Natural Way to Boost Your Testosterone

With all the marketing and advertising from men’s health clinics and pharmaceutical companies, we wouldn’t blame you if you believed that low testosterone, commonly known as low T and clinically known as hypogonadism, was out of control in middle-aged men. To be sure, testosterone levels in men peak around the 30s and start to diminish later in life. However, this slowing testosterone production is normal and very gradual. To that end, understand that there are plenty of natural ways to boost testosterone before considering testosterone replacement therapy.

Sleep

As we get older, our bodies and the stresses of our daily lives may lead to less sleep each night. This is problematic for testosterone, and proper sleep is one of the fastest ways to replenish our hormones and regain balance. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night, but also make sure that that sleep is high-quality. You can do so by ensuring you do not use electronics right before bed, keeping your room dark, keeping the temperature cool, and trying to finish your meal at least two or three hours before bed.

Exercise

In middle age, many of us start to lose interest in and the ability to exercise. For some of us, that means sitting on the couch and resigning ourselves to the ravages of old age. However, exercise is just as important in middle age as it is in our younger years. Skipping exercise creates a significant downward spiral. As testosterone levels go down due to lack of exercise, losing or maintaining weight and building muscle becomes harder. Start with a 50-50 combination of cardio and weight training to improve heart health and circulation and build muscle that burns calories even at rest. Your testosterone will rise too.

Losing Weight

Unfortunately, as we reach our 40s and beyond, excess weight seems to be a fact of life. We don’t suggest that you sacrifice all your enjoyment to lose those last few pounds, but if you’re carrying more than 10 pounds of extra weight, that can make a big difference in testosterone production. If your BMI classifies you as obese, testosterone effects are even more stark.

When HRT is Necessary

Hormone replacement therapy in the form of testosterone patches or shots may be required, and this can be determined through a series of blood tests. We ensure that the interpretation of these blood tests gives an accurate picture of your testosterone levels, and we prescribe testosterone accordingly.

It’s important to remember that many unscrupulous men’s clinics with a tendency to over prescribe testosterone can cause some severe health issues. Too much testosterone can lead to the thickening of the blood and result in cardiovascular concerns. And while testosterone does not cause “’roid rage,” as many would assume, it can cause fluctuations in mood and irritability.

If you are feeling older than your age and suspect the possibility of low testosterone, we encourage you to visit our office and get tested for low testosterone and other possible urologic conditions that may be causing your symptoms.