature sperm.
Symptoms of Low
Testosterone: 1) Reduced sex drive 2) Erectile Dysfunction 3) Low sperm count 4)
Enlarged breast tissue 5) Loss of body hair, muscle bulk, strength 6) Increase
in body fat.
Causes of Low
Testesterone: 1) Trauma or infection of the testicles 2) Medications like opiate
analgesics 3) Diseases like diabetes, kidney and liver disease, obesity,
HIV/AIDs, and 4) Genetic diseases like Klinefelter Syndrome.
High Testosterone
Effects:
In men, high testosterone can lead to precocious puberty. In women, it may
cause male pattern baldness, a deep voice, menstrual irregularities, swelling
of clitoris, reduced breast size, change in body shape, acne, oily skin, facial
hair growth, and increased risk of uterine fibroids.
Increase Testosterone
Levels Naturally: 1) Exercise and lift weights 2) Eat adequate amounts of protein, fat
and carbohydrates 3) Minimize stress and cortisol levels 4) Get some sun
exposure or take vitamin D supplements 5) Consider taking supplements,
especially Zinc 6) Get good quality sleep 7) Avoid oestrogen-like chemicals
like BPA and parabens 8) Control alcohol intake
Foods that Increase
Testosterone: These include fatty fish, dark leafy vegetables, cocoa products,
avocados, eggs, berries, cherries, pomegranates, shellfish, carrots and beet.
Ayurvedic herbs that
Increase Testosterone: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris),
Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilliunum), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus),
Shilajit (Asphaltum punjabianum), Kraunch beej (Mucuna pruriens), and Adrak
(Ginger).
Ideally, age related drop in Testosterone should be treated first by natural methods and food stuffs as mentioned above. If the response is not adequate, it is recommended that you seek the advice of an experienced and qualified Ayurvedic Physician for Ayurvedic herbal treatment.
The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
